Who would have thought that a children’s book written by an Indonesian author would become a teaching resource at one of the world’s most prestigious universities? Waitatiri, an alumna of Universitas Indonesia (UI) and a scholarship recipient of the LPDP program has captured global attention with her book The Missing Colors, a powerful take on the emotional journey of a bullied child. Now part of Harvard University’s educational resources, her work is shaping conversations around bullying in schools across the United States.

A Book That Speaks to the World
The Missing Colors isn’t just another children’s book—it’s a deeply moving allegory that uses colors to illustrate the emotional impact of bullying. It tells the story of a young child who, after experiencing bullying at school, begins to lose the vibrant colors in their world. Through resilience and support, they gradually reclaim the hues of life. This creative approach resonated so strongly with educators that Harvard REACH featured it as an official teaching resource in April 2024.

But how did an Indonesian author’s work make it to Harvard? Wai, as she is fondly called, didn’t set out to write a book that would go international. The project started as an assignment for her master’s program in Learning Design, Information, and Technology at Harvard. However, the overwhelming response from her professors and peers led to its adoption in classrooms beyond Harvard, making it a valuable resource for educators tackling the subject of bullying worldwide.

A Passion for Education and Advocacy
Wai’s journey into the world of education and advocacy began long before Harvard. As a UI graduate in German Literature, she discovered her love for teaching while taking education-related courses. Her passion for social impact became evident in 2020 when she initiated the PonselUntukSekolah movement, a donation program that provided smartphones and internet packages to underprivileged children struggling with remote learning during the pandemic. This initiative alone helped 20 children and their families stay connected to education.

Her exposure to the issue of bullying intensified when she pursued her master’s degree in the U.S. Despite being thousands of miles away from Indonesia, Wai kept encountering reports of bullying cases back home—many with tragic endings. Fueled by these stories, she committed herself to creating a tool that would not only spread awareness but also foster empathy and resilience in young minds.

The Next Chapter: A Hard-Hitting Book on Bullying
Wai isn’t stopping with The Missing Colors. Her next book, Katanya, Bullying Melatih Mental (They Say Bullying Builds Character), is set for release in mid-2025. Unlike her previous work, this book will take a broader and more analytical approach, exploring bullying from multiple perspectives—including that of the victim, the bully, and bystanders. Built upon extensive research from her time at Harvard, it aims to challenge harmful narratives that normalize bullying as a rite of passage.

“I hope that through this book, we can collectively fight for a safer and more nurturing educational environment for Indonesian children,” Wai stated in an interview.

The Power of Reading and Writing
Beyond her advocacy against bullying, Wai is a firm believer in the power of reading and writing. To her, these two skills are inseparable and essential for personal growth. “Reading and writing go hand in hand. The more you read, the better you write and communicate,” she explained.

She encourages young people to develop reading habits, emphasizing that books offer new perspectives, cultivate critical thinking, and nurture empathy—qualities essential for building a more understanding and informed society.

A Call to Action
Waitatiri’s story is more than just a tale of academic achievement—it’s a testament to the power of education, storytelling, and advocacy. Her work proves that a single book, written with passion and purpose, can cross borders and change lives.

So, the real question is: What stories are waiting to be told in your community? And how might they change the world?