Jakarta, March 15 -- That afternoon, the sun was beating down relentlessly over Jakarta, prompting most people to do their activities indoors rather than endure the sweltering heat outside.

Amin, a 15-year-old boy who scavenges plastic bottles daily, also chose to seek shade in a corner of Suropati Park, reading an illustrated encyclopedia in a mini library there.

Since last year, Amin has had to drop out of school as his parents could no longer finance his education despite receiving government assistance.

His parents did not have sufficient money to pay for Amin's transportation to school, let alone provide pocket money or purchase school supplies.

Amin's father struggles with an online gambling addiction, while his mother works tir...