From Garage Sales to Real Change in Indonesia
What Jan Vink started in a garage in 1998 has resulted in building schools, clinics, and hope for Indonesian children in need.
Creating Real Change
More than 3 decades of experience empowering Indonesian communities through various sustainable initiatives.
30+
Years of Experience
Supporting Indonesia Since 1998
1.000+
Children Helped
Supporting Indonesia Since 1998
€500K+
Raised
Education & Community
15+
Projects Completed
Running
Featured Projects 2025
Some of our flagship programs that are currently running thanks to your support
Remembering Jan Vink
A humanitarian legacy that continues to inspire
Jan Vink
1926 - 2007
Founder of Jan Vink Stichting
Who was Jan Vink?
Jan Vink, a Dutchman born in 1926 in Sint-Michielsgestel, had a special connection with Indonesia since serving as a soldier during the colonial era. After returning to the Netherlands, he could not forget the suffering he witnessed in Indonesia.
"I cannot stand idle watching the suffering of Indonesian children. Every child deserves proper education and a decent life."
- Jan Vink
In 1986, at age 60, Jan decided to sell his plastering business and return to Indonesia to build houses for poor families. From 1986-1993, he lived in Bogor and witnessed firsthand the poverty affecting the community.
In 1993, he founded Bamboe Renovatie Indonesia Foundation (BRI) which later developed into Jan Vink Stichting. The simple initiative began by selling second-hand goods in his garage in 1998.
Until his passing in 2007, Jan Vink remained committed to helping Indonesian communities in need. His legacy lives on through the foundation he established, which continues to operate with principles of transparency and direct impact.
Principles We Uphold
Since 1993, Jan Vink Stichting operates with full transparency and commitment to sustainable change.
Transparency
Every rupiah donated can be tracked and accounted for clearly to donors and the community.
Sustainable
Our programs are designed to create long-term impact, not just temporary assistance.
Direct Impact
100% of funds from our thrift store go directly to education and empowerment programs in Indonesia.
Trusted by Dutch & Indonesian Communities
For over 30 years, Jan Vink Stichting has built humanitarian bridges between the Netherlands and Indonesia through thrift stores (kringloopwinkel) and impactful social programs.