Mercy Indonesia Foundation was started on 10 May 2001 by Paulus and Marliesye Wiratno. It began with an unwed mother who gave away her three day old baby boy to Paulus and Marliesye. Two weeks after that another woman contacted Marliesye, wanting to give away her baby. The story went on and more unwanted and abandoned babies have been given to Marliesye and Paulus.

Realizing the need of rescuing babies and orphans, Paulus and Marliesye then started foundation called Mercy Indonesia which gives legal existence for the government and also the community.

In September 2004, Paulus was invited by the head of the social department of Bali province to promote the mission of Mercy Indonesia Foundation. As a result, many people have come forward to give to the ministry and to adopt babies.

Mercy Indonesia is expanding its territory by rescuing desperate orphans from East Timor who have been living in refugee camps in Atambua-West Timor. Currently Mercy Indonesia Foundation is planning on establishing four orphanages in West Timor, West Sumba, Central Java and Aceh.