Tanoto Foundation Supports Indonesian Children’s Education and Growth

Jakarta, 21 October 2016 – On 21 October 2015, the United Nations launched the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are a set of 17 goals of sustainable development for the benefit of humankind and the planet earth.  As a philanthropic organization that cares about Indonesia’s sustainable development, Tanoto Foundation supports the achievement of the targets of those SDGs.

Target 11 is one of the SDGs targets which relates to the making of cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, and sustainable.  For this purpose, Tanoto Foundation supports the development of a Ruang Publik Terpadu Ramah Anak/RPTRA (Child Friendly Integrated Public Space) Akasia in Tebet Barat, South Jakarta.  This 2,400 square-meter public space is equipped with facilities such as a multi-purpose room, a library, children playground, futsal field, nutrition garden and pond, as well as an amphitheater.

“Our support is in line with the principle of Tanoto Foundation’s founders, Mr. Sukanto Tanoto and Mrs. Tinah Bingei Tanoto.  They believe that learning does not always have to occur in classrooms, but can also occur in our surrounding environment,” said Sihol Aritonang, Head of Tanoto Foundation Executive Board at the inauguration of RPTRA Akasia in Kelurahan Tebet Barat, South Jakarta, on Friday, 21 October 2016.

“With the existence of RPTRA Akasia, we hope children in Tebet Barat and the surrounding areas can play and learn so that they can grow and develop well.  Also for the parents, we hope they can gather together, socialize, and come up with ideas for positive activities from this place,” continued Sihol Aritonang.

In addition to providing support for RPTRA Akasia, Tanoto Foundation also gives support to PAUD (Early Childhood Education Center) Cempaka 7, which location is not far from the RPTRA Akasia.  “We also believe that education, which is of quality and can be easily accessed, should be available to people of all ages.  This belief is also in line with Target number 4 of the SDGs, which is Quality Education.  In relation to Early Childhood Education, we realize that child brain development occurs during the first 8 years since birth.  In Jakarta, Tanoto Foundation has been supporting 7 PAUD.  Supports provided by Tanoto Foundation include the training of teachers so they can manage the teaching learning process well, building repairs, provision of learning and play equipment (indoor and outdoor), and provision of reading books,” said Sihol Aritonang in closing.

Meanwhile, the Governor of DKI Jakarta, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok), in his welcome speech said that, “Whether you like it or not, Jakarta develops into a modern city.  In the future, each family will have its own busy works and interests which will result in people not having care for one another.  Before this happens, I want each RW (sub subdistrict) to have one RPTRA so that there are facilities for residents to gather together, build friendship, to care for and share with one another.  RPTRA is much needed by the community.”

He also welcomed Tanoto Foundation’s support.  “We appreciate the supports of the private sector parties such as Tanoto Foundation.  This cooperation is necessary so that many more members of the community can enjoy this type of facility.”