Embracing Kindness and Exploring Environmental Conservation at Tzu Chi

Journalist : Arimami Suryo A, Photographer : Arimami Suryo A

The CSR team from CIMB Niaga Bank visited Tzu Chi Indonesia to learn about kindness and participate in direct environmental conservation practices, such as sorting recyclable waste at the PIK Environmental Preservation Depot.

After previously partnering to facilitate donation/charity payments through OCTO Mobile and OCTO Clicks internet banking, the Buddha Tzu Chi Foundation Indonesia was once again visited by PT. Bank CIMB Niaga Tbk (CIMB Niaga). On Thursday, July 11, 2024, the CIMB Niaga CSR team visited the Tzu Chi Center to learn about the foundation's practices of kindness and environmental preservation. This visit aimed to deepen their understanding of these values and explore how to incorporate similar practices into their own CSR programs.

A total of 135 participants arrived at the Tzu Chi Center early in the morning, assembling in the Xi She Ting room to commence the day's activities. The event began with an introduction and a comprehensive presentation on the history of Tzu Chi Indonesia, delivered by the External Secretariat Team of Tzu Chi Indonesia. Following this, the attendees were given a guided tour of the Jing Si Hall, where they observed detailed documentation of the humanitarian initiatives undertaken by Tzu Chi Indonesia. The tour was conducted with the assistance of Tzu Chi volunteers, who provided valuable insights and answered participants' questions throughout the visit.

Puspawati accompanied the CSR team from Bank CIMB Niaga during their tour of Jing Si Hall, offering detailed explanations and insights on various aspects throughout the visit.

Lusiana Saleh, Head of Digital Banking, Branchless & Partnership at CIMB Niaga, (left) participated in sorting used bottles alongside the other attendees.

“Initially, we conducted an introduction and then guided the group through a tour of Jing Si Hall up to the fourth floor. Following the tour, we visited the PIK Environmental Preservation Depot for a practical exercise on sorting recyclable items,” noted Puspawati, one of the volunteers who assisted during the visit.

Lusiana Saleh, Head of Digital Banking, Branchless & Partnership at CIMB Niaga, who participated in the activity, expressed her keen interest in Tzu Chi’s work following the partnership agreement. “I’m very interested in what Tzu Chi does; this is my second visit. We were given an in-depth presentation about Tzu Chi, its founder Master Cheng Yen, and the principles guiding the organization. I think this is important for fostering understanding among our diverse group of participants, so they can focus more on the humanitarian aspects,” explained Lusiana Saleh.

Despite intense heat, the CSR team from Bank CIMB Niaga exhibited unwavering enthusiasm as they walked to the PIK Environmental Preservation Depot for a practical recycling workshop.

After the conclusion of the tour, the group was led to the PIK Environmental Preservation Depot. Despite the intense heat, the CSR team from Bank CIMB Niaga enthusiastically walked the 1.5 kilometers from the Tzu Chi Center to the depot. Upon their arrival, they were welcomed by environmental preservation volunteers who had prepared the recycling materials for sorting.

A New Experience: Sorting Recyclable Materials for the First Time

For many participants, this activity marked their first experience with sorting recyclable materials. The CSR team from Bank CIMB Niaga had also requested that the participants bring their own used plastic bottles for the sorting activity. Irene, one of the participants, was particularly enthusiastic about both the Tzu Chi visit and the hands-on recycling sorting experience.

During her initial recycling experience, Irene joined in the practice of separating used books into categories of colored and non-colored.

“We gained valuable insights into various charitable activities. At Tzu Chi, we learned that their approach encompasses not only environmental conservation but also general acts of kindness,” explained Irene.

Despite the heat inside the PIK Environmental Preservation Depot, Irene’s enthusiasm for the recycling sorting activity with her friends was evident. “This is my first time, and I’m having a lot of fun! I’ve discovered the different aspects of the recycling process and become more conscious of the items I buy,” she said.

Other participants were just as enthusiastic. Dini, from the Digital Banking team, reflected on her experience sorting recyclable materials at the Tzu Chi Environmental Preservation Depot. “I’m really glad to be part of this initiative. I see it as a very positive activity because there is still a lot of work needed to raise public awareness about environmental and waste management issues. This experience is a great way to highlight the importance of taking care of our environment,” Dini shared.

With new knowledge and practical experience from sorting recyclable materials at the PIK Environmental Preservation Depot, Dini is excited to share her insights with her children and family.

After her engaging experience at the PIK Environmental Preservation Depot, Dini is motivated to apply what she learned at home. “To be honest, this was my first time, and it was so much fun… incredibly enjoyable! I’m inspired to continue these recycling practices at home and introduce them to my children and family,” Dini shared during a break.

The enthusiasm of the participants was evident as they sorted plastic bottles and used paper, enjoying both the task and the company of their colleagues. “This activity allowed us to focus on teamwork and discover efficient ways to sort recyclables. Looking ahead, we plan to integrate Tzu Chi’s principles into our marketing strategies, promoting donations through the values of love and compassion. While our usual work involves screens, this experience has inspired us to be more open-minded,” Lusiana Saleh said at the conclusion of the event.

Translator: Vissia (Tzu Chi School)