Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Construction of Tzu Chi School in PIK 2: Igniting Hope and a Promising Future

Journalist : Khusnul Khotimah, Clarissa Ruth, Photographer : Arimami S. A, Anand Yahya, Merry Hasan, James Yip (He Qi Barat 2) Tan Surianto, Kasun (He Qi Muara Karang)

The groundbreaking ceremony for Tzu Chi School at PIK 2. The development of Tzu Chi School at the Tzu Chi Education Center aims to build an outstanding generation through holistic education that balances academic and character education.

Happiness blended with gratitude colored the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Tzu Chi School at Tzu Chi Education Center PIK 2, on the morning of Thursday, September 26, 2024. This ceremony, which marks the beginning of the construction, holds profound meaning, as building a school is not merely about physical construction, but also about building hope and the future for the nation's next generation.

Master Cheng Yen, the founder of the Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation, consistently emphasizes that education should not only aim to produce intellectually capable individuals, but also to cultivate people with a strong sense of conscience and compassion. Education should serve as a beacon in a child's life, guiding them to understand gratitude, express thankfulness, contribute love, and follow a righteous and virtuous path throughout their journey in life.

Established in 2011, Tzu Chi School PIK 1 has successfully educated thousands of students through its holistic educational model, which integrates academic excellence with strong moral values. As of this year, the school serves 3,254 students across various levels: 612 students in Early Childhood Education (KB-TK), 1,506 in Elementary School (SD), and 1,136 in Middle and High School (SMP-SMA). Currently operating at full capacity, the school has faced increasing demand from the community for the same high-quality education that Tzu Chi School PIK 1 provides. In response to this demand, Tzu Chi School PIK 2 is being developed, offering a broader opportunity for more children to benefit from the school’s comprehensive and value-based education model.

“Our goal is for the future generations not only to excel academically but also to develop essential skills, possess a global perspective, and, most importantly, embody noble character. This mission lies at the core of Tzu Chi’s educational philosophy, representing a long-term commitment that extends beyond academics to include character development and the dissemination of universal love through quality education,” stated Franky O. Widjaja, Vice Chairman of the Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation Indonesia and Chairman of Tzu Chi Indonesia’s Education Mission.

Franky O. Widjaja, Vice Chairman of the Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation Indonesia and Chairman of Tzu Chi Indonesia’s Education Mission, stated that character is a fundamental foundation in life. Knowledge without character is like a ship without a captain; without a clear direction, it cannot bring any good to society.

Tzu Chi School PIK 2 will be built on a land area of 7.3 hectares, comprising Kindergarten, Primary School, and Secondary School. The school will be equipped with various facilities, including a sports complex, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a library, sports fields, laboratories, and scientific research spaces. Additionally, a crucial aspect of the school will be the inclusion of classes focused on humanistic culture.

Blessing Prayer from Master Cheng Yen

Meanwhile, the presence of four Tzu Chi Sangha nuns from Taiwan—Dé Jù Shifu, Dé Màn Shifu, Dé Jiàn Shifu, and Dé Déng Shifu—further emphasizes the historical significance of this groundbreaking ceremony. Dé Jù Shifu read a beautifully written letter from Master Cheng Yen. Although unable to attend in person, Master Cheng Yen's heart remains filled with joy in the Dharma. Here is an excerpt from her letter:

Dé Jù Shifu also read a beautifully written letter from Master Cheng Yen.

The presence of Dé Jù Shifu, Dé Màn Shifu, Dé Jiàn Shifu, and Dé Déng Shifu added to the solemnity of this groundbreaking ceremony.

“On this joyous occasion, I extend my gratitude to all the distinguished guests for attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Tzu Chi School at Tzu Chi Education Center PIK 2. This event not only marks a significant milestone for Tzu Chi’s educational mission in Indonesia but also serves as an important moment for Tzu Chi’s educational mission worldwide. My heart is filled with profound gratitude and prayers.”

“In Indonesia, Tzu Chi has been active for over 30 years, steadily paving the way so that our charitable, health, educational, and humanistic cultural missions can develop sustainably and have a strong foundation in Indonesia. I thank all parties who have consistently supported Tzu Chi. Today, we step into a new milestone: the commencement of the construction of Tzu Chi School at Tzu Chi Education Center PIK 2.”

The sign language song titled "Hope for a Bright Future" was also performed as part of the groundbreaking ceremony.

The traditional dance titled "Janger," performed by students from the Tzu Chi Cengkareng School, left the guests in awe and admiration. The vibrant performance showcased the students' dedication and cultural heritage, adding a delightful and engaging element to the event that truly resonated with the audience.

The groundbreaking ceremony was further enriched by captivating performances, including a sign language song, traditional dances, and a medley of Indonesian songs, all of which garnered enthusiastic applause from the attendees. The sign language song titled "Hope for a Bright Future" featured a heartfelt performance by students, teachers, and staff from Tzu Chi School, along with educators from the Tzu Chi Cengkareng School, healthcare professionals from Cinta Kasih Hospital (RSCK) and Tzu Chi Hospital, and dedicated volunteers from Tzu Chi Indonesia’s educational mission. These vibrant displays of talent not only entertained but also underscored the spirit of community and collaboration within the Tzu Chi organization.

A thousand hopes and wishes,

Wishing for children to have a bright future.

Let universal love be manifested through actions.

A thousand hopes and wishes,

Inspire others with tangible deeds.

Let universal love resonate so that every individual sings of love and compassion.

This excerpt from the song's lyrics conveys a deep message, emphasizing the importance of striving for excellence while remaining grounded in gratitude for what we already possess. It encourages us to appreciate our blessings and to pray for the best possible outcomes in our endeavors.

Happiness radiated from the faces of Franky O. Widjaja, Vice Chairman of the Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation Indonesia, and Sugianto Kusuma during the event.

Meanwhile, a brief speech from Sugianto Kusuma, Vice Chairman of Tzu Chi Indonesia, elicited laughter from the guests and generous donors supporting the construction of Tzu Chi School II. With humility, he shared how the blessings he has received have multiplied since he began contributing. He also emphasized the strong interest among parents who wish for their children to experience the quality education offered at Tzu Chi School PIK I.

“Due to the overwhelming interest, we decided to proceed with the construction of Tzu Chi School PIK 2. Initially, we were hesitant to build another Elementary and High School, as the demand for Tzu Chi School has been significant. Each year, we only have 50 spots available for new students coming from Kindergarten, yet we receive applications from 500. The demand is incredibly high,” he stated.

A Solemn Groundbreaking Ceremony
As the ceremony progressed to the groundbreaking phase, a line of volunteers carrying shovels entered the field in a well-organized and synchronized manner. With the first shovel of dirt, they prayed for the smooth construction of Tzu Chi School. The second shovel was dedicated to wishing for the vision and mission of Tzu Chi School to advance and thrive. The third shovel was offered with prayers for a world that is safe, peaceful, and free from disasters.

This act of laying the foundation stone, which signifies the commencement of construction, carries profound meaning.

His Highness Kanjeng Gusti Pangeran Adipati Arya (KGPAA) Mangkunegara X was also present at the groundbreaking ceremony for Tzu Chi School, located at Tzu Chi Education Center PIK 2.

His Highness Kanjeng Gusti Pangeran Adipati Arya (KGPAA) Mangkunegara X participated in this ceremony. He expressed his strong alignment with Tzu Chi Indonesia's sincere intention to advance the nation through education, emphasizing the importance of not only academic excellence but also global awareness and strong moral values.

"This is an extraordinary effort by Tzu Chi. For a large complex of 21 hectares, with all its facilities and advancements, combined with a solid foundation of knowledge and strong moral values, I believe this is a remarkable step forward," he stated.

The groundbreaking ceremony was also attended by five volunteers who traveled from Batam City, Riau Islands. “Today, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to come to Jakarta and witness the groundbreaking ceremony for Tzu Chi School at PIK 2. Tzu Chi Batam is indeed planning to build a Tzu Chi School, and we hope to hold a groundbreaking ceremony in 2025, for which we seek your support and blessings. This school is crucial for building the character of our children; education is vital for families, for our country, and for our nation,” stated Rudi Tan, Chairman of Tzu Chi Batam.

Wang Ben-rong, CEO of Tzu Chi Education Mission Taiwan, praised the dedication of Tzu Chi Indonesia volunteers in advancing the nation through Tzu Chi’s various missions, particularly the educational mission with the development of Tzu Chi School at PIK 2.

“I am deeply moved because under Master Cheng Yen’s guidance, Tzu Chi Indonesia volunteers have a tremendous determination to cultivate such a vast field of blessings. In my opinion, over the past 30 years, Tzu Chi Indonesia has embraced the four main missions of Tzu Chi, especially in education. From the Love and Care School in Cengkareng to the establishment of Tzu Chi School, everything has been executed very successfully,” he concluded.

Translator: Vissia (Tzu Chi School)