Signing the MoU, Tzu Chi Indonesia and World Vision Indonesia Ready to Collaborate

Journalist : Khusnul Khotimah, Photographer : Khusnul Khotimah

The partnership between the Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation Indonesia and World Vision Indonesia has been established for quite some time. Now, both parties have signed a memorandum of understanding.

Gotong royong, or mutual cooperation, is an Indonesian tradition that has existed since ancient times. Through gotong royong, we can accomplish many beneficial things for the broader community. This spirit is also reflected in the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation Indonesia and World Vision Indonesia on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at the Tzu Chi Center PIK in North Jakarta.

After frequently meeting on various occasions, both in forums and in the field, especially during disaster response efforts, these two humanitarian organizations signed a memorandum of understanding to enable collaboration. This collaboration encompasses the areas of volunteerism, education, health, disaster response, and media development.

"For instance, Tzu Chi could handle the house renovations, while World Vision Indonesia could be responsible for providing training programs for the children. Afterward, we can explore further collaboration on more general educational initiatives. There are still many areas where we can work together in the future to help those in need and advance humanitarian efforts," explained Hong Tjhin, Secretary-General of the Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation Indonesia.

Joe Riyadi, Head of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) at Tzu Chi Indonesia, was in attendance at the memorandum of understanding signing ceremony and presented a commemorative gift.

World Vision Indonesia is a Christian-based humanitarian organization that serves people regardless of their religion, ethnicity, race, or gender. Similarly, Tzu Chi embraces a spirit of universal love and compassion. Both organizations are also members of the Indonesian Philanthropy Association.

Asteria Aritonang, Resources Development and Communications Director at World Vision Indonesia, explained that the organization's focus is on empowering community resources in various aspects related to children's lives. This includes ensuring children have access to health care, education, protection from violence, and opportunities for self-fulfillment. Support for these goals involves collaboration with families, local governments, and relevant stakeholders such as teachers, Posyandu volunteers, and others who play a role in a child's development.

Asteria Aritonang stated, 'We hope that this collaboration will not only be at the national level but also extend to the regional level, involving cooperation with Tzu Chi volunteers across various provinces in Indonesia. Similarly, World Vision Indonesia also has numerous programs across several provinces in the country.

Translator: Vissia (Tzu Chi School)

Recovering the Small Heaven at the Foot of Mount Rinjani

September 05, 2018

Located at an altitude of 800 to 1.200 meters above sea level, Sembalun district, East Lombok, NTB has become the hardest location affected by the earthquake to be reached. Friday, August 31, 2018, Tzu Chi Indonesia distributed the third wave of aid and also delivered assistance to Sembalun district.