The Partnership Between Tzu Chi Indonesia and Nahdlatul Ulama

Tzu Chi Indonesia and (PBNU) signed the MoU of cooperation in education, health, humanism, environmental conservation, and community economic empowerment.

Tzu Chi Indonesia continues to collaborate with various institutions in spreading universal love and creating a better society. This time Tzu Chi Indonesia together with Pengurus Besar Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) signed an MoU of cooperation in education, health, humanism, environmental conservation, and community economic empowerment.

"We can't do good things alone. We must explore our potential and work together with more components of the nation," said Hong Tjhin, Tzu Chi volunteer and CEO of DAAI TV Indonesia.

Similar things were conveyed by the Chairman of PBNU, KH. Said Aqil Siroj. "This nation's issue is massive, very complex, it can't be overcome only by one group, so it takes cooperation. NU (Nahdlatul Ulama) is working with the police in tackling radicalism. NU is working with Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation in natural disasters, education, health. NU is working with universities in Taiwan through student exchange and so on," said Said Aqil.

This MoU is signed by the Chairman of PBNU, KH. Said Aqil Siroj and Vice Chairman of Tzu Chi Indonesia, Sugianto Kusuma. This MoU signing was also witnessed by the CEO of Tzu Chi International, Stephen Huang.

The signing of MoU was held in the middle of National Dharmasanti Waisak 2018 commemoration ceremony which was held at Jing Si Hall 4th Floor, Tzu Chi Center, Pantai Indah Kapuk, Jakarta, on Monday, June 4th, 2018.

At this MoU signing, Stephen Huang, CEO of Tzu Chi International was present. For Stephen, this cooperation is in accordance with Master Cheng Yen's wish, which is to establish interfaith, ethnic and cultural unity. Because by being one in heart, the world will be in peace and safety.

"I really hope we can cooperate with PBNU on our four missions eight footsteps. For the sake of world peace, for the sake of our grandchild. We can help each other, spread the spirit of love all over Indonesia, this is what I wish for," said Stephen Huang.

Tzu Chi Indonesia and PBNU will soon form a joint team. Some things that have been discussed such as strengthening the education system of universities owned by Nahdatul Ulama to be more applicable so the graduates can get a good job, fast, and more suitable to the business world. Other things for instance were about volunteerism. The volunteer system is integrated so that the network of volunteers can be wider. Therefore, whatever the disaster, it can be handled together.

Hong Tjhin, CEO of DAAI TV Indonesia explains, the joint team between NU and Tzu Chi will soon be established to concretely realize the signed cooperation.

Furthermore, Hong Tjhin, Tzu Chi volunteer who is also the CEO of DAAI TV Indonesia explained, this cooperation is  a partnership system. "So we really meet each other, converging our opinions, understandings, as well as agreements, our common goal. And we will walk together to achieve that," added Hong Tjhin.

Tzu Chi itself has established many cooperation with other institutions. But for Hong Tjhin, there is something special about this cooperation with PBNU.

"It's the scale. NU members are (about) 90 million and more, I think if we can manage it well, it will bring extraordinary benefits and multiplier effect," said him.

Translated by Ilena Sevalona