By Khusnul Khotimah
On September 26, 2024, Tzu Chi Indonesia marked a historic milestone with the groundbreaking of Tzu Chi School at Tzu Chi Education Center Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) 2. This significant moment, held in the presence of volunteers, Dharma masters, and supporters from Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, represented not just the expansion of physical infrastructure but the deepening of a commitment to nurturing future generations through character-based education.
The ceremony took place in Pantai Indah Kapuk 2, a site chosen for its central location and space to accommodate a vast, modern facility. The vision behind this project is to answer the growing demand from parents who seek a high-quality education that not only imparts knowledge but instills strong moral values in their children. Tzu Chi's educational model, which combines academic rigor with compassion and empathy, has long been a beacon of hope for families in Indonesia.
Building Hope for the Future
Franky Oesman Widjaja, the CEO of Tzu Chi Indonesia’s education mission, eloquently captured the significance of this event in his speech. "Education is not just about teaching children to excel in academics," he remarked, "It is about instilling in them a love for humanity and guiding them on the right path." He further emphasized that the goal of Tzu Chi’s schools is not merely to produce students who are knowledgeable but to raise individuals with global perspectives and, most importantly, a strong moral foundation.
As Franky Oesman Widjaja explained, without character, education is like a ship without a captain—drifting aimlessly and vulnerable to losing direction. This belief forms the cornerstone of Tzu Chi’s approach to education, especially in an era where technology and information are abundant, but moral guidance is often lacking. For this reason, Tzu Chi continues to prioritize character development as the foundation of all its educational endeavors.
The first Tzu Chi School in Indonesia, which opened in 2011, has already made significant strides in this direction. The Tzu Chi International School in Pantai Indah Kapuk 1 currently serves over 3,000 students, combining professional knowledge with moral education. Yet, the demand for a Tzu Chi education continues to grow, with more families eager to enroll their children. The second school, with its state-of-the-art facilities, is expected to meet this increasing need.
Comprehensive Facilities for Holistic Development
The new school will be built on 10 hectares (24.7 acres) of land and will provide education from kindergarten to grade 12. This expansive space will have modern educational amenities, including a gymnasium, Olympic-size swimming pool, library, football field, laboratories, research rooms, and classrooms dedicated to humanities education. These facilities aim to provide students with a holistic learning environment, nurturing both their intellectual and physical development.
Tzu Chi’s approach to education extends beyond academic success; the institution places equal importance on cultivating empathy, compassion, and responsibility in students. This philosophy is embedded in the school’s curriculum and extracurricular activities, which emphasize volunteer work and community service. By fostering a balance of knowledge and kindness, Tzu Chi hopes to produce graduates who are not only capable but also committed to contributing positively to society.
Blessings from Master Cheng Yen: A New Chapter Begins
During the ceremony, Master De Ju read a blessing letter on behalf of Dharma Master Cheng Yen, founder of Tzu Chi. The letter expressed deep gratitude to everyone involved in this milestone and reminded those in attendance of the global mission of Tzu Chi’s educational endeavors. "Tzu Chi has been steadily growing in Indonesia for over 30 years, with significant advancements in the missions of charity, medicine, education, and humanistic culture," the letter read. "Today’s groundbreaking for the second Tzu Chi School marks another important step toward fulfilling our mission of cultivating compassionate, wise individuals who will serve as pillars of their communities and beyond."
Sugianto Kusuma, Deputy CEO of Tzu Chi Indonesia, also took to the stage to highlight the project’s significance. Initially, the plan was to develop 12 hectares (about 29.6 acres) for a university in the area, but the demand from the local community for primary and secondary education prompted the decision to expand the project by 10 hectares. "We hope that the donors who have supported this project will continue to grow alongside the nation's economy," he said, reinforcing the connection between education and the future prosperity of Indonesia.
Looking to the Future: A Shared Vision for Education
As volunteers carefully participated in the groundbreaking ritual, shoveling the first three symbolic shovelfuls of soil, their actions carried a collective hope: that this school will be a place where young minds are nurtured, values are instilled, and futures are shaped. The first shovelful symbolized the wish for a smooth and successful construction; the second, the desire for the school’s mission to flourish; and the third, a prayer for world peace and the alleviation of suffering.
Rudi Tan, Tzu Chi's leader from Batam Island, attended the ceremony, sharing that Batam Island is also planning its own Tzu Chi school, with hopes of breaking ground in 2025. He emphasized the importance of schools in shaping not only individuals but entire generations of future leaders. "In cultivating a child, the role of the school is crucial in shaping their values, character, and future contributions to society," Chen noted, highlighting the deep responsibility that comes with this mission.
Pen-Jung Wang, CEO of Tzu Chi’s Education Mission in Taiwan, expressed his heartfelt congratulations at the ceremony. He praised the success of Tzu Chi’s educational efforts in Indonesia, particularly in fostering strong values and cultural understanding among students. He added, "Today’s groundbreaking is a testament to Tzu Chi’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities and nurturing more students for a better future."
The day concluded with Su-Mei Liu, CEO of Tzu Chi Indonesia, expressing her joy and optimism for the future. She spoke of the ongoing plans to establish a university in Pantai Indah Kapuk 2 and how this expansion will contribute to achieving "complete education." "In a world where artificial intelligence and technology are rapidly advancing," she said, "our focus must remain on moral and life education. Technology can help people, but without strong values, it can also be misused. Character education is, and always will be, our top priority."
