Building a foundation for future generations in Indonesia

The Tzu Chi School PIK 2 recently marked a significant milestone with the topping-out ceremony for its main activity center on October 25, 2025. This event, held one year after the groundbreaking in September 2024, brought together Dharma Masters from Jing Si Abode, volunteers, staff, and community leaders to witness the symbolic placement of the final beam, signifying a new chapter in educational development for the region.

A symbol of aspiration and commitment

Master De Ning (德寧師父) offered blessings during the ceremony, emphasizing the profound meaning behind the construction. “Today, we gather with one heart to celebrate the topping-out ceremony for the activity center of the Tzu Chi Indonesia Education Park,” she stated.

This main beam is not merely a structural support; it is a symbol of aspiration and commitment. It carries the goodwill of countless individuals and embodies Tzu Chi’s hopes and care for education and all beings.
—Master De Ning, Jing Si Abode

Master De Ning further elaborated, “What we witness with this beam is not just the creation of a physical space, but the establishment of a sanctuary for humanistic values and a cradle for future talent. The raising of this beam is a crucial milestone and a new beginning. While the building’s completion represents tangible construction, the intangible legacy of spiritual wisdom is even more vital.” She echoed the words of Master Cheng Yen, stating, “The hope of humanity lies in education, and the hope of education lies in children.” She expressed her wish that the Tzu Chi Indonesia Second Education Park would be a school imbued with “gratitude, respect, and love,” where every child could flourish and become a pillar of society.

Cultivating character and community

A hallmark of Tzu Chi’s educational philosophy is its focus on humanistic education. The Tzu Chi School PIK 2, spanning ten hectares, will feature comprehensive facilities including sports fields, a swimming pool, a library, laboratories, and various courts. The school aims to integrate knowledge, humanistic values, and character development, aspiring to cultivate a new generation that is not only intelligent but also compassionate and principled.

Franky Widjaja (黃榮年), CEO of Tzu Chi Indonesia’s education mission, shared a recent anecdote: “At a recent summit, a minister asked AI how to advance Indonesia and foster societal prosperity. The AI responded that education was the key. This aligns perfectly with Master Cheng Yen’s vision. Long before advanced technology, Master Cheng Yen established the education mission in 1980, believing that education could make society and the world a better place.”

Franky Widjaja highlighted that every brick in the school embodies the love and blessings of volunteers, donors, and construction workers. He stressed that they are building not just a physical school, but a sustainable beacon of hope. “Master Cheng Yen often reminds us that schools should not only cultivate knowledgeable students but also nurture a new generation with love, who will benefit society in the future,” he added.

He emphasized that character development is central to Tzu Chi’s education and a shared responsibility requiring collaboration among the school, parents, and society. He extended an invitation for parents to join the Great Love Mothers’ Association (大愛媽媽團隊), emphasizing that

When we educate one student, we are educating a family, a community, and even an entire nation.

He also called for continued support from all sectors of society to expand Tzu Chi’s educational endeavors. “Our vision is to have Tzu Chi schools in every province across Indonesia, and this is our collective goal.”

A vision for the future

Su-Mei Liu (劉素美), CEO of Tzu Chi Indonesia, expressed her deep emotion witnessing the education park rise from the ground. “I am incredibly grateful for the dedication of the volunteers, donors, and the education and engineering teams,” she said. “Watching that beam slowly ascend, and seeing the education team hand the screws to the engineering team, was deeply moving and impactful. I thank everyone for making this possible.”

The Tzu Chi School PIK 2 is slated to open its kindergarten and primary school sections in 2026. CEO Su-Mei Liu thanked parents for their trust and support, and commended the education team’s diligent efforts.

With a new school comes a new atmosphere, and I hope our education team grows stronger. I believe this is the result of over two decades of accumulated reputation from Tzu Chi schools and Great Love schools.
—Su-Mei Liu, CEO of Tzu Chi Indonesia

Stephen Huang (黃思賢), Tzu Chi’s Executive Director for Global Volunteers, who has long supported Tzu Chi Indonesia, also delivered remarks. He thanked the volunteers for their contributions and the community leaders for their support in realizing the Tzu Chi School PIK 2. “I believe this second education park will eventually include a university, and it will undoubtedly cultivate many talented individuals in the future. Every donation you make will transform into eternal value in life.”

Director Stephen Huang encouraged everyone to “spread love, as Master Cheng Yen teaches us, and to join the path of great love. Let us pray together for society, our nation, and the world, for greater harmony and a world free from disasters.”

Written by Metta Wulandari