The Pies in the Face Event raised over Rp 32 million for two organizations to help with their work in assisting needy children across Jakarta and through the east of Indonesia with health care, financial support and education.  Photos courtesy of Meidana Lie & Jovita Angelina

One of the messiest events ever to take place in Jakarta returned for its second year last Saturday at the VIP Parking lot of fX Sudirman, South Jakarta, where over 300 whipped cream pies were tossed and smashed on the faces of nominated candidates for a price in the name of charity.

Count Me In is proud to announce that the Pies In The Face Charity event raised over Rp 32 million ($2,400) in the span of three hours and has donated the funds equally to both Taman Bacaan Pelangi (the Rainbow Reading Garden) — a non-profit organization which has established 29 children’s libraries in 14 remote islands across Eastern Indonesia and — Komunitas Taufan (Taufan’s Community), established for the moral, educational and financial support for underprivileged families and sick children in Jakarta’s local hospitals and foundations.

This year, participants were given the opportunity to choose from more than 30 nominated targets to toss pies made of 100 percent whipped cream either from 3 meters away for Rp 50,000 or get up close and personal for Rp 100, 000.

The opportunity was made even better as nominated targets included prominent figures, such as activist and musician Melanie Subono, stand up comedian Ernest Prakasa, singer and actress Nina Tamam, celebrity chef Erikar Lebang, television anchor Marissa Anita, gounder and chief executive of DiveMag Riyanni Djangkaru, Miss Indonesia 2014 Maria Rahajeng and co-founder of Indorelawan Widharmika Agung. Meanwhile, one candidate, Dimas Subagio took more than 15 hit of pies directly to his face during the event wearing just his suit and was honored with the first smack initiated by the honorable American Ambassador.

However, the success of the event wouldn’t have been possible without the help of several organizations including Indorelawan — an online volunteering platform and bridge for both volunteers and causes to connect — which delivered more than 35 enthusiastic volunteers to assist with the event.

“I chose to volunteer for Pies In The Face Charity because it’s our call to help others — in this case the unfortunate children. I was also fascinated by the unique and crazy concept!” said Dion Maulana Mohamad, one of the volunteers from Indorelawan at Pies In The Face Charity. “I have never been to a charity event like this before where you’re able to do maximum goodness while having maximum fun and meet new awesome friends. I hope this event will happen again in the following year.”

Volunteers were categorized into crews; the Whipped Crew responsible for whipping and plating pies, Protector Crew who helped the nominated targets to wear their protective gears, the Wet Crew responsible for helping the nominated targets clean up after the pie-smacking session, the Attention Seekers which gathered the crowd and the Officers which helped with the entire flow of the event and documentation.
“The reason why we supported Pies In The Face Charity event other than being in theme with our May campaign called Food United is because we think that this event is very unique, and most importantly it is for charity!” said Indra Hedy Lesmana, the fX Sudirman marketing and communications officer.
Other organizations which supported the event included Fortuna U, which offered to print the promotional ads in a nick of time, Nanny’s Pavillon restaurant and Vivo for providing the event with 50 boxes of whipped cream, Foundation of Mother and Child (FMCH) and Crown for producing the protective gears and towels, as well as Habibie Center and Crossfit Bengkel.
“Two great things were celebrated on Saturday: the spirit of volunteerism and a love of reading” said producer and director Daniel Ziv, who was one of the first targets of the day.
“I’m grateful to have had the chance to help out with such a refreshing initiative, even if it meant being publicly humiliated on stage and giving up what little remaining dignity I had”
On that note, the Count Me In team would like to thank each and everyone who participated, volunteered and supported the event in every way possible for a good cause.
As Hellen Keller so aptly puts it: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.

The post Getting Messy With Pies In the Face, All for Charity appeared first on The Jakarta Globe.

The ‘Saksham-Mandiri’ program, which began in India and is backed by Indian companies, aims to provide prosthetic limbs to those in need who may not otherwise be able to afford them. JG Photo/Divya Pridhnani

For a 70-year-old retired veteran named Lameni, the thought of walking independently with the use of both his feet was almost unimaginable. However, his life changed the day he read about a foreign program called Saksham-Mandiri on a local newspaper, promising to provide free Artificial Limbs to about 500 limbless Indonesian citizens.

The “Saksham-Mandiri” program — both words mean “independent” — is a camp organized by Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group, a leading automotive component manufacturer in India, in association with Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), the world’s largest organization for rehabilitating the disabled from India, and the support of Yayasan Peduli Tuna Daksa, an organization that provides prosthetic limbs to the physically challenged poor in Indonesia, aiming to ensure the sustainability of life through ensuring mobility to the disabled.

From May 4 to 27, a team of 11 technicians and equipment from BMVSS will be stationed through out the 21-day camp located at PT Minda Automotive Indonesia, Karawang — one of the 32 Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group plants established around the globe — to manufacture artificial limbs according to the customized measurements of each person. The amputees will be identified and mobilized by Yayasan Peduli Tuna Daksa, which already has a waiting list of about 1000 people around the country.

Manufacturing prosthetic limbs at the plant. JG Photo/Divya Pridhnani

The artificial limbs manufactured by BMVSS — founded in 1975 by Shri D.R Mehta — is also known as the Jaipur Foot. Being awarded no.18 in India Time Magazines’ 50 Best Inventions of 2009, Jaipur Foot allows amputees to walk, run, swim, sit cross-legged, drive, dance and/or move normally after being fitted. It is the most widely used prosthetic foot in the world that operates in 51 countries and has rehabilitated over 1.40 million disabled worldwide.

“I am immensely grateful for this unexpected and generous help given to us by this company, praise the lord!” said Lameni, who served in Indonesia’s military for 38 years. “I no longer feel stuck or dependent! I can go anywhere on my own, do my business, and be more successful, all thanks to this company and the people that has flown down from India to help us!”

The durability of the limbs, which are made of special natural rubber, can last up to 3 to 5 years considering the person’s age and usage; for example, a growing child or an athlete may require to change the artificial limbs more often than others. “Most amputees are victims of road accidents and/or are diabetic, thus requiring different treatments as some may be more prone to infections.” said Lateef Pandit, the Manager, Clinical Prosthetist and Orthotist of BMVSS for 18 years.“Also, according to the position of the amputated foot, either above or below the knee and the reason behind the loss, special sockets and joints will be required.”He adds that the process of making the artificial limbs can take between 3 hours to maximum one day.

The ‘Saksham-Mandiri’ program, which began in India and is backed by Indian companies, aims to provide prosthetic limbs to those in need who may not otherwise be able to afford them. JG Photo/Divya Pridhnani

With the support of the Government and Ambassadors of both India and Indonesia, this camp has been successfully initiated after one year of planning. “Such initiatives of benefiting people with disability, empathizes and signifies humanity. This should be boundary-less.” said Ashok Minda, CEO of Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group. “Through this camp we want to restore their [the amputees] dignity through mobility and by being self-empowered, independent and self-reliable people. ”

Aside from covering the cost of each limb, which is estimated to be $150 to $200 and camp, Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group will also be providing transport, meals and accommodation to the amputees if necessary. Meanwhile, Yayasan Peduli Tuna Daksa will be responsible for post-camp facilitation and corrective measures after being specially trained by the technicians of BMVSS.

“This is our first major CSR Project here in Indonesia”, said Sandeep Aggarwal, President Director of PT. Minda Automotive Indonesia. However, he adds that the company has done many other internal CSR Programs such as blood donation drives, flood relief, tree plantation programs and others, which are in line with Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group’s main CSR focus in India and other countries including community health, education, environment, community livelihood, infrastructure and more.

“When I saw a video of one of the first lady to receive a limb was able to walk on her own feet and a man was able to offer prayers on his own, walk and run — their happiness brought tears to my eyes. Nothing else is more powerful than this” said Sarika Mind, Chair Person of Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group.

Considering the demand in Indonesia, Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group plans to do fitment in different locations. Also, people with different types of disabilities are given the opportunity to be involved in various operations of the company after their customized training and evacuation plan.

The post In Restoring Mobility, a Bid To Bestow Independence appeared first on The Jakarta Globe.

Mangrove Reading CornerYoung students flock to the Mangrove Reading Corner community library since it’s launch in 2012. Photo courtesy of Arya Y Dwicandra

Years of commitment to improving Kampong Atas Air has made the neighborhood of Margasari the movers and shakers of the mission.  Kampong Atas Air of Margasari is a coastal region to the coastal north of Balikpapan in East Kalimantan. This settlement lies above sea level (from which it got its name “Atas Air”) and although now it has been transformed into a semi-commercial district, Kampong Atas Air still maintains the traditional floating village style with towering stilted houses made of Kalimantan’s signature timber, ironwood.  Situated just 800 meters from Balikpapan refinery plants, this buffer zone community is addressing issues in education concerns among the

In late 2012, Kampong Atas Air launched a community development program which led to the restoration of neglected building and transformed the Mangrove Reading Corner community library.  When neighborhood chief, Shinta Merina Adi, joined the initiative in 2012 Kampong Atas Air Margasari was considered a region with low education levels, according to a socioeconomic survey conducted by PKPU, a human interest group in Balikpapan.

“Through our demographic findings, the size and structures of younger population in Margasari are larger than the older groups. Nevertheless, the educational attainment level among the predominant population is slightly low,” said Yenni Kartika Sari, a program coordinator at Mangrove Reading Corner.

Education development doesn’t come without infrastructure. One of Margasari’s major problem is a lack of public facilities to support education needs.  Extending across neighborhoods and several primary schools, the region of Kampong Atas Air has high demand for better educational access.  “Libraries used to be hard to found here,” Shinta said, explaining that some old existing libraries has been closed indefinitely because of severe infrastructure problems.  She added that the availability of Internet kiosks hasn’t contributed much in terms of enhancing education: “Internet kiosks are pricy, and most kids only play games there.”

Mangrove Reading Corner was devised as a nonformal education (NFE) initiative to ensure access to basic education since a high proportion of children in Margasari do not have access to libraries.  Shinta, together with Yenni and M. Ardhani from PKPU began making a plan to transform an old neglected building into a community library.

Upon finishing the work plan, they found out that the provision of new facilities would require both stakeholders participation and adequate funding. During the first library revitalization in 2012, Mangrove Reading Corner was supported by organization Yayasan Jendela Dunia which donated books and other supplies.

The next step was to complete the building renovation and gather other library necessities.  “In 2013, we incorporated this project with Balikpapan Smart Reader, a community engagement program being developed by Pertamina aimed to increase reading interest among students in Balikpapan,” Ardhani explained.  Later that year, Mangrove Reading Corner was given donation including personal computers, Wi-Fi access, books, desks, tables and extracurricular facilities like Rebana instruments. Balikpapan Smart Reader also sponsored the second phase of renovations which covered the significant improvement to the interior, roof repairs and an exterior makeover.The ribbon cutting for the renovated building took place in July 2014, when residents of  Margasari — along with Balikpapan Smart Reader committee members —  got the first look at the new building.

In Mangrove Reading Corner, coordinators have developed a board of young ambassadors, consisting of 10 passionate volunteers. One of them is Bebi Shintia.  “It’s astonishing to see how these ambassadors, both the students from SMPN4, local Madrasahs and non-schooled children, actually approached us to enroll,” Shinta said. Bebi and the other ambassadors were trained in library management.

Yenni further assured that the programs at Mangrove Reading Corner are set with “edutainment” appeal. Regular programs at Mangrove Reading Corner consist of monthly craft workshops, biweekly mentoring and Rebana practice. They have also held occasional competitions including poetry reading and cooking competition for the mothers.  “The idea is to introduce Mangrove Reading Corner as a friendly space for the kids and family to spend time together,” said Yenni.

Balikpapan Smart Reader is a city-wide campaign incorporating all levels of government, businesses and the community in order to sustain a “visionary library.”  In the long run, Mangrove Reading Corner is expected to serve people of Margasari as a place to absorb the community’s aspirations. “But most importantly, today it serves as a learning space for Bebi and the children,” Ardhani said, hoping that ahead of them the road for betterment will only narrow into a  bright path.

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Participants of the 1000 Guru are matched up with local children to teach various skills and lessons. A small fee for the program covers accommodation, meals and other activities, as well as a donation to the host village. Photographs courtesy of 1000 Guru

Indonesia, an archipelago comprising more than 17,000 islands waits to be explored by curious wanderlustful souls. However, hidden behind the naturalistic beauty and awaiting adventures are communities living in extreme poverty and are often invisible to society. A nonprofit organization, 1000 Guru (1,000 Teachers) is dedicated to broadening the horizons of travelers not only by discovering new places, but to travel with a cause without luxury and technology, while shedding light on the communities.

Established in 2012, 1000 Guru began merely as a social media account which shared pictures and quotes of children and families living in unfortunate conditions in the remotest areas of Indonesia.
“These citizens are somewhat undetected by the outside community and travelers,” said 1000 Guru founder Jemi Ngadiono. Jemi dedicated part of his career as a cinematographer to documenting village life.

“The initial purpose of the site was to expose these communities to the government and strongly motivate them to focus in education and living conditions of the underprivileged in Indonesia.”

The posts managed to attract an astounding number of followers in a short period of time. Some even inquired if they could be a part of Jemi’s journey and help the cause. “I was overwhelmed by the outpouring support, which inspired me to further help the unfortunate by involving the followers to hop along while simultaneously promoting the beauty of Indonesia’s hidden gems,” Jemi said. “Our first program, Travel and Teaching, was born.”

Photographs courtesy of 1000 Guru

The Travel and Teaching program consists of 30 registered participants who join the crew for a two or three-night trip to remote islands in Indonesia.
“Aside from traveling to beautiful undiscovered places, the aim is to live with the community, experience their lifestyle and to interact with children through education, all in extreme back-packer style,” 30-year-old Jemi said.
The program takes place every month, and more than 200 people ranging between the ages of 20 and 40-years-old participating.
The participants include diverse professions such as doctors, bankers, teachers, and celebrities, including last year’s winner and runners-up of the Puteri Indonesia beauty pageant.
Participants are given an itinerary which includes several adventurous activities with a full day of teaching and community service.

“While teaching, we are divided into groups of four per class to teach various skills or lessons according to the children’s age and our individual capabilities,” said Emil Kusumo, a dedicated volunteer with 1000 Guru.

“We also interact, support and motivate them to chase their dreams. I was hooked by this program ever since my first trip to Ujung Kulon. With this program, your story and efforts will be passed down through generations.”
Participants pay a fee of between
Rp 300,000 ($23) and Rp 600,000 ,which covers a donation to the community, accommodation, transportation, meals and other activities such as snorkeling, hiking and more.

“Keep your expectations low and mentality strong because it is not a luxury trip,” said Emil, a freelancer in the entertainment industry.  “We travel by bus, stay in schools, eat on banana leaves, share a toilet, sometimes we barely have electricity or access to flowing water — but it is all in the name of a life-changing experience.”

“Aside from the children, we want the participants to also learn from this experience and see a different world,” said Andry Abboud, public relations officer with 1000 Guru.  “We travel on a low budget because we want volunteers to be more grateful for their lives, to depend on each other during hardships without the help of technology and materialistic items. We want them to build life long bonds with strangers, share adventures. Also, to walk in the shoes of these communities momentarily to understand life beyond their comfort zones and most importantly to be motivated to make a difference in these communities’ lives.”

Photographs courtesy of 1000 Guru

Currently, 1000 Guru is established in eight cities around Java, but in the long run, it aims to be able to cover at least 30 provinces with the program per month.  “For every trip made with 30 participants, we are able to help almost 2,000 children. If a trip is made to every province, each with 30 people teaching and bringing donations, then we would have 1,000 people simultaneously making a difference every month, multiplying the effect it will have on our country,” said Jemi.1000 Guru has other regional programs, such as scholarships for teachers in rural areas, campaigns such as “Hormati Gurumu” (“Respect Your Teachers”), and online fundraising with the aim of empowering local communities.

For further information, contact the organization via Twitter @1000Guru.

The post Explore Villages Where the Kids Think You’re a Hero appeared first on The Jakarta Globe.

Clean Up Day Jakarta is annual city-wide clean up of Jakarta, which brings together communities and volunteers through the act of gotong royong spirit for a cleaner Jakarta.

The aim of Clean Up Jakarta Day is to raise awareness of the problem of rubbish and littering in Jakarta, as well as the need for recycling; separating recyclable from non-recyclables.

The registration for the third Clean Up Jakarta Day for this year is now open, which will take place on October 18 2015. To register visit the site at www.cleanupjakartaday.org and be a Clean Up Hero!

Clean Up Day Jakarta 2015

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