The Xie Li Gathering and the 20th Anniversary Celebration of Tzu Chi Sinar Mas Branch took place from November 22–24, 2024, at the Tzu Chi Center, Pantai Indah Kapuk, North Jakarta. The event began on Friday, November 22, 2024, with a series of volunteer training sessions. Additionally, the program featured a Humanist Culture Competition, including a Drawing Contest, a Quick Thinking Contest on Master Cheng Yen’s 108 Reflections, and a Storytelling Contest participated by 24 children from various schools who were the top regional finalists.
Hong Tjhin, Advisor of Tzu Chi Sinar Mas Branch, highlighted in his speech that this year’s theme was fireflies bringing hope. “This theme carries two meanings: Fireflies symbolize small acts of kindness, simple yet tangible expressions of love and compassion that hold immense power. The second meaning is collective efforts, where everyone works together—not just PSM 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7, or APP, but also including Bank Sinar Mas, Sinar Mas Insurance, and others. It’s about collaboration.
Aside from these two principles, small acts of kindness and collective efforts, we must also focus on sustainability and legacy. Earlier, we saw the recipients of aid (gan en hu) and young students from plantation schools who can carry forward this kindness. Everyone here has a role to play. Through small acts of kindness and collective efforts, we illuminate Indonesia.”
On this occasion, Suhendra Wiriadinata, Advisor of Tzu Chi APP, shared his commitment to love and compassion. “As we mentioned at a similar gathering last year, we see great potential in achieving one million donors from Tzu Chi Sinar Mas. With deep gratitude, after years of stagnating at 350,000 donors, we are pleased to share that in 2024 we doubled the number to over 650,000 donors. This achievement is commendable, though we acknowledge that we have not yet fully reached the target of one million donors,” he remarked.
Suhendra also encouraged other business pillars to join in spreading love. “With great humility, we invite fellow business pillars to walk and grow together, spreading love and kindness under the auspices of Tzu Chi Sinar Mas Branch. At Tzu Chi APP, we are ready to support one another and share our experiences of what we have done and achieved. May we all be blessed with sincerity to continue sowing the seeds of compassion and make this 20th anniversary a reminder of the humanitarian spirit we must always uphold.”
Franky O. Widjaja, Vice Chairman of Buddha Tzu Chi Indonesia Foundation, delivered a heartfelt message, urging all volunteers to renew their commitment to the Five Vows initiated last year.
“The field of goodness in Indonesia is vast compared to developed countries. Many still live below the poverty line—about 20 million people. The stunting rate is 23.5%. With a population of 284 million, Indonesia is the fourth most populous country globally, and 55% are young people. Each year, 5 million more enter this demographic, presenting a demographic bonus. President Prabowo has emphasized the importance of education and addressing stunting as the foundation for achieving Golden Indonesia 2045, the centennial of independence.
General schools will be improved, while exceptional schools—about ten of them—will receive more opportunities, scholarships, and other support. These individuals will be the future leaders driving Indonesia forward.”
Franky described Tzu Chi as a catalyst. “Tzu Chi acts as a catalyst, enabling those with resources—be it energy, ideas, or material wealth—to help those in need. We hope that those who are helped will be moved and inspired to help others. This is Tzu Chi, creating a snowball effect of kindness rooted in Indonesia’s noble value of mutual cooperation (gotong royong).
May these seeds of compassion continue to grow, like fireflies illuminating the darkest corners.”
