Indonesian Philanthropy Festival (FIFest) 2018 was organized by Indonesian philanthropy in cooperation with Dyandra Promosindo during 15-17 November 2018 at the Jakarta Convention Center. Taking place every two years and run under the main theme of “From Innovation to Impact”, FIFest 2018 was the second one of its type, and aimed to showcase innovations in various philanthropic activities across Asia, as well as effective strategies in building the capacity of philanthropic institutions to achieve the SDGs. The Festival’s programme included exhibitions, training sessions, marketplace forums, partnership luncheons as well as filed trips to various philanthropic projects.
FIFest 2018 Exhibition and Forum were opened and inaugurated by the President of the Republic of Indonesia represented by the Minister of National Development Planning – Head of BAPPENAS, Prof. Dr. Bambang P.S. Brodjonegoro. On this occasion, he was also accompanied by Sri Adiningsih, Chair of the President’s Advisory Council, Anita Nirody as UN Resident Coordinator for Indonesia, Franky Welirang and Erna Witoelar as Co-Chairs of the Indonesian Philanthropy Steering Agency, and Daswar Marpaung as President Director of PT Dyandra Promosindo.
“FIFest 2018 is a virtue festival featuring exhibitions and forums full of information, innovation, knowledge, and inspiration. FIFest 2018 also provides an opportunity to support philanthropic activities through various programs,” said Erna Witoelar, Co-chair of Badan Pengarah Filantropi Indonesia.
Along with the opening of the FIFest 2018 exhibition and forum, BPJS Employment launched the BPJS Employment Volunteer Protection and Social Security Program. Five Indonesian volunteers were awarded with Volunteer Protection Cards. These latest innovative products were developed jointly by BPJS Employment, BJB Bank, BNI Bank, and philanthropy to ensure social protection of local volunteers through the Work Accident Guarantee program and the BPJS Employment Death Guarantee. The cards could also be used for other bank transaction services.
FIFest 2018 has gained the momentum as philanthropy is developing fast in Indonesia. According to the Y2018 World Giving Index by Charity Aid Foundation1, Indonesia has been ranked as the most generous country in the world. This can also be confirmed by the high number of organizations and volunteers who helped the victims in Lombok and Palu not only with evacuation but also with planning and rebuilding the local communities.