Analysing sustainability issues to gaps in healthcare and education at DBS Foundation Bestari Festival | Bahasa

Indonesia.19 Oct 2024.3 min read

Cross-topic discourse, social entrepreneurs, and art & music performances in one festival

Indonesia, 19 Oct 2024 - DBS Foundation and Bestari Festival collaborated to present "DBS Foundation Bestari Festival: Impact Beyond", an innovative festival designed to create sustainable social impact. The event, which took place at Urban Forest Cipete, combined inspirational discussions, social enterprise actors, and art performances in one comprehensive festival experience. The event was opened with remarks from the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia Budi Gunadi Sadikin. Present at the opening were President Director at PT Bank DBS Indonesia Lim Chu Chong, Head of Group Strategic Marketing & Communications at PT Bank DBS Indonesia Mona Monika, Co-founder of Bestari Festival Firza Daud, and a list of speakers.


Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin emphasised the importance of this event. "The Ministry of Health is carrying out health transformation to realise the goal of easy, equitable, and affordable health access for all levels of society. DBS Foundation Bestari Festival serves as a platform to get young people to care more, grow, and have a positive impact on society and the immediate surroundings. I appreciate DBS Foundation as the organiser of this festival and invite young people to take part in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, screening for disease risk factors, and providing health education for the public. I believe that this event can inspire collective action, emphasising collaboration and innovation to create real social impact."


DBS Foundation Bestari Festival: Impact Beyond is a festival that explores various social issues in the country. As home to more than 280 million inhabitants, Indonesia has a vast territory, from Sabang to Merauke, with a very diverse demographic landscape, coupled with various potentials and challenges.


According to the findings of the International Monetary Fund in the World Economic Outlook published in April 2024, Indonesia has an unemployment rate of 5.2 percent, making it the country with the highest unemployment rate in 2024 among six ASEAN countries. The high number is closely related to the unequal quality of education across the country, as well as unequal access to other basic needs such as health, financial literacy, and education on environmental issues and sustainable development.


"DBS Foundation Bestari Festival is designed to spark discussions and inspire collective action around two priority areas, namely providing essential needs and bringing financial inclusion to marginalised communities. We hope this festival will spark visitors' enthusiasm to take small steps that bring big changes in line with our philosophy, 'From a Spark Within to Impact Beyond'. We believe that small, consistent sparks done together will create changes that transcend generations and boundaries," said President Director at PT Bank DBS Indonesia Lim Chu Chong.


Head of Group Strategic Marketing & Communications at PT Bank DBS Indonesia Mona Monika added, "At DBS Foundation, we believe that sustainable social impact begins with a deep understanding of our relationship with the world around us. Through DBS Foundation Bestari Festival: Impact Beyond, which is also a celebration of 10 years of DBS Foundation's journey to create impact in Asia, especially in Indonesia, we want to inspire every individual to take small steps that have the potential to create big changes and together build a better future."


Co-founder of Bestari Festival Firza Daud expressed appreciation for the collaboration with DBS Foundation. "We greatly appreciate the synergy with DBS Foundation because this collaboration not only expands the scope of our programme but also affirms our sustainability values. Bestari Festival has always been a space to explore and strengthen the relationship between humans, nature, and all other living creatures. DBS Foundation's support allows us to deliver a festival experience that is not only entertaining but also educating, building awareness in society, and inspiring real action for sustainability," said Firza.

Harmony of the three elements of life

The festival offers a real-life experience so that the audience can enjoy three main elements during the event, namely:
  • Human Spark Area (education area) - an area for discussing and learning about one's 'spark' in sharing sessions and warm panel talkshows featuring speakers such as Founder of Sekolahmu Najeela Shihab; Founder of QM Financial Ligwina Hananto; mindfulness practitioner Adjie Santosoputro; Head of Executive Koalisi Ekonomi Membumi Gita Syahrani; Co-Founder of Du Anyam Azalea Ayuningtyas; Founder of Waste4Change Junerosano, and various other figures.
  • Sea Turtle Spark Area (art & culture area) - a safe space in the outdoor area showcasing works of local social enterprise actors, such as air quality sensors created by Nafas, woven products by local craftsmen curated by Du Anyam, food dishes processed from potentially wasted food ingredients by FoodCycle, and observing animal feed processed from food waste with Magalarva.
  • Leaf Spark Area (food and beverage area) - a mini food court with tenants that uphold the spirit of local wisdom such as Nasi Peda Pelangi, Meramu Cerita, and others.

In addition, DBS Foundation Bestari Festival also features various highly entertaining performances such as music performances by two local musicians, Endah N Rhesa and Adhitia Sofyan. Plus, visitors also have the opportunity to do soul-calming activities namely singing bowl and sunset meditation. All these activities are held simultaneously in a green open space in the middle of the city, at Urban Forest Cipete.


DBS Foundation Bestari Festival 2024 is not just an event but also a catalyst for change. By combining education, innovation, and entertainment, this festival aims to create a wave of positive change that will continue to resonate long after the event ends, pushing Indonesian society towards a more sustainable and inclusive future.


***


About Bestari Festival


Bestari Festival is an annual event that aims to encourage personal growth and inspire individuals to create positive social impact. As a platform for collaboration and learning, this festival brings together leaders, innovators, and change agents from various fields to discuss pressing social issues in Indonesia, ranging from education and environmental sustainability to gender equality and social business development.


About DBS Foundation


Established in 2014, DBS Foundation is committed to uplifting lives and livelihoods of those in need. It provides essential needs to the underprivileged, and fosters inclusion by equipping the underserved with financial and digital literacy skills. It also nurtures innovative social enterprises that create positive impact. It aims to bring hope to those with less today, so no one is left behind and we can all face the future with confidence.


In 2024, DBS committed up to SGD 1 billion dollars over the next decade to support vulnerable communities. It also pledged to contribute 1.5 million employee volunteer hours over the same period.


Together with an ecosystem of like-minded partners, DBS Foundation seeks to create impact that goes beyond banking, beyond borders, and beyond generations.


For more information, please visit: www.dbs.com/dbsfoundation.



About DBS


DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world.


Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney and “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the world’s “Most Innovative in Digital Banking” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia” award by Global Finance for 16 consecutive years from 2009 to 2024.


DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets.


Established in 1989 as part of the Singapore-based DBS Group, PT Bank DBS Indonesia (Bank DBS Indonesia) is one of the banks with the longest history in Asia. Currently operating 1 Head Office, 13 Branch Offices, 16 Assistant Offices and 4 Functional Offices and 3,011 active employees in 15 Major Cities in Indonesia, Bank DBS Indonesia provides comprehensive banking services that focus on the customer experience to 'Live more, Bank less'. We also see a purpose beyond banking and are committed to supporting our customers, employees, and the community towards a sustainable future.


PT Bank DBS Indonesia is licensed and supervised by The Indonesian Financial Services Authority (OJK), and an insured member of Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS).


DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by supporting businesses for impact: enterprises with a double bottom-line of profit and social and/or environmental impact. DBS Foundation also gives back to society in various ways, including equipping underserved communities with future-ready skills and helping them to build food resilience.


With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.

DBS Foundation