This journey marks an important chapter in Asia Philanthropy Circle’s longstanding tradition of curating immersive learning trips. Since 2017, a community of funders have travelled together to explore diverse social and philanthropic landscapes – from Yunnan to Cambodia, the US, Europe, and India. These annual journeys offer deep dives into countries and communities, and the opportunity to reflect, learn and be inspired – together.
Turning our attention to Indonesia this year, with over 270 million people, Indonesia is the fourth most populous nation in the world and Southeast Asia’s largest economy and democracy. It is also a regional force for climate, education, and social impact, and for the seventh year running, has been ranked the most generous country in the world (World Giving Index 2024). From a philanthropy standpoint, there’s a lot we can learn and draw inspiration from.
In Bali, we delved into the intersection of development, climate, and the environment. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, we engage with social entrepreneurs and impact organizations dedicated to advancing regeneration, sustainability, and climate resilience.
In Jakarta, we immersed ourselves in the core of Indonesia’s policymaking and philanthropic ecosystem – where government bodies, corporate and family foundations such as Tanoto Foundation, intermediaries, and global funders come together. Gain a broad perspective on the national landscape and enjoy opportunities for networking and collaboration.
In Kudus, we experienced place-based philanthropy in action. This small town in Central Java is home to the Djarum Foundation, known for its long-term partnerships with local communities and holistic programmes spanning vocational training, youth sports, health, and waste management.
This 7-days trip was a truly enriching and insightful experience, offering a deep dive into the intersections of policy, philanthropy, sustainability, and social impact. Seeing the work firsthand proved to be a key part of the learning journey. Experiencing these efforts in person brought depth and context that no report or presentation could match, sparking meaningful conversations, fresh perspectives, and potential collaborations to drive positive change.
The book showcases how the participants challenged their limits and conquered the World Marathon Challenge and North Pole Marathon to inspire people to challenge their own limits and pursue their dreams boldly.
The book tells the stories behind the event which saw the largest number of people in history running 1045km round Taiwan in 19 days.