AHY Distributes Social Assistance from Auction of Fire Horse Painting
Pontianak — Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), Chairman of the Democratic Party, distributed social assistance to the Chinese community, particularly in Singkawang, West Kalimantan.
“This social assistance is sourced from the auction proceeds of the Fire Horse painting by former sixth President of the Republic of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono,” said AHY in a statement released on Monday, 9 March.
He explained that during a recent working visit to Singkawang, assistance from the auction of the Fire Horse painting by President SBY has been distributed, and continues to be distributed to other regions.
“In Singkawang, the assistance was presented at Vihara Panca Saddha, ahead of the Cap Go Meh Festival celebration, which is an important cultural tradition in the city,” he said.
According to him, the provision of assistance symbolises cross-cultural brotherhood and the spirit of sharing during the holy month of Ramadan. The assistance distributed targets communities from various ethnic, religious, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.
He emphasised that the social assistance is grounded in humanitarian spirit and concern without regard to the beneficiaries’ background.
“The spirit is to help one another. Without looking at where we come from, whatever our ethnicity, religion, race, or ethnicity may be. Indonesia stands on diversity, and in Singkawang we can see an example of that harmony,” he said.
The social assistance distributed is the result of an auction of a painting titled Fire Horse by sixth President of the Republic of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. The painting sold for Rp 6.5 billion, and all proceeds were dedicated to humanitarian activities.
AHY explained that the Fire Horse painting was inspired by the zodiac of 2026, or the Lunar New Year 2577 Kongzili. In Chinese philosophy, a horse symbolises energy, courage, and an indomitable spirit.
“President SBY dedicated the Fire Horse painting, which symbolises energy, spirit, hard work, and determination to achieve aspirations. Alhamdulillah, the painting was sold at auction for Rp 6.5 billion. All proceeds were dedicated to humanitarian and social assistance for our brothers and sisters in need, wherever they may be,” explained AHY.
He emphasised that the artwork is not merely a painting, but a symbol of social concern that brings tangible contributions to society.
As Chairman of the Democratic Party, AHY expressed his commitment to continue reaching various segments of society, particularly those in need of attention.
“We want to continue instilling a spirit of compassion and sharing, especially in this month of Ramadan. We hope that what we do today can ease the burden of our brothers and sisters,” he said.
The activity is also part of the run-up to the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Democratic Party in September 2026.
“This year the Democratic Party turns 25 years old. We want to make this momentum a reinforcement of our commitment to continue being present with a positive spirit, compassionate, and make tangible contributions to society,” concluded AHY.
At the same venue, Head of the Strategic Communications Agency (Bakomstra) of the Democratic Party’s Central Leadership Herzaky Mahendra Putra, also a native son of West Kalimantan, was present. Herzaky currently serves as Head of Bakomstra of the Democratic Party’s Central Leadership and Special Staff at the Ministry of Coordination for Infrastructure and Regional Development.
According to Herzaky, AHY appreciated the simplicity and sincerity of the Singkawang community.
“Mas AHY was very touched by the warm reception of the Singkawang community. Simple and full of sincerity. Mas AHY’s message is that the community never asks for much. We must be sensitive, help as much as we can, give what the community needs,” he said.