Japan signs Rp2,6 billion Grassroots Grant for Human Security projects in Indonesia

Jakarta — The Embassy of Japan in Jakarta signed the contract for the Grassroots Grant for Human Security, amounting to 25.05 million yen (approximately Rp2.6 billion), for three projects in Indonesia. The signing took place in Jakarta on Thursday, between Kuasa Usaha Ad Interim of the Japanese Embassy Myochin Mitsuru and representatives from the grant recipients and institutions, with Wahyu Chandra, Director of Community Relations at the Indonesian Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri), in attendance.

‘The project aims to improve the educational environment and expand access to education in eastern Indonesia by building new schools,’ Mitsuru said during the Grassroots Grant signing ceremony in Jakarta.

According to Mitsuru, the programme also aims to strengthen the healthcare service system by improving the quality of health services for local communities through the provision of medical equipment for blood transfusion and Japanese-made medical beds at hospitals in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

‘We hope the programme runs well and achieves the expected results,’ he added.

Meanwhile, Wahyu said that the grant signing is not only a ceremonial event but also a hub of trust, commitment, and shared responsibility. ‘We hope this cooperation will further strengthen the friendship between Indonesia and Japan, while also making a tangible contribution to social development and improving people’s welfare,’ Wahyu said.

The three facilities targeted are: (1) Marianum Halilulik Catholic Hospital in Belu Regency, NTT, which currently serves only around 40 percent of patients needing transfusions due to limited medical equipment; (2) Marianum Halilulik Catholic Hospital? [Note: to be corrected] (2) Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Al-Hidayah in South Lampung Regency, Lampung, which currently conducts classes in a school building about 60 years old and at risk of collapse.

The Grassroots Grant for Human Security can directly aid Indonesian communities by leveraging the knowledge of foundations, institutions and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating at the grassroots level. The selected projects this time are expected to contribute to addressing development issues at the grassroots level in Indonesia.