World Vision of International reorganizes local branch
World Vision of International reorganizes local branch
JAKARTA (JP): World Vision International reorganized its
Indonesian branch yesterday, a move that will allow it to receive
foreign aid and raise funds at home to help the needy in the
country.
The Christian non-governmental organization that started its
charity and education mission in the country in 1960 was renamed
Yayasan World Vision Indonesia.
Its executive board members are Anugrah Pekerti, Eka
Dharmaputera, Nafsiah Mboi, Maj. Gen. (ret) Sarwono and
Christianto Wibisono.
James Tumbuan, a co-founder of the foundation, said the
foundation can now receive foreign assistance and raise funds to
support its charity missions in education, community development
and aid relief for natural disaster victims.
"From now on, we can raise funds from local donors and we're
independent to design our own programs," he said.
According to a government regulation of 1980 on fund raising,
only local NGOs are allowed to organize fundraising projects for
social purposes.
He said the foundation is carrying out a number of community
development projects in the eastern part of the country which are
financed with foreign aid.
Tri Hadi, a former associate director, said that a large
portion of their foreign aid comes from the United States,
Australia, Hong Kong and Taiwan and that much has gone toward
helping natural disaster victims.
He said the foundation will continue to be supported by World
Vision International.
The organization gave a total of US$400,000 to the 1992
earthquake victims in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, US$70,000 for
tsunami victims in Banyuwangi, East Java, in June 1994 and
US$40,000 to earthquake victims in Liwa, Lampung, in February
last year.
Communication Manager Hendro Suwito said the social
organization also has a mail department dealing with foreign
sponsorship for local students.
"The mail department receives about 100 letters from foreign
sponsors everyday," he said, adding that the department handles a
total of 45,000 school-age children from low-income families.
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