The Wadah Foundation consistently upholds its unwavering commitment to community empowerment, focussing on the pillars of education, health, and economy. Inspired by the enduring spirit of compassion and generosity of Ibu Anie Hashim Djojohadikusumo, Wadah once again proudly presents its annual event, “Celebration of Life 2025”.

This year’s theme, Angels and Founders, was conceived and executed in collaboration with Tribhuwana Advisory. This event not only celebrates the visionary founders of social enterprises (“Founders”), but also the “Angels” those who genuinely and tirelessly support Wadah’s mission. Amongst the driving forces behind this initiative is Rahayu Saraswati Djojohadikusumo, the daughter of Ibu Anie, and one of the patrons of the Wadah Foundation. Amidst her busy schedule as a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives and an advocate against human trafficking, Sara actively mentors startup founders through Tribhuwana Advisory. Inspired by the economic forums she attended, she seeks to demonstrate through Celebration of Life how business ventures can be a powerful vehicle for social impact.

^{*Rahayu Saraswati Djojohadikusumo, daughter of Ibu Anie Hashim Djojohadikusumo}

^{*The Founders, Smiles bloomed and warm laughter filled the “Celebration of Life 2025: Angels & Founders.”}

The “Celebration of Life 2025” event is more than just a celebration; it’s a strategic platform for nurturing and developing resilient social entrepreneurs from Wadah’s partner communities, aligning with Wadah’s 2030 target. This event serves as an important platform for sharing knowledge, strengthening collaborative networks, and celebrating the spirit of social entrepreneurship.

Building a Foundation: Workshop for Aspiring Social Entrepreneurs

^{*Pre-event Workshop for Celebration of Life}

As part of the event series, Wadah organised a pre-event workshop titled “Making Dreams a Reality, Creating Independence” on August 8, 2025. The workshop, held at the Wadah Foundation headquarters in Jakarta, was specifically designed to equip selected social entrepreneurs from Wadah’s partner communities. Attendees included Listyaningsih, Wiwit, Endang, Tini, Martin Luan Ati, Yusman, and Fahmi. They are social activists who also have economic activities and a strong desire to become social entrepreneurs.

^{*Pre-Event Workshop Participants: “Social Entrepreneurs Candidates”}

This workshop is divided into two main sessions. The morning session focuses on “Idea Discovery.” Here, participants are divided into groups based on their interests: education, health, and economy. They are invited to re-identify the core problems in the community and brainstorm ideas for solutions that can be turned into social enterprises, such as free tutoring, healthy food products, and community health clinics.

Entering the afternoon session, participants delved deeper into the “Initial Strategic Plan.” They learnt to develop business strategies, understand their target markets, and discuss sustainability projections. Next, there was a discussion about the importance of storytelling, so that every product has a story that can resonate with their customers. This series of workshops concluded with a presentation session, where each participant presented their ideas and plans, received constructive feedback, and made concrete commitments for their first steps.

Culmination of the Celebration: A Moment of Collaboration and Appreciation

The highlight of the “Celebration of Life 2025” event took place on August 9, 2025, at the St. Regis Hotel in Kuningan, Jakarta. This event celebrated the social innovators and Wadah’s network of supporters who have been instrumental in the Foundation’s journey. On this occasion, the Wadah Foundation awarded recognition to Mrs. Margaret Njoo for her financial support since the Wadah Foundation was established, Mrs. Christina Ferreros for her unwavering support and involvement, and for implementing Wadah’s mission in her own way in the Philippines, as well as to Mrs. Babli Kalha, who flew all the way from India to attend this celebration. This event also serves as a celebration of Ibu Anie Hashim Djojohadikusumo’s birthday, whose leadership continues to inspire.

^{*The Angels}

This event also featured experience-sharing sessions from inspiring startup founders and social enterprises such as Rakamin, Anantarupa, Liberty Society, Du Anyam, Titipku, and Toraja Melo. Their success stories are concrete proof that businesses can be run while making a significant positive impact on society. Additionally, social entrepreneurs who have attended the workshop are also given the opportunity to introduce their innovations to a wider audience at the Wadah booth.

^{*Socio-enterpreneur candidates presented their innovations to a wider audience at the Wadah booth}

The impact of “Celebration of Life 2025” is expected to extend beyond this point. With the support of our sponsors, including the RAO Family Foundation, PT Mitra Stania Prima, Sinarmas Group, PT Bank BRI, Tbk., PT Bank BNI, Tbk., Injourney, the William and Lily Foundation, the Soeryadharma Sejahtera Foundation, and PT Bima Sakti Bahari, this event aims to strengthen the economic capacity and independence of Wadah’s partner communities. The establishment of a strong support network and the creation of new collaboration opportunities are tangible evidence of the event’s success in nurturing and social innovators. Above all, it reaffirms Wadah’s enduring commitment to empowering communities across Indonesia.

#RAOFamilyFoundation #MitraStaniaPrima #SinarmasGroup #BRI #BNI46 #Injourney #WilliamandLilyFoundation #SoeryadharmaSejahteraFoundation #BimaSaktiBahari #Rakamin #Antarupa #LibertySociety #DuAnyam #Titipku #TorajaMelo

Author: Paula Stela Nova Landowero
Editor: Zul Herman