Continuing Mahija's commitment in creating a responsible circular economy, this year, we took part in the celebration of National Children's Day 2025 with a series of tangible initiatives in supporting the future of children, especially those from families of waste pickers and waste workers.
National Children's Day is not just an annual commemoration, but an important momentum and reminder of the fulfillment of children's rights to live, grow and develop properly.
As part of the national celebration themed “Great Children, a Strong Indonesia Heading Toward Indonesia Emas 2045,” Mahija is collaborating with the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA) and various other institutions and organizations to promote inclusion, equity, and access to education and safe environments for children.
Playing with the Minister of PPPA RI at KidZania
On Saturday, July 26, 2025, Mahija participated in the "Playing with the Minister of PPPA at KidZania" event which took place at Pacific Place, Jakarta. In this activity, we invited 20 children from the scavenger community in Kampung Sumur, Duren Sawit, to learn while playing at KidZania, an edutainment city that presents various professions in the miniature world of children.
The activity began with an educational opening session. Children were invited to learn basic things such as how to brush their teeth properly, as well as the importance of protecting themselves from potential dangers, including violence and sexual harassment-all delivered in a fun and easy-to-understand approach. In between the activities, the children also had the privilege of chatting and taking pictures with the Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection of the Republic of Indonesia, Mrs. Arifah Fauzi.
The event then continued with an exploration of various professions with the Minister at KidZania. Children were invited to explore the world of work: becoming a doctor, pilot, chef, and designer.
For us, this moment is not just an entertainment event, but a small but meaningful step in opening the door of hope. Opening their hopes to see a wider world and fostering new dreams for their future.
Because we believe, when a child starts to dream, that is where the beginning of big changes can be realized to get out of the poverty chain and towards a better life.
Supporting Children of Luminare Domus Alternative School at Angklung Concert "Simbiosis Pancasila, Voice of Humanity"
On the same day, Mahija also supported an arts performance titled “Simbiosis Pancasila, Voice of Humanity,” organized by the Luminare Domus Alternative School. Luminare Domus is a non-formal school that provides access to education for children of waste pickers in the Lebak Bulus area of Jakarta.
This activity conveyed the message of unity and peace in the values of Pancasila through the angklung mini orchestra, musical drama, theater, dance, and national oration.
This performance symbolizes that every child, regardless of social and economic background, has the potential to perform proudly and bring a message of humanity and diversity to the nation.
Promoting Inclusive Education Access through Mobile School
In the spirit of National Children’s Day, Mahija and the DBS Foundation also launched their inaugural program, titled DBS x Mahija Mobile School—an initiative designedto complement Mahija’s regular programs by bringing non-formal education directly to children from waste-picking families.
Over the next three months, DBS Bank Indonesia employees participating as volunteers in the People of Purpose (PoP) program will serve as mentors to more than 100 children of waste pickers in Duren Sawit, East Jakarta, and Johar Baru, Central Jakarta. In addition, donations of school supplies and educational toys will be distributed directly to children ranging from preschool age through high school.
As an entity that focuses on improving the welfare of waste workers and their families, Mahija strongly welcomes strategic partnerships that drive greater and sustainable impact. We believe every collaborative step will bring positive impact and progressive change for every child, especially in terms of access to education as well as a more just and decent livelihood.
Going forward, Mahija will continue our various initiatives, ranging from facilitating birth certificates, implementing Mobile School programs periodically, to providing scholarships for outstanding scavenger children.
To that end, we will continue to walk alongside them, opening safe and supportive spaces for children to grow, learn and dream bigger.