Jakarta is today one of the largest cities in the world, with a growing population exceeding 10 million packed into nearly 700 square kilometers of space. To accomodate a growing city with a burgeoning population, the provision of community space is needed. Tanoto Foundation, founded by Indonesian entrepreneur and philanthropist Sukanto Tanoto and his wife Tinah Bingei Tanoto, worked with the local authorities to create just such a space for Jakarta resients.

In Tebet Barat, a sub-district of South Jakarta, children had to play in the narrow alleyways, while adults had few places to meet during their leisure time. Tanoto Foundation saw a need to create a hub for community life by supporting the construction of a new playground and community centre in the heart of this busy neighborhood.

 The 2,400 square meter RPTRA (Child Friendly Integrated Public Space) Akasia facility now includes a children’s playground, library, gardens, sports pitches and a multi-purpose room which can be used for classes and events. There is even a shop that enables local women to sell snacks or handicrafts, thereby earning additional income to support their families.

“With the existence of RPTRA Akasia, we hope children in Tebet Barat and the surrounding areas can play and learn so that they can grow and develop well. Also for the parents, we hope they can gather together, socialize, and come up with ideas for positive activities from this place," said Sihol Aritonang, Head of Tanoto Foundation Executive Board.

 "Our support is in line with the principles of the founders of Tanoto Foundation, Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto. They believe that learning does not always have to occur in classrooms, but can also occur in our surrounding environment,” he concluded.