Jakarta, 14 May 2008 – Sampoerna Foundation and its strategic partners, among them the National Department of Education and the Jakarta Provincial Government as well as around 10.000 supporters will march together from the National Monument’s South West Crossing towards the Hotel Indonesia roundabout in light of National Education Day and 100 years commemoration of National Awakening (18/5).

The event will be attended by Putera Sampoerna and family; the Education Minister, Bambang Sudibyo; Jakarta Governor, Fauzi Bowo; as well as representatives of various private sector enterprises. The event highlights the cause of bringing to the public’s attention the importance of raising Indonesia’s education quality.

Communicating the cause is a pledge on Education Awakening and by a parade which will bring together 10.000 participants.  All participants, including those representing the government, private sector, students, teachers, as well as individuals who are simply concerned about the education condition will walk together at this parade dressed in a plathora of colors and accompanied by a marching band in addition to several other attractions. “This coming together of many groups for one cause is hoped to initiate positive change in the Indonesian education sector. Sampoerna Foundation believes that all segments of society share an equal responsibility in raising the quality of our nation’s education quality,” said Sapto H. Sakti, Communications Director of Sampoerna Foundation.

Aside from the parade, the event will deliver exciting performances by choirs, and showcase several attractions prepared by various schools in Jakarta, as well as a performance by the musical group Wong Pitoe. 

In addition to executing the so called Education Parade this coming May 18th, Sampoerna Foundation is also holding a line of media discussion forums to call on all segements of society to take action to raise the quality of education in Indonesia. Among the discussion forums is one entitled “Women Crusading for Education” that was held on April 16th in celebrating Kartini Day and another media discussion forum entitled “Education Indonesia 1908-2008” in light of National Education Day this past April 30th.