T

he Djarum Foundation’s concern and commitment to enhancing the quality of education in Indonesia has again been displayed through its full funding of the construction of building section C at the School of Economics of Diponegoro University in Semarang, Central Java.

“We spent Rp 13.4 billion [US$1.5 million] in total, comprising Rp 10 billion for the building and the remainder for supporting facilities. We have shown our concern to enhance the quality of education in Indonesia,” Djarum Foundation supervisor Michael Bambang Hartono said.

Construction started last November, with the building’s inauguration on March 22. Supporting facilities include furniture, computers and LCD televisions.

Besides constructing and outfitting the new building, the Djarum Foundation also planted trees in its vicinity.

“A concern for the environment is equal to the provision of good education facilities. When we are successful in providing both, the lives of human beings will become balanced,” Diponegoro University rector Sudharto P. Hadi said.

As part of its appreciation of the Djarum Foundation’s contribution of funding toward the development of the country’s education system, the dean of the School of Economics at the university, Mohammad Nasir, awarded Michael Bambang Hartono a “Dedication in Education for Development” award at the school’s alumni gathering.

Nasir later said the new building was the university’s initial step to becoming a world-class university.

“Becoming a world-class university means students should first balance academic achievement with social and art knowledge,” he said.