IMPROVING EDUCATION AND LIBERTY, PIEP INITIATES A FREE DANCE SCHOOL PROGRAM IN CIREBON FOR FIVE YEARS
CIREBON – After running for five years, PT Pertamina International Explorasi dan Produksi (PIEP) in collaboration with the Indonesian Cultural Belantara Foundation (BBI) carried out a CSR’s exit program in Cirebon.
This event was held at the Kasepuhan Palace in Cirebon and presented by 75 children, two (2) of them were people with disabilities, in line with the replication of the program that had been carried out by opening a Disabled Dance school in Bogor. On the occasion of this performance in Cirebon, they performed the Cirebon’s Tari Topeng and the Tari Srikandi Pancawati Senopati.
In his remarks, Main Director of PIEP, Jaffee A. Suardin said, "Even though we are an international oil and gas company, we are called to preserve Indonesian culture. "This CSR’S Free Dance School program is our initiative to preserve Indonesia's cultural diversity on the international stage."
Jaffee added, since it was initiated in 2018, this initiative has provided a valuable opportunity for students to learn and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Traditional Dance, Cirebon in particular. Apart from that, this program also contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially point 1 (No Poverty), point 4 (Quality Education), and point 5 (Gender Equality).
"The growing number of students, and the involvement of disabled students from the new dance school that we launched at the end of August 2023 in Bogor and Depok, convinces us that the programs will help to solve social problems," he stressed.
Meanwhile, from the Kasepuhan Palace, Queen Raja Alexandra Wuryaningrat who was present also gives her appreciation. “Cirebon’s Traditional Dance is a cultural heritage that we must maintain and pass on to the younger generation. "I appreciate PIEP's initiative with this CSR Program, especially since its implementation was carried out at the Kasepuhan Palace, Cirebon."
Apart from PIEP Management, also attended during the the closing ceremony of the CSR’s Cirebon Free Dance School such as the Head of the Kasepuhan Palace Management Agency in Cirebon, and the Head of the Culture and Tourism Service.
The collaboration partner at the Dance School program, the BBI Foundation, led by Diah Kusumawardhani hopes that this program will be held again in the coming year. “We express our sincere thanks to all students, parents, instructors, volunteers and partners who have contributed to the success of this program. Their support and dedication also play an important role in preserving and promoting the beautiful art of Cirebon’s Traditional Dance.”
Over the last 5 years, this program has increased the liberty of 619 students, through education in dance skills and make-up artist skills, thus providing added economic value for students, most of them come from underprivileged families.
Even though the CSR’s Free Dance School Program will enter the exit program, PIEP's commitment to Cirebon's cultural heritage remains steadfast. PIEP will continue to explore new pathways and partnerships that are in line with its mission to preserve and celebrate Cirebon's rich traditions and hopefully expand in other regions in Indonesia. Supported by the liberty of the Cirebon’s Tari Topeng group, PIEP will continue to provide added value to the company and other stakeholders.
