RI Hosts First Regional Training on Philanthropic Leadership, Management

KBRN, Jakarta: Jakarta has become the stage for a landmark initiative in Southeast Asia: a three-day training program on leadership and philanthropic management for nonprofit organizations, held from January 5–7, 2026.

The program marks the first time such training has been conducted in Indonesia, organized through a collaboration between Turkish humanitarian NGO Hayat Yolu and the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy in the United States.

Hayat Yolu Deputy Director Ahmad Abu Adam said the training aims to strengthen the capacity of humanitarian NGOs and other nonprofit organizations by equipping them with new skills and knowledge in leadership and philanthropic management.

“As we have done in Turkey, we are working to enhance the capabilities of our partners in Indonesia. This includes learning new techniques in management, leadership, and fundraising based on the latest research,” Ahmad told RRI during the event at a hotel in South Jakarta.

The program drew 86 participants from across Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, and Singapore. Ahmad noted that participants were highly engaged from the outset and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn directly from one of the world’s leading schools of philanthropy.

The training was structured into two main areas: fundraising and leadership in volunteer management. Assistant Professor Shariq A. Siddiqui from Indiana University, who led the sessions, explained the focus of the program.

“The first two days concentrate on fundraising, particularly on how to raise money systematically, professionally, and scientifically. On the third day, we shift to leadership, project management, and volunteer management,” Siddiqui said.

He emphasized that the long-term goal is to create a ripple effect, where trained participants pass on their knowledge to others, helping to build a stronger philanthropic ecosystem in Indonesia and beyond.

“Indonesia is a vast country. Out of millions of people, we have about 80 to 90 participants here, but this is just the beginning. With their scientific knowledge, they will teach others, and this domino effect will create a very dynamic ecosystem,” he added.

Participants also highlighted the practical benefits of the training. Lucky Tjahjono, representing the Indonesian Doctors Association's Emergency Medical Team (EMT IDI), said the sessions provided valuable insights into fundraising and networking, critical tools for sustaining volunteer-driven initiatives.

“Fundraising is essential for independence. As volunteers, even though we are doctors ready to serve, we still need resources. This training helps us understand how to organize fundraising and expand our networks globally. My hope is that our connections will grow wider and stronger,” he said. (Diva Rifdah/Sri Wahyuni)