Media Indonesia (16/06/07): The deconstruction of gemeinschaft which has shifted the spirit of community work (gotong royong) into division of labor (society/gesselschaft) managed to be reborn in philanthropy through network society which works in various sectors to support humanitarian causes.

Environmentalist and economist Emil Salim explained that the development has increased world’s income by seven-fold. However, ironically, social injustice is getting worse; only the wealthiest 20% of the population are able to enjoy it. While the remaining 80% do not enjoy any benefit from the increasing capital.

According to Emil, philanthropy is aimed at creating social justice through sustainable development. This movement is translated in humanism with moral spirit, efforts to build social society, and to build life-supporting ecosystem and unique competitiveness for tropical climate. “Philanthropy is different from charity, this is a pro-poor movement," Emil said during the inauguration of the Indonesian Philanthropy Association (PFI) in Jakarta, yesterday.

The first organization that will coordinate philanthropy activities in Indonesia, will focus on communication, education, training and advocacy of philanthropy activities in Indonesia, said PFI deputy chairman Sapto Sakti.

Currently, There are around 150 big and small medias which managed to raise funds between Rp300 million and Rp300 billion for Aceh reconstruction in the aftermath of the disaster. Not to mention corporate which channel their assistance through the company’s CSR programs.

However, Emil reminded, philanthropy is not aimed at building political power or parts of the company’s strategy to boost sale. Through the newly established PFI, he asserted there should be a new paradigm for humanity. The community should start focusing on functions rather than products, enrichment rather than exploitation, and change rather than growth (Ccr/H-1)