Jakarta. Indonesia consistently ranks at the top of the World Giving Index, an annual report published by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) that measures global generosity, based on three main indicators: the percentage of people donating money, helping strangers, and volunteering. In 2023, Indonesia was again named the world’s most generous country.

Despite this spirit of sharing, many orphanages receive aid that doesn't meet their needs: from piles of instant noodles to snacks high in MSG, while basic necessities like vitamins, milk, or fruit are often overlooked.

This gap prompted Krisan Valerie Sangari, the beauty pageant queen for 2023 North Sulawesi Noni and a Tanoto Foundation’s TELADAN scholarship awardee, to take action. Together with 27 young volunteers, she pioneered the Bakubantusulut.org platform to bridge donors and orphanages in Tomohon, Minahasa, and Manado. Bakubantusulut.org essentially provides information on orphanage needs to donors.

"The goal is simple: to ensure that aid is truly tailored and precisely meets the needs of the children in the orphanages," Krisan said.

From Instant Noodles to Data

Krisan, who graduated from IPB’s Faculty of Forestry and Environment, has a long track record of social action during her school days. She often saw donors giving orphanages items that did not really suit their needs. These products ended up unused and wasted.

"For example, many donors bring instant noodles or snacks high in MSG. What's actually needed more are healthier food items, toiletries, detergent, or fruit," Krisan said.

Krisan, who was part of the 2016 national flag-raising team, took the initiative to create a database of the needs of orphanages in North Sulawesi, particularly in Tomohon, Minahasa, and Manado.

Through the Bakubantusulut.org website, Krisan and 27 other young volunteers mapped needs using a data-driven approach. As a result, donors can now distribute precise aid, not just handing out whatever they can.

Bakubantusulut.org has reached over 40 orphanages so far. Its services have expanded, extending beyond distributing aid from donors to include educational scholarships, health checkups, nutrition programs, psychological counseling, and skills and entrepreneurship training.

"Emotional support, even as simple as accompanying children while they study and play, means a lot. They have someone to talk to and listen to their concerns, and the orphanage staff can also take a break," she said.

Humanizing Humanity

Bakubantusulut.org is inspired by the Minahasan philosophy "Sitou Timou Tumou Tou," popularized by National Hero Sam Ratulangi. It means: humans live to humanize others.

"Sharing with others is part of humanizing humanity," said Krisan.

She acknowledged that this philosophy was further honed when she joined the Tanoto Foundation's TELADAN Scholarship program while studying at IPB University. This program not only provides financial support but also comprehensive self-transformation and development, shaping student leadership so that they will later have a positive impact on society.

"Through the 'Pay It Forward' spirit instilled by the Tanoto Foundation, scholarship recipients, or Tanoto Scholars, are encouraged to take action to make a direct positive impact on the community. The values of Pay It Forward align with the philosophy I believe in," she said.

Keeping the Lights On from the Capital

Even though she now works in Jakarta, Krisan continues to coordinate the operations of Bakubantusulut.org. The name "Baku Bantu," which means helping each other, serves as a reminder and motivation to keep this social mission going.

"As long as there are good intentions and clear data, donors and orphanages can meet at the same point: mutual need," she said.