BY FIFI SETIAWATY PANGESTU, APC BOARD MEMBER
My own journey into philanthropy began several years ago when I joined the Bakti Barito Foundation. Those early days were marked by moments of discovery, learning, and the making of important decisions. During that time, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact that generosity and compassion can have on the lives of others. It was through these experiences that I came to understand the true potential of philanthropy—not only as a force for good, but as a tool to create lasting, systemic change in society.
As I reflect on those formative years, I am reminded of the core principles that have consistently guided my philanthropic efforts: the importance of empathy, the power of collaboration, and the commitment to driving sustainable change. These values are at the heart of Asia Philanthropy Circle’s A Philanthropist’s Guide to Giving, a book that has played an instrumental role in shaping my own approach to giving when it was first released to the APC community; the lessons within these pages have influenced not only my personal efforts, but also the broader strategy of the Bakti Barito Foundation, helping us foster deeper impact within the communities with work in.
When the suggestion came to translate this book into Bahasa Indonesia, it was without hesitation that we supported bringing this important resource to the Indonesian community to inspire and guide them in strategic philanthropy. The translation of A Philanthropist’s Guide to Giving will only help to enhance the giving capacity across the region, by making the insights of local and global philanthropy accessible to an even broader audience.
We recently launched this edition in collaboration with Bakti Barito and the Indonesia Philanthropy Association (FI), as part of FI’s Philanthropy Thought Leaders Forum. We brought together a diverse group of passionate philanthropists, thought leaders, and changemakers deeply committed to social impact to exchange ideas on their own on-going work in philanthropy, and to discuss the collective impact we all hoped to achieve. Strengthening the giving ecosystem in Asia is a long-term, collaborative effort, and forums like these serve as catalysts for new ideas and partnerships that can accelerate progress.
Philanthropy to me, is a continuous journey of learning and discovery. It is about actively listening to the needs of others, building strong and meaningful partnerships, and remaining committed to addressing the root causes of societal challenges—not just their symptoms. This book serves as an important reminder that philanthropy is not a destination, but a path best shared with others. Together, we can evolve, learn, and strive to make the world a better place.
Fifi Setiawaty Pangestu,
8 October 2024