Jakarta, Indonesia – Yayasan Upaya Indonesia Damai known as the United In Diversity Foundation (UID) in collaboration with the Bunga Bali Foundation and Sanggar Ring Luwur Akasa held an exhibition and auction of charity paintings with the theme "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" for Indonesian heroes in the fields of arts and sports who held on November 28 2023 at The Club, Djakarta Theater Live, Central Jakarta.

Featuring 68 paintings by Indonesian artists from various backgrounds, ranging from traditional artists to contemporary artists from Bali, Yogyakarta, Solo, and Surabaya, the auction proceeds will be distributed to those who have made Indonesia proud in the arts and sports arena but are experiencing financial difficulties in old age.

"UID, in collaboration with the Bunga Bali Foundation and Sanggar Ring Luwur Akasa, has good intentions to help the government pay attention to the fate of the nation's heroes in getting treatment and meeting their daily needs," said Tantowi Yahya, President of UID, in a press conference held before the auction event started.

He hopes that this event can raise awareness of the importance of supporting these heroes and that the auction results can bring real change to their lives. This is in line with the meaning contained in the motto 'Bhinneka Tunggal Ika', namely, as components of the nation's children, even though they are different in background, they have one goal, namely, for the progress of the nation.

Supported by the statement of Gde Putu Arya Kusuma, a representative of the Bunga Bali Foundation, who revealed that this cultural work initiative was taking place to celebrate humanist life in maintaining national harmony.

"The auction exhibition of the charity painting 'Merajut Keberagaman bertajuk Bhinneka Tunggal Ika Berkarya untuk Ibu Pertiwi: Satoe Nusa, Satoe Bangsa, Satoe Djiwa' is an initiative in cultural work. We are presenting artistic events that strive to translate Indonesianness from the perspective of national plurality—celebrating non-sectarian humanist life with an inclusive, equal, dialogical, tolerant, and mutually respectful attitude to maintain national harmony", explained Gde Putu.

Some of the beneficiaries include Budiono Sutikno (soccer player), Mardi Lestari (runner), Sukardi (keroncong singer), Putu Wijaya (Indonesian literary artist), H. Ukat (Indonesian dangdut singer), and others.

Hosted by Helmy Yahya as an auctioneer and supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (KEMENDIKBUDRISTEK), the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (KEMENPAREKRAF), and the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KEMENPORA), as a form of appreciation for their services Indonesian people, heroes of arts and sports.

Dito Ariotedjo, Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Indonesia in his letter fully supports this social and charitable activity. "On behalf of the institution and personally, I support this event as a place to appreciate art and refine our souls," he said.

UID hopes that this exhibition can be a means of raising funds and providing support to parties in need.