JAKARTA, Indonesia – May 31, 2026 – Celebrating 21 years of dedicated service to Indonesian children and communities, the ars86care foundation is proud to announce the launch of its groundbreaking new initiative, SAPA RUANG (Space for Safe and Positive Growth), at a special event held on May 31 2026 in Jakarta.

 

Founded in 2005 by 5 female architect from UNPAR class of 1986, Ria Sitohang, Dessi Rajino, Ken SA Wilson, Harini Septiana, Marini Widowati Sudjoko Ratulangi, ars86care has grown from a response to the devastating tsunami in Aceh into a leading non-profit organization focused on three key pillars: children, education, and the built environment. In its 21st year, the foundation is taking its commitment to a new level by creating SAPA RUANG, a holistic program that seamlessly integrates its existing core programs: SPACE TO BUILD, WORDS TO SHARE, and VALUE TO DO.

 

"For over two decades, ars86care has believed that every child has the right to grow and learn in an environment that is not only safe but also nurturing and inspiring," said Helman Sitohang, the head of advisory board of ars86care.

 

"SAPA RUANG is the culmination of years of experience and a powerful new expression of this commitment. By combining physical infrastructure with educational empowerment and environmental responsibility, we are creating spaces that can truly transform lives and communities."

 

A Legacy of Impact, A Vision for the Future

 

SAPA RUANG builds upon a strong foundation of achievement. Since 2012, ars86care's SPACE TO BUILD program has been instrumental in the construction and renovation of over 40 kindergarten and early childhood centers in Demak, Grobogan, Boyolali, and Gunungkidul, benefiting thousands of children. These schools are designed with child-friendly principles, incorporating elements from clean facilities and modern sanitation to natural playgrounds and sustainable green spaces. 

 

By 2030, the foundation aims to have 50 such schools in operation.

 

Complementing this physical infrastructure, the WORDS TO SHARE program has been crucial in building the capacity of teachers, parents, and community members. By offering holistic and integrative education and fostering child rights awareness, the program ensures that these spaces are filled with well-trained educators and an ecosystem that supports a child's development. 

 

A key component of this program is the PAGES OF HOPE initiative, a literacy program that provides libraries and high-quality books to partner villages' schools, instilling a love for reading from a young age, eapecially for the underprivileges.

Finally, the VALUE TO DO program, including the foundation's volunteering and environmental activities, ensures a sustainable, community-driven approach. Through hands-on activities, from school clean-ups and art projects to

environmental workshops, this program creates a shared sense of ownership and responsibility for the built environment.

 

SAPA RUANG: A Holistic Model for Positive Change

 

SAPA RUANG will streamline and enhance these initiatives, creating a unified model for creating "child-friendly school villages." The program will be rolled out in selected communities across Central Java and DI Yogyakarta between 2026 and 2030, with a strong focus on:

Strengthening PAUD Educational Infrastructure: Continuing the construction of new and renovated, child-friendly schools.

Teacher and Community Capacity Building: Providing comprehensive training and mentorship to educators and promoting parent and community involvement.

Environmental Education and Sustainability: Integrating environmental awareness into the school curriculum and promoting sustainable practices in community projects.

Volunteer Program Development: Recruiting and training a dedicated team of volunteers to support SAPA RUANG activities.

Strengthening Partnerships and Social Impact: Collaborating with government bodies, the private sector, and civil society organizations for wider reach and sustainable impact.

 

The SAPA RUANG launch event featured casual gathering, workshops on child-friendly design and development, and an interactive exhibition showcasing the foundation's achievements over the past 21 years. 

 

Attendees, including educators, corporate partners, and volunteers, had the opportunity to learn about the innovative approaches and the positive impact on children's lives.

 

"The introduction of SAPA RUANG is a testament to the foundation's unwavering dedication and visionary approach to child-centric development in Indonesia," said Helman. 

 

"We look forward to witnessing the tangible, long-term impact of this integrated program on the physical, educational, and environmental landscapes of our communities."

 

For more information about the ars86care foundation, the SAPA RUANG initiative, and how to get involved, please visit www.ars86carefoundation.org.

 

About ars86care Foundation
The ars86care foundation is an Indonesian non-profit organization founded in 2005 by UNPAR Architecture alumni, dedicated to creating child-friendly environments for early education. Through a focus on children, education, and the built environment, the foundation aims to empower communities and provide children with safe, positive spaces for growth. The foundation's programs are made possible through the generous support of donors, volunteers, and corporate partners.