In commemoration of the 74th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia, Yayasan Inspirasi Indonesia Membangun (YIIM), an active non-profit organization in the humanitarian and social fields, celebrated national solidarity by organizing a distinctive expedition titled “Semangat Kebangsaan Dalam Bakti Budaya Baduy” (National Spirit in Baduy Cultural Service). This initiative forms a core part of YIIM’s holistic agenda integrating environmental preservation and socio-cultural appreciation. Running across two enriching days on August 16–17, 2019, the commemorative journey was fully supported by YIIM’s main donor, Insight Investments Management. The event unfolded across Outer and Inner Baduy (Baduy Luar and Baduy Dalam) settlements, engaging a vibrant network of partners including the Family Camp Community, Tasawuf Underground, Trashbag Community BPC Bogor, Sahabat Baduy, University of Indonesia (UI) students receiving YIIM Educational Scholarships, and the general public.

The volunteer activities across Baduy Luar and Baduy Dalam commenced with a collective litter cleanup drive, offering an inspiring, tangible manifestation of ecological responsibility in indigenous cultural lands. This environmental stewardship was reinforced by the installation of 50 eco-friendly, biodegradable waste baskets crafted from natural woven fibers, designed to be planted directly into the earth at 50 designated waypoints along the trekking trails spanning Ciboleger, Cijahe, and Cibageleut Village.

Beyond environmental advocacy, the expedition featured civic storytelling sessions on “Indonesia Raya” for indigenous Baduy children led by UI scholarship students, complimentary haircut services provided by YIIM-trained barbers for local villagers, joyful independence games, and a flag-raising ceremony held at Nangerang Field in Kebon Cau Village. The ceremonial flag troop was comprised of UI scholarship students, with the ceremony commander led by a representative from Tasawuf Underground. The ceremony was attended by Kebon Cau Village Head Mr. Dadi, Village Staff Officer Mr. Hendrik, respected Baduy traditional elder Mr. Mursid, children from Inner Baduy, elementary students from SD/MI Mathlaul Anwar Nangerang, university students from UIN Serang, and local health post cadres from Posyandu Pasir Peteuy, Kebon Cau.

Through this meaningful celebration, YIIM aspires to nurture shared awareness regarding ecological cleanliness in indigenous cultural zones, especially throughout the sacred Baduy landscape. Furthermore, the initiative served as a unifying bridge celebrating local wisdom as an invaluable treasure within Indonesia’s diverse national fabric.

Salam Inspirasi!