Laying a strong foundation to do good
More families and individuals are setting up foundations to further their philanthropic ambitions.
IN trying to make a social impact in his home country of Indonesia, Victor Hartono believes in appealing to all aspects of human nature, even the baser ones such as greed and fear.
He employs this unorthodox philosophy in the running of Djarum Foundation, the philanthropic arm of PT Djarum, one of Indonesia's leading kretek (clove) cigarette makers. His father and uncle founded the company in 1986, although his family's charitable activities began as far back as 1951.
Mr Hartono, who is the president director of the foundation, said that if there were five schools in a particular area competing for funds for charity, he would choose the one with the most ambition rather than spread his donations among all five.
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