Astra Group Commemorates National Education Day and Inaugurates Astra

Astra Group Commemorates National Education Day and
Inaugurates Astra - Michael D. Ruslim Education Foundation

JAKARTA (May 18, 2010): Today, PT Astra International Tbk ("Astra") commemorated the National Education Day at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah ("TMII") Jakarta and at the same time officially announced the name change of Astra Bina Pendidikan Foundation (YABP) to Astra - Michael D. Ruslim Education Foundation (YPA-MDR).

The event saw the attendance of the country´s Deputy Minister of Education Fasli Jalal; representative of North Jakarta Mayor Bambang Sugiyono together with officials of Provincial Executive Council (Muspida) and Sub-District Executive Council (Muspika) of Tanjung Priok; representative of Bogor Regent Rachmat Yasin plus Muspika and Muspida officials of Leuwiliang; Boards of Commissioners, Directors, and Executives of Astra Group companies; principals and teachers of Astra-supervised schools; recipients of Astra scholarships; as well as winners of National Education Day competitions. A series of Astra´s Corporate Social Responsibility ("CSR") achievements in education sector were also presented at the event.

As a socially responsible public company that upholds its corporate philosophy Catur Dharma, Astra treats education as the top priority in its CSR programs. Astra is actively involved in education sector, taking part in fulfilling one of the nation´s dreams of independence: "to educate the nation."
Astra´s initiatives in education sector all these years have been implemented through its subsidiaries and its five education foundations. All the initiatives are long term programs, such as:

1. Toyota-Astra Foundation (YTA), founded in 1974 with focus in scholarship provision for students at all levels of study (from elementary school to university), provision of mock-ups and cultural assistance;
2. Astra Bina Ilmu Foundation (YABI), established in 1995, running Astra Manufacturing Polytechnic ("Polman Astra") - offering subsidized diploma program and scholarships to outstanding students;
3. Astra Honda Motor Foundation (YAHM), set up in 1995, providing local content education to Technical High School/Vocational High School students, mock-ups/engines and scholarships;
4. Astra Bina Pendidikan Foundation (YABP), came to existence in 2005, active in educational program development in less privileged or disadvantaged areas, currently has a number of public schools under its supervision: 5 SDNs (elementary schools) and 2 SMPNs (junior high schools) in Leuwiliang, Bogor; 6 SDNs and 1 SMPN in Gunung Kidul and 3 SDNs in Bantul with various national accreditations;
5. Karya Bakti United Tractors Foundation (YKBUT), set up in 2008, active in supplying subsidized mechanics and operators, engaged in collaboration with 100 Vocational High Schools (SMKs) across Indonesia.

Astra Bina Pendidikan Foundation (YABP) which has been renowned for its extensive role in providing assistance to schools in disadvantaged areas, today officially bears a new name "Astra - Michael D. Ruslim Education Foundation". The new name is meant as a tribute to the late Michael D. Ruslim who was well known for his profound concern for Astra´s CSR activities in education sector during his term of office as Astra President Director and who always attended inauguration ceremonies of Astra education projects in all corners of the country.

The development of Astra´s particular CSR program in education sector has been in line with the concept of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which puts emphasis on Achieving Primary Education and Developing Education Projects that are integrated in three aspects: Software (development of education modules, learning models, curriculum, and soft skills); Brainware (provision of scholarships for students from elementary to tertiary levels as well as for teachers and lecturers, plus enhancement of teacher competence and school management), and Hardware (construction or renovation of school buildings and provision of education facilities such as laboratories).

The different CSR programs carried out by Astra Group are based on a Triple Bottom Line approach, namely balancing between economic growth (profit), environment (planet), and society (people). Each of the Group´s subsidiaries is required to balance these three elements. "Basically, wherever Astra companies or branches exist, they have to offer added value to the surrounding communities and environment. This concept is consistent with Astra´s philosophy - To Become an Asset to the Nation, and Astra´s corporate aim - To Prosper with the Nation," revealed Astra President Director Prijono Sugiarto.

Astra Group also conducted numerous activities during the commemoration of the National Education Day 2010, among others:

1. Symbolic presentation of scholarships to teachers as well as students of elementary, junior high, and high school levels by Astra (1000 students), United Tractors (406 students), YTA (1320 students), and YABP (37 teachers);
2. Symbolic handover of computer donation (50 computers) to elementary, secondary, and high schools in North Jakarta;
3. Presentation of renovation assistance for 2 Early Childhood Education (PAUD) facilities in North Jakarta;
4. Presentation of 1 Mobile Learning Unit by PT Toyota Astra Motor;
5. Symbolic handover of 54 Honda motorcycles by PT Astra Honda Motor;
6. Inauguration of Daihatsu Mobile Library Unit by PT Astra Daihatsu Motor;
7. Presentation of prizes to winners of Astra Photo Competition 2010 with the theme, "The Portrait of Optimism towards Education in Indonesia" for Public and Journalist categories;

In addition, a string of competitions were launched on the occasion such as Kite Painting competition (for elementary school students), Mural Painting competition (for high school students), Traditional Dance competition (for elementary school students), and Modern Dance competition (for high school students).

The National Education Day was also simultaneously commemorated by all Astra subsidiaries and their branches across Indonesia ("Astra Group") with a variety of educational programs involving their surrounding communities.


Jakarta, 18 May 2010

Arief Istanto
Chief of Corporate Communications