Eyewitness News – The Mandalika
The InJourney Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) distributed school supplies to students within the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) through an internal solidarity program titled “Bestie Care, Bestie Share” on Wednesday (March 11). This InJourney initiative, implemented by ITDC, targets the local community—specifically children affected by recent floods that struck several areas in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).
Through this initiative, ITDC employees voluntarily raised donations between March 4 and March 9, 2026. The funds were used to procure various school essentials, including stationery, notebooks, storybooks, and other equipment. The goal is to support the continuity of teaching and learning activities and to reignite the students’ enthusiasm for education in the aftermath of the disaster.
Agus Setiawan, Acting General Manager of The Mandalika, stated that the program is a tangible manifestation of the ITDC family’s care and collective spirit in supporting the local community and aiding the recovery of children’s educational activities.
”Through the ‘Bestie Care, Bestie Share’ program, we want to provide real care for the people living around the zone. For us, the Mandalika SEZ is not just about developing a tourism destination; it is about how this area can provide meaningful benefits to the environment and the surrounding community,” said Agus.
He further emphasized that supporting education is a vital form of social investment for the future of the younger generation in the region.
”We hope these school supplies help the students at SDN Gerupuk stay motivated to learn and pursue their dreams. We hope this small initiative from the ITDC family provides lasting benefits and encourages them to keep moving forward,” he added.
The Bestie Care, Bestie Share program is also part of ITDC’s effort to foster a culture of empathy, solidarity, and mutual cooperation (gotong royong) within the company, while simultaneously strengthening harmonious relations with local residents.
Moving forward, ITDC aims to continue such social initiatives as part of its commitment to regional development. The company seeks to ensure that tourism growth remains balanced with sustainable social impact. As the developer and manager of integrated tourism zones, ITDC remains committed to ensuring that the progress of the Mandalika SEZ goes hand-in-hand with community empowerment and improving the quality of life in the surrounding areas.
Reporter: Daniel Herry
