Kinanthi: New Generation of Indonesian Leader

Kinanthi Putri Puruhitasari was selected by the Ministry of Women Empowerment & Child Protection as a leader of Indonesia's next generation as part of National Children Day. She is a  junior high school student, sponsored through the World Vision Cilincing Area Development Programme in urban Jakarta.

Kinanthi Putri Puruhitasari, 15, who represents Jakarta province, is among nine children selected by the ministry last June as leaders in the future. She humbly says that there are many children behind her success. That is why she gladly shares her prize with others.

“It is not my own effort that awarded me with these two laptops, children in the Child Study Group are my motivators,” she says.

Following the national level recognition, Kinanthi received two laptops, one from the Jakarta provincial government and the other from the country ministry. She shares one of the laptops with the study group.

The selection is based on the participant’s writing on the leadership activities during the previous two years. She did not expect to win the competition because she knew that there were many other children who have amazing achievements in leadership.

Kinanthi has developed herself by taking part in various activities since she was very young and has shown excellent leadership skills.

“Since I joined training on organizing and leadership held by Wahana Visi Indonesia, I grew as a confident girl,” Kinanthi says, referring to a special partner of World Vision Indonesia.

Kinanthi participates in World Vision’s Child Study Group and practices traditional dances. When the child study group offered a violin class in 2011, she immediately put her name on the list to join the class.

“Twenty children registered, but only five children remained after a week of practicing,” Kinanthi says. She has mastered the skill to play the violin and was appointed as the teacher’s assistant. Her violin group, Tenuto Ansamble, often performs at events, including National Health Day.

Kinanthi is also a leader of the children forum in her village and a peer educator, talking about health issues with her community.

Kinanthi is the eldest child of couple Sujatmo, 41, and Eni Kursustiani, 38. Her younger sister, Khaylila Assahra, 8, is active in the child study group and practices violin, just like her sister.