Soft Opening of Bhinneka Park: Tolerance Tourism and Symbol of Diversity in the City of Heroes
In the spirit of tolerance and in commemoration of the 117th National Awakening Day, Pondok Kasih Foundation (YPK) held the Soft Opening of Taman Bhinneka Nusantara Creativity Center (NCC) on Thursday, May 20, 2025. More than 500 guests attended this historic event, Head of Bakesbangpol Prov. East Java, Mr. Eddy Supriyanto, S.STP., M.PSDM., and government representatives, both from the sub-district level to the local village, interfaith leaders, youth, cultural leaders, academics, and leaders from various universities in Surabaya. The administrators of community organizations from various tribes and ethnicities in East Java also enlivened the celebration held at Jl. Medokan Keputih No. 29, Keputih, Surabaya. As an opening, the event began with the provision of compensation to orphans, a tangible manifestation of the value of care and togetherness which is the main foundation of Taman Bhinneka.
In her speech, the Chairperson of Pondok Kasih Foundation, Mrs. Indah Wati, B.A., revealed that Taman Bhinneka is designed as a multicultural learning center that strengthens tolerance and cultural values. Nine Nusantara Platforms (Traditional Houses) that represent the diversity of Indonesia and seven Interfaith Libraries symbolize interfaith harmony. “We want every visitor, especially children, to learn to understand and love the diversity of Indonesian culture. Taman Bhinneka is not just a tourist attraction, but also an educational space to instill the values of tolerance and unity from an early age,” Indah said enthusiastically.
The Chairman of the Beda Tapi Mesra (FBM) Forum, Mr. Syuhada Endrayono, S.H., also emphasized that nationalism was the main inspiration for the construction of Taman Bhinneka by Pondok Kasih. “Here we see the real Indonesia - where diversity thrives in the spirit of national awakening. Taman Bhinneka is not only an educational facility, but also an inspirational space in public development,” he explained.
Dr. Hana Amalia Vandayani, also known as “Mama Hana,” as the Founder, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, and initiator of Taman Bhinneka, emphasized her pride in Indonesia as the only nation with the ideology of Pancasila. “Pancasila is an extraordinary ideology that begins with the recognition of God and ends with social justice. Taman Bhinneka is a reflection of Pancasila values in a tangible form-“Little Indonesia”, where all religions, cultures and even urban agriculture come together in harmony,” Mama Hana said passionately.
The highlight of the event was marked by a ribbon cutting by Mama Hana, accompanied by Ibu Indah and Mr. Syuhada, as a symbol of the official opening of Taman Bhinneka. The excitement was heightened by various cultural performances, including angklung from Pondok Kasih Staff, Indonesia Celebrates Differences (IMP) vocal group, Palembang Sriwijaya Yasaman Dance, Minahasa kolintang music, and South Sulawesi Four Ethnic Dance featuring Makassar, Bugis, Mandar and Toraja identities. Taman Bhinneka is present as an icon of Surabaya's diversity, an inspiring space that invites everyone to celebrate differences and strengthen the spirit of unity. (MH).
In her speech, the Chairperson of Pondok Kasih Foundation, Mrs. Indah Wati, B.A., revealed that Taman Bhinneka is designed as a multicultural learning center that strengthens tolerance and cultural values. Nine Nusantara Platforms (Traditional Houses) that represent the diversity of Indonesia and seven Interfaith Libraries symbolize interfaith harmony. “We want every visitor, especially children, to learn to understand and love the diversity of Indonesian culture. Taman Bhinneka is not just a tourist attraction, but also an educational space to instill the values of tolerance and unity from an early age,” Indah said enthusiastically.
The Chairman of the Beda Tapi Mesra (FBM) Forum, Mr. Syuhada Endrayono, S.H., also emphasized that nationalism was the main inspiration for the construction of Taman Bhinneka by Pondok Kasih. “Here we see the real Indonesia - where diversity thrives in the spirit of national awakening. Taman Bhinneka is not only an educational facility, but also an inspirational space in public development,” he explained.
Dr. Hana Amalia Vandayani, also known as “Mama Hana,” as the Founder, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, and initiator of Taman Bhinneka, emphasized her pride in Indonesia as the only nation with the ideology of Pancasila. “Pancasila is an extraordinary ideology that begins with the recognition of God and ends with social justice. Taman Bhinneka is a reflection of Pancasila values in a tangible form-“Little Indonesia”, where all religions, cultures and even urban agriculture come together in harmony,” Mama Hana said passionately.
The highlight of the event was marked by a ribbon cutting by Mama Hana, accompanied by Ibu Indah and Mr. Syuhada, as a symbol of the official opening of Taman Bhinneka. The excitement was heightened by various cultural performances, including angklung from Pondok Kasih Staff, Indonesia Celebrates Differences (IMP) vocal group, Palembang Sriwijaya Yasaman Dance, Minahasa kolintang music, and South Sulawesi Four Ethnic Dance featuring Makassar, Bugis, Mandar and Toraja identities. Taman Bhinneka is present as an icon of Surabaya's diversity, an inspiring space that invites everyone to celebrate differences and strengthen the spirit of unity. (MH).
