"What comes to mind when you think of Indonesia?" For many, the answer is Bali. But far beyond Bali lies Raja Ampat, a breathtaking archipelago in Southwest Papua and one of the world's richest marine ecosystems.
It was here that students and faculty from Chang Jung Christian University (CJCU) joined Indonesian children in cleaning the beaches. Although they spoke different languages, they shared one common goal—to protect the ocean. This simple act reflected the spirit of CJCU's University Social Responsibility (USR) project, "Taiwan Experience, Indonesian Practice."
Following the success of its first visit in 2025, the CJCU USR team returned to Raja Ampat in 2026 to promote health, environmental education, and community engagement. The team organized two CARE workshops on reusable sanitary pads and acupressure, two community health screening events, and one beach clean-up, benefiting approximately 150 participants.
The interdisciplinary team consisted of six members from CJCU's Department of Nursing and the International Program for Sustainable Development (IPSD).The team included Assistant Professor Chen Kai-Li, USR Project Assistant 宋怡雯 Eva, Indonesian Project Assistant Christine Jonathan, nursing students 錢泊彧 Benjamin and 施珮儀 Penny, and IPSD international student Tasha from Uganda.
The project was also made possible through the invaluable support of local Indonesian partners, including Angel Elisabeth from the Indonesian Tour Guide Association, Ayi Romdoni from the Professional Association of Divers Raja Ampat (PADRA), Andi Saiful from the Raja Ampat Office of Education and Culture, and local high school volunteer Ferdi W. Their collaboration enabled the team to work closely with schools, communities, and natural environments while demonstrating the power of international partnerships rooted in mutual respect and shared goals.
The CARE Workshop combined reusable sanitary pad making with acupressure education, helping participants learn about menstrual health while promoting sustainable living. By encouraging the use of reusable sanitary pads, the workshops highlighted practical ways to reduce waste, lower household costs, and improve women's health.
Health promotion was another key focus. Together with local volunteers, the team provided free health screenings, including blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, and uric acid tests, while offering health education on women's health and chronic disease prevention. These activities not only served the local community but also gave students valuable hands-on international learning experiences.
Environmental action continued in Sauwandarek Village, where the team and local children worked together to clean the coastline. For island communities that depend on the sea, protecting the environment is part of everyday life. The beach clean-up became more than a conservation activity—it became a meaningful opportunity to build friendships across cultures.
To deepen cultural exchange, the team also organized English learning sessions and interactive activities for local children. Through games and conversations, both Taiwanese and Indonesian participants learned from one another, showing that international education is built on mutual learning rather than one-way teaching.
Reflecting on the journey, nursing student 施珮儀 Penny shared:
The initiative was guided by CJCU's CARE philosophy: Care for Community, Care for Women, Care for Environment, and Education for Sustainability.
By combining Taiwan's experience in community development with meaningful partnerships in Indonesia, CJCU continues to demonstrate how universities can create positive social impact through education and service. Looking ahead, the university remains committed to expanding international collaborations and advancing the UN SDGs, bringing "One CARE, Across Borders" to more communities around the world.
