Puspo Rini Fostering Environmental Awareness Through Forest-Inspired Art
Puspo Rini, an inspiring teacher from a rural area in Central Kalimantan, firmly believes that every individual, no matter their background or resources, can contribute to environmental conservation. Her unwavering dedication to both education and sustainability has made a significant impact on her community, proving that creativity and awareness can go hand in hand in fostering a greener future.
Rini teaches art at one of Astra Agro’s subsidiary schools, where she has transformed her classroom into a hub of innovation and sustainability. With her artistic flair and passion for environmental awareness, she has ingeniously repurposed discarded materials—such as used sacks and patchwork fabrics—into beautiful, intricate dance costumes. These costumes have been worn by her students at national and international art competitions, allowing them to showcase their talents while simultaneously promoting the principles of recycling and sustainability.
Having started her teaching career over a decade ago at PT Gunung Sejahtera Ibu Pertiwi (GSIP), one of Astra Agro’s subsidiaries in Central Kalimantan, Rini has dedicated herself to nurturing the cultural heritage of the region. Originally from Yogyakarta, she was deeply moved Fostering when she realized that many Dayak children were unfamiliar with their traditional dances. This realization sparked a mission within her—to preserve and promote Dayak dance while instilling a sense of environmental responsibility in her students.
Determined to bridge the gap between tradition and modern education, Rini established Sanggar Cendikia Astra, a dance and arts program that introduces children to the rich tapestry of Indonesian culture. The program includes Dayak Dance, Nusantara Dance, and Creation Dance, the latter being a fusion of traditional and contemporary elements. This initiative not only encourages students to embrace their cultural roots but also nurtures their artistic expression in a meaningful way.
My inspiration comes from the intersection of cultural arts and environmental awareness. I want children to take pride in their traditions while also caring for the environment in which they live,” Rini explained.
From the outset, her journey was fraught with challenges, particularly in acquiring suitable costumes for performances. The remote location of her school and the limited financial resources made it difficult to procure traditional dance attire. However, rather than Fostering allowing these obstacles to deter her, Rini saw an opportunity to turn adversity into innovation. She began collecting discarded materials from her surroundings, envisioning them as the foundation for stunning dance costumes. With remarkable ingenuity and an eye for design, she transformed these everyday waste materials into elaborate and captivating outfits, each piece telling a story of sustainability and cultural pride.
We don’t have to wait for significant changes to protect the environment. We can utilize so much from the seemingly useless materials around us. Creativity is the key,” she emphasized. Rini, who holds an undergraduate degree in Dance Education from Yogyakarta State University, has always believed that art can serve as a powerful medium for conveying important messages, including the urgency of environmental preservation.
Her hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Over the years, her students have achieved numerous accolades, showcasing their talents at various prestigious events. They have won awards such as recognition from the Regent of West Kotawaringin at the Kobar Fostering Expo and Fostering an esteemed award from the Creative Economy Agency (Bekraf) Festival. These achievements have not only boosted the confidence of her students but have also shone a spotlight on the importance of sustainable practices in the arts.
Most recently, in 2024, Sanggar Cendikia Astra received notable recognition from Astra Group Holding and Astra International. The students had the privilege of displaying a collection of recycled clothing at the Astra Agro 2025 Kick-Off event, reinforcing the program’s core message: sustainability and creativity can coexist to create something truly extraordinary.
Beyond these accolades, Rini’s efforts have gained acknowledgment from the Indonesian government. The Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KHLK) recognized two Astra Agro-assisted schools where Rini teaches with the prestigious Adiwiyata Mandiri School awards. This honor is bestowed upon schools that successfully integrate environmental consciousness into Fostering their educational framework and daily activities, encouraging students and educators alike to adopt sustainable practices.
Despite these commendations, Rini remains steadfast in her belief that awards are secondary to the broader mission of environmental education. She stresses that the true victory lies in the everyday actions taken to reduce waste and educate future generations on sustainability principles.
“This award is the result of our collective hard work. We want children to understand that protecting the environment is a significant responsibility and can be Fostering achieved through small, consistent actions,” she stated. Her words encapsulate the essence of her mission: instilling a mindset of responsibility and proactive care for the planet in the younger generation.
The Adiwiyata School Award program has become a crucial foundation for strengthening environmental awareness among our younger generation. It reinforces our commitment to fostering a sustainable environment within schools,” she remarked recently. Her statement echoes the broader national initiative to incorporate sustainability into the educational curriculum, ensuring that students grow up with an intrinsic understanding of their role in environmental conservation.
