Indonesia Touch Rugby Tournament to Raise Funds for Fire-Devastated Orphanage Kicks off in Jakarta on Sunday

In what is believed to be Indonesia’s largest ever touch rugby tournament, 19 teams will take the field at the Jakarta Intercultural School on Sunday to help raise money for the Mama Sayang Orphanage, which suffered severe fire damage recently. About 30 boys and girls from the Orphanage form an integral part of the Jakarta Komodos Rugby Club’s important rugby development programme.

Jess Djamhoer, chairwoman of the Jakarta Komodos Junior Rugby Club (JKJR), said the response to the fire, which destroyed teaching facilities at the orphanage on the outskirts of Jakarta, had been superb, with members of the expatriate and local communities swinging into action to limit further disruptions to the children’s educational development.

“So far, the money raised through registrations for the Mama Sayang Touch Rugby Fundraiser and private donations has reached in excess of Rp32 million (US$2,400) and counting,” Jess said. “And we expect this to increase more as more and more donations come in, and through fund-raising activities on Sunday, including a BBQ.”

A clean-up day had also been planned at the Orphanage in the coming weeks, with a number of pledges to donate time, tools and building materials, she said.

The touch rugby tournament of this size is a first for Indonesia, with 18 teams registered to play at the fun, family friendly event, scheduled to run from 10.30am to 3:00pm at JIS on Sunday. The event is open to the public, who can access the school grounds from the southern (Don Bosco) entrance, off Jalan R.A. Kartini. (Parking is available, Adults must bring ID.)

Teams participating include adults, children (boys and girls), and mixed. Mama Sayang are also fielding two teams.

Young women from Mama Sayang form the core of the Jakarta Komodo’s women’s team, while young men from the orphanage play an important role in the club’s junior rugby programme, which involves teams from the Under 16s level down to an energetic group of Under 7s.

The touch tournament will be followed by an awards ceremony at Satu Lagi¬ bar and restaurant.

“If anyone is interested in getting themselves involved in rugby in Indonesia, Sunday is your chance to come along and see what the Komodos are all about, whether you’re a veteran, senior player, parent, teen or toddler, boys or girls,” Jess said. “We are an inclusive, charity-based club that celebrates diversity and we are always looking for new members.”