Ascott believes in going the extra mile for residents and delivering service from the heart. As an extension of these ‘Heartware’ values, the Group’s properties around the world continually work with local communities to improve lives and build better homes for the less fortunate. Ascott did just that after a massive earthquake devastated the Javanese city of Jogjakarta and helped rebuild the locals’ shattered lives, and a school.
The earthquake on May 2006 took thousands of lives and left many homeless and in need of basic provisions. The town of Bantul was the worst hit area, having lost 4,000 lives, which was about two-third of the total 6,000 casualties. The earthquake which destroyed 90% of Bantul, completely wrecked the school, Sekolah Kalipakem II. As a result, the surviving students were forced to take their lessons and examinations under emergency make-shift tents provided by relief workers.
Learning of the villagers’ plight, Ascott rallied its guests and employees from the various serviced apartments in Indonesia to chip in for the rebuilding effort of the public school in Pundong, a district in Bantul. There was an outpouring of support as people responded generously to the worthy cause. The fund-raising exercise saw a total of Rp 243 million (US$27,800) collected. The money allowed the 80-strong students of Sekolah Kalipakem II to once again continue their education in a safe and conducive environment.
