The sky was crystal blue, with clouds drifting leisurely. Sunlight softly streamed into the exhibition hall. Bright red, vivid yellow, and crystal clear blue--48 artworks created by children from China and Indonesia came into view. From December 24, 2024 to January 4, 2025 the “Annie’s Wish” International Children’s Art Exhibition was splendidly showcased at CHN Energy’s Java and Melang power companies in Indonesia.
Art Knows No Borders
“Look, peonies and orchids form a path connecting the two countries,” Catrin said softly, bending down to point at a painting. “Using national flowers as a road is so creative!”
Visitors lingered in the exhibition hall, their eyes sparkling as they occasionally pointed to the paintings or the shy smiles of the children captured in photos. Excited conversations filled the space: “Look at this!” “How interesting!” The hall resonated with laughter and joy.
Soon, more paintings captured their attention. The Great Wall wound gracefully, while Borobudur stood solemnly. The lively lion dances, dynamic Kuda Lumping dances, the joyous Spring Festival gatherings, and the serene Javanese courtyards intertwined in the children’s artworks, narrating cultural stories of China and Indonesia. People couldn’t help but exclaim: “Who knew the two cultures shared so much in common?”
The scene at the art exhibition
The paintings subtly erased cultural barriers brought by geography and language. Through artistic expression, children communicated with one another, while employees from diverse cultural backgrounds gained direct exposure to foreign cultures in a relaxed setting. This was a vivid illustration of fostering connections between hearts and minds.
Artworks Carry Hopes
Fourteen-year-old Ocha used crayons to draw a soaring red dragon connected by ribbons in the colors of the Indonesian flag. At the center were tall power towers and smoking chimneys, symbolizing the village’s power plant. “Few people in my village can attend school, but I will hold on to my dream of education,” she wrote. Though silent, the thoughtful girl depicted in the painting seemed to radiate determination.“The power plant in the village has ignited the children’s passion for schooling. I want to be like my older siblings, working at the power plant to bring light to the people of my hometown.”
Ocha’s Individual Artwork
Children not only shared their dreams through paintings but also built heartfelt connections through their actions.
In a collaborative artwork, Indonesian girl Nafiah sketched a draft with pencil, depicting harmonious coexistence of architectural and clothing features from China and Indonesia, along with scenes of children growing up healthily. She wrote, “I hope my partner will like my drawing.” Eight-year-old Zhao Rouyi added colors and replied, “Nafiah, I’m glad to meet you this way. Your drawing is amazing. May China-Indonesia friendship last forever as we start a new chapter of building a shared future for humanity.”
Collaborative Artwork by Nafiah and Zhao Rouyi
Charity Brings Power
The exhibition originated from the late Indonesian employee Annie, who hoped her son would complete his education and have the opportunity to study in China. To continue her dedication and vision for education, CHN Energy’s GD Power established a scholarship foundation in Annie’s name, helping more children from underprivileged Indonesian families address educational challenges and realize their academic dreams.
In the summer of 2024, GD Power meticulously organized this painting competition for children of Chinese and Indonesian employees within its system to further promote the spirit of charity.
In November 2024, the Annie’s Wish Foundation held a donation ceremony on Indonesia’s Teacher’s Day, encouraging four impoverished Indonesian students to strive for success and give back to society. Today, the art exhibition and the foundation’s donation activities resonate with each other, inspiring more people to focus on education and growth and to participate in charitable initiatives.
The participants of the foundation's donation event
This exhibition, integrating art, culture, and charity, saw children crossing linguistic and national boundaries with their brushes. Their smiles revealed boundless hope for the future. “Annie’s Wish” is like a seed taking root in this land, igniting dreams of growth for more children and breathing new vitality into China-Indonesia friendship.
