Volunteers for the Taiwan-headquartered global Buddhist charity and humanitarian organization Tzu Chi Charity Foundation recently conducted a free dental clinic in Jakarta, bringing essential oral treatment as well as health education to enable vulnerable community members to protect their oral health.
“On 12 July 2025, the Depo Jayakarta Recycling Station in Sawah Besar, Jakarta, became a place of hope and learning for local residents,” Tzu Chi explained. “Seventy-three children, adults, and elderly community members received not only free dental care, but also practical education on oral hygiene—empowering them to take charge of their health, one smile at a time.” (Tzu Chi Foundation)
Dr. Linda-Verniati Tjokrosuwirjo, orthodontic specialist and a member of the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA), observed that the free dental clinic taught community members the importance of brushing after meals for improved long-term oral hygiene.
“Many people brush their teeth simply because it’s part of their morning routine, not because they understand the reason behind it,” Dr. Tjokrosuwirjo. “The real purpose is to remove food debris, so brushing after meals is important.” (Tzu Chi Foundation)
Fellow TIMA member Dr. Mery Merlinda expressed joy in serving the community, noting that tooth decay and loose teeth were the most common issues they encountered. She highlighted the lack of oral health education across all social groups in Indonesia.
“Some patients come here because they truly can’t afford treatment,” Dr. Merlinda remarked. “Free care means a lot to them. For us, it’s a way to give back.” (Tzu Chi Foundation)
Fifth-grade student Zahra expressed delight after having a cavity filled. “From now on, I’ll brush my teeth more carefully to keep them clean,” she shared. “I realized that I’ve been brushing my teeth the wrong way. I should use a circular motion, not just brush randomly. I’ll follow Dr. Chou’s advice from now on.” (Tzu Chi Foundation)
Another beneficiary, Linda Purwanti, 43, had two teeth extracted after learning that her untreated cavities had caused nerve damage. “This clinic is really helpful and should continue,” She reflected. “Many people ignore dental problems. Without events like this, they wouldn’t bother seeing a dentist.” (Tzu Chi Foundation)
The Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation, Republic of China, more widely known as the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, was founded in Taiwan in 1966 by the Buddhist nun and Dharma teacher Master Cheng Yen. With a focus on “putting compassion into action,” the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation is a UN-accredited NGO with some 10 million supporters and 432 offices worldwide across 51 countries, undertaking regular activities in the fields of humanitarian aid, medical care, education, and environmental sustainability.
As a global icon of socially engaged Buddhism, Master Cheng Yen has expressed a deeply held belief that all people are capable of manifesting the same great compassion as the Buddha. She has noted that true compassion is not simply feeling sympathy for the suffering of others, but is found in reaching out to relieve suffering with concrete action.
Master Cheng Yen is popularly known in Taiwan as one of the “Four Heavenly Kings” of Buddhism, the others being: Master Sheng Yen, founder of Dharma Drum Mountain; Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan; and Master Wei Chueh, founder of Chung Tai Shan. These four global Buddhist orders, correspondingly known as the “Four Great Mountains,” have grown to become among the most influential Chinese Buddhist organizations in the world.
See more
Tzu Chi Foundation
Tzu Chi USA
Dental Outreach Brings Health and Education to Jakarta Community (Tzu Chi Foundation)
Related news reports from BDG
Engaged Buddhism: Tzu Chi Volunteers Hand Over New Homes for 171 Families in Mozambique
Engaged Buddhism: Tzu Chi Conducts Three-Day Free Clinic for Vulnerable Families in Rural Cambodia
Engaged Buddhism: Tzu Chi Brings Humanitarian Aid to East African Communities Devastated by Cyclone Jude
Engaged Buddhism: Tzu Chi Announces US$1-million “Aid for Myanmar” Matching Fund
Online Dharma: Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation Offers Free e-Course: “Buddhism: Past, Present, and Future”
Related features from BDG
The Compassionate Relief of Tzu Chi – Inspiring Great Love in the United States and Around the World
