After a year of absence, PFI re-emerged and began operations once again. This was marked by the General Meeting for Members (RUA) held at Indocement Building, South Jakarta, in July 2015. RUA constitutes the highest decision-making forum of PFI. The meeting was attended by 22 participants who represented individual member organisations as well as affiliated PFI institutions. RUA discussed the three agendas: discussion and confirmation of Articles of Associations, confirmation of PFI management for 2015-2018, confirmation of new members and deliberation regarding the working plan of PFI management for 2015-2018.

The amendment of PFI’s Articles of Association was intended to adjust and respond to new challenges that lay ahead for PFI. The amendment was also necessary to strengthen the PFI management structure by simplifying the recruitment process of members, so that more chances are available for more members to take roles in PFI management. The new PFI management structure now has more members that will allow it to function more effectively. The addition of members is also intended to reflect the variety, and to allow for the representation of, the various stakeholders of philanthropy in Indonesia. Finally, these measures will ensure PFI will run effectively despite the busy or conflicting schedules of its board members.

Mr. Franky Welirang and Mrs. Erna Witoelar, both representing PFI Board of Advisory, explained that the meanings of philanthropy and corporate social responsibility (CSR) have not yet been fully understood by the public and are still thought as merely charity. Besides the issue of perception, philanthropy also faces other challenges. For example, the result of philanthropy work is not always effective, sometimes even producing negative effects if incorrectly implemented. Therefore, the new structure of management will improve the ability of philanthropy to address these challenges. PFI will continue its unique role as the communication avenue between philanthropy actors, while simultaneously advocating policy that lends a conducive environment to philanthropy itself.