Ali Muhtar Sustains Jakarta Preschool for Two Children with Personal Funds

Former supermarket employee Ali Muhtar used part of his 25‑year severance payout to establish a early‑childhood learning centre in East Jakarta in 2019 under the Masjid Baitus Shodiqin foundation. After the partnership ended in 2024, he launched PAUD Umi Az Zahro under the Yayasan Wasilah Cahaya Terbit, named after his late father's shop.

The school now has only two enrolled pupils, the only children of the neighbourhood still of preschool age. Monthly tuition of Rp50,000 cannot cover operating costs; the government provides a BOP subsidy of Rp300,000 per child annually, while the shortfall is met by Ali's rental income, his family’s asinan business, and his role as RT chairman.

All five children who attended the previous year have progressed to primary school, and the new cohort hopes to continue the modest education service despite financial constraints.