Nineteen swimmers will cross the Madura Strait to raise funds for women fishers in Demak, as part of the “100 Actions for 100 Years of Kanisius” programme.
JAKARTA, Indonesia — As Canisius College (Kolese Kanisius), a Jesuit school in Jakarta, prepares to celebrate its centenary in 2027, members of its wider community are undertaking a series of social initiatives to make a tangible contribution to society.
One of these initiatives is Xtreme Impact 2026, a fundraising campaign involving 19 amateur swimmers who are scheduled to cross the Madura Strait on November 1. The campaign aims to support women fishers and coastal communities in Timbulsloko village, Demak Regency, Central Java, which have been severely affected by coastal erosion and tidal flooding.
Organised by the Kolese Kanisius Alumni Association (CC92), the initiative is supported by BenihBaik.com and Bandar Djakarta Group. It is one of several activities in which alumni are participating as part of the “100 Actions for 100 Years of Kanisius” programme.
The broader programme invites the Kanisius community to contribute to society through initiatives in social service, education, humanitarian assistance and environmental protection. Rather than relying on a single group to carry out all 100 actions, the programme encourages different members of the school community to participate according to their interests, capacities and networks.
James W. Prakarsa, chairman of the Jakarta Kolese Kanisius Alumni Association (PAKKJ), said the centenary celebration should go beyond ceremonial events.
“We do not want the 100th anniversary of Kolese Kanisius to be just about having fun. We also want to make an impact,” James said at the Press Conference, October 27.
Turning a swimming challenge into solidarity
Arto Biantoro, the initiator of Xtreme Impact, said the swimming challenge was not primarily about personal achievement or athletic performance. Instead, it was designed to draw public attention to the challenges faced by coastal communities.
“Swimming across the Madura Strait is only the medium. The real goal is to build a bridge of hope for our brothers and sisters who have lost their land in Timbulsloko,” Arto said.
The organisers aim to raise one billion rupiah, or approximately US$60,000, to support the affected communities.
The funds are intended to finance climate-adaptive infrastructure, including floating roads and bridges, clean-water facilities, and Omah Iwak, a production centre for processing seafood.
The seafood processing facility is expected to help women fishers increase the value of their products, create new economic opportunities and strengthen their families’ financial independence.
For the people of Timbulsloko, coastal erosion and tidal flooding are not merely environmental issues. The changes have disrupted daily life, restricted access to essential facilities and threatened livelihoods that depend on the coastal environment.
Masnu’ah, head of the Puspita Bahari Demak Women Fishers Association, said the environmental changes had transformed life in the village.
“For us, the sea is a mother,” she said.
Her words reflect the close relationship between coastal communities and the sea that sustains them. However, preserving this source of livelihood for future generations requires infrastructure, economic opportunities and sustained support.
Andy F. Noya, founder of BenihBaik.com, emphasised the importance of providing practical assistance to women fishers so that they can build sustainable livelihoods rather than depend solely on short-term aid.
Healthcare support for disadvantaged communities
In addition to fundraising for coastal communities, the Xtreme Impact initiative includes a free cataract surgery programme for up to 150 underprivileged patients in the Indonesian Navy’s Koarmada (Indonesia Fleet Command) II area in Surabaya, East Java.
The programme is planned in collaboration with the Indonesian Navy and Erha Clinic, with support from a hospital ship. It aims to improve access to eye care for people who might otherwise struggle to obtain treatment.
By combining an endurance swimming challenge with fundraising, economic empowerment and healthcare services, Xtreme Impact demonstrates one way in which Kanisius alumni are contributing to the wider centenary programme.
The initiative also illustrates the collaborative nature of “100 Actions for 100 Years of Kanisius”. Different groups within the school community can contribute through their own projects, rather than expecting alumni to organise every activity.
As Kolese Kanisius approaches its centenary in 2027, the lasting value of these initiatives will depend not only on the funds raised or the activities completed, but also on the benefits they bring to the communities they serve.
For Xtreme Impact, success will ultimately be measured by whether the support helps women fishers and residents of Timbulsloko protect their livelihoods and build a more secure future.
