PMCAF Thailand visited Jakarta to support award-winning teacher

 A delegation from the Princess Maha Chakri Award Foundation (PMCAF) of Thailand visited Jakarta to recognize and support an outstanding Indonesian teacher who received the Princess Maha Chakri Award (PMCA).

PMCAF emphasized the importance of the award in honoring the role and impact of teachers in shaping students’ lives.

“This award is a prestigious honor that highlights the important role and impact of teachers in shaping the lives of students,” said PMCAF Chairman Dr. Krissanapong Kirtikara, who led the delegation

The delegation’s visit to Indonesia took place from January 11 to 14, 2026.

During the visit, the delegation met with officials from the Indonesian Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the 2025 PMCA recipient from Indonesia, Ade Putri Sarwendah, a teacher from Balikpapan, East Kalimantan.

Krissanapong said the award not only recognizes the contributions of teachers but also encourages sustained collaboration among award recipients, the Royal Thai Embassy in their respective countries, and the foundation through the Friends of Thailand network.

PMCAF committee member Benjalug Namfa said teachers play a crucial role in students’ lives by providing hope and happiness.

“We can see it in the students’ eyes and actions. They are happy and they have hope,” she said.

She added that teachers deserve recognition for their dedication and hard work.

The Princess Maha Chakri Award is a biennial honor presented to outstanding teachers from 11 ASEAN countries, as well as Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Mongolia.

The award is named after Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand, who is widely regarded as an inspirational figure and role model in the education of children and youth across Asia.

In each two-year cycle, one outstanding teacher from each of the 14 participating countries is selected for their transformative impact on students and contributions to education.

Ade Putri Sarwendah was named the 2025 PMCA recipient from Indonesia in recognition of her more than 15 years of experience in special education and her active involvement in educating children with special needs.

She currently teaches at SLBN Balikpapan in East Kalimantan Province, where she focuses on providing meaningful, joyful, and functional learning experiences for students with diverse special needs.