Rico Juni Artanto, IPB University Alumni Invites 300 Gen Z to Play Board Game Against Bullying

Bullying is a serious problem, not to mention the many cases of bullying that occur in the school environment. One of the steps that can be taken at this time is to take preventive steps as one of the alumni of IPB University, Rico Juni Artanto, who is now the Co Founder of Ruber Innovation Lab.

On one occasion, Rico invited more than 300 participants, the majority of whom were gen Z, to play a board game with an anti-bullying theme. The board game, called Buddy Pekerti®, focuses on increasing self-strengthening values as a provision to fortify the rampant bullying in the school environment.

“This simultaneous board game session is to improve three aspects, namely empathy, growth mindset, and self-confidence so that youth can manage their potential well and especially prevent bullying,” said Rico Juni Artanto who is also the initiator of the #1MYouthsStopBullying movement. 

Angelica, one of the students of SMKN 57 Jakarta, gave her own impression after participating in this activity. Coming with some friends, she initially did not expect to be this deep in playing board games.

“I’m happy. I didn’t expect to get this far. I’m more courageous, confident and finally made new friends in the activity after playing board games. We communicate and listen to each other,” she explained. 

The session, which was held on Sunday (23/3) at Paragon Community Hub, was very enthusiastic and succeeded in inviting participants to jointly commit to preventing bullying in the school environment. 

Rico hopes that there will be many CSR companies that can collaborate together for similar activities in order to jointly anticipate and reduce bullying, especially in the school environment.

In addition to playing board games, participants also had the opportunity to take part in a talk show session attended by the CEO of NSEI Paragon Corp, Salman Subakat, as well as watching a movie about the Wardah Founder’s struggle in business and life. 

Ruber Innovation Lab is a space for young people initiated by Rico Juni Artanto to formulate social innovations with the aim of having a broad impact on problems in a sustainable society. 

The focus is on social product development, people development, open innovation and creative space, community engagement and collaboration, and impact reporting. 

Some of the social innovations that have been made are bullying prevention, anxiety, strengthening employee leadership, story telling for children, internet usage education, and reflection cards.  

“We open opportunities for collaboration with both the government and the private sector to jointly prevent and reduce bullying,” he concluded. (IAAS/KDP)