Jakarta, March 21, 2025 – Amid the devastation caused by the massive earthquake that struck Lombok in 2018, Pondok Pesantren Babussalam in North Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), was nearly reduced to rubble. Now, seven years later, the building not only stands again but is filled with the laughter of over 500 enthusiastic students welcoming a new multifunctional classroom, a long-term donation from Aice Group, Indonesia's pride ice cream brand.

 

On March 11, 2025, the inauguration of this multifunctional classroom took place alongside a Ramadan iftar event attended by 500 students. The event was also graced by representatives from North Lombok, including Mr. Ramdan, the Head of Segara Katon Village, Mr. Saharman, the Chairman of BPD, Mr. Hadiantara as the representative of the Gangga Police Sector, and Mr. Agung as the representative of the Gangga Military Command.

 

In addition, the event marked the launch of Aice’s newest product, Mooochii Mochi Mango Ice Cream. This new mochi variant features chewy, soft mochi skin, paired with refreshing and sweet mango ice cream and pieces of nata de coco in every bite, providing a unique and enjoyable experience.

 

This concrete step to improve the school and students' interest in learning is part of Aice's broader efforts to create a better learning environment for students. As an ice cream brand born and developed in Indonesia, Aice strives to be part of Indonesia's identity and a symbol of the nation in the eyes of the world, while remaining committed to making a tangible contribution to society.

 

Jason, VP of Brand Management Center at Aice Group, explained that this initiative is part of Aice’s commitment to having a positive impact on society. Aice’s support is not only limited to high-quality products but also extends to various social aspects such as education, health, and sports. "Seeing the children more enthusiastic about learning and full of spirit for their future is a great joy for us at Aice. We believe that every child has great potential to become a great next-generation leader, and we are happy to provide real support for them through this program."

 

"We would also like to express our deepest appreciation to the teachers, the unsung heroes who dedicate themselves to guiding and educating the children. We hope this multifunctional classroom will be a comfortable and inspiring place for them to continue their work and dedication in the field of education," Jason added.

 

The 7.0-magnitude earthquake in July 2018 left a deep scar. According to data from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), 85% of the educational infrastructure in North Lombok was severely damaged, including Pondok Pesantren Babussalam. Teaching and learning had to be conducted in emergency tents for over a year.

 

One manifestation of Aice's care for the community is seen through its CSR program, including efforts during the 2018 Lombok earthquake. As part of recovery support, Aice launched the #EstafetkanSemangatAsianGamesBangunKembaliLombok CSR program, aimed at providing support to children affected by the earthquake so they could return to school and pursue a better future.

 

"Aice came at a time when we needed strength to keep hope alive. The students saw that Aice's support not only made a tangible difference in the learning process but, more importantly, that their dreams were supported by many. Aice didn’t just build physical structures; they also built the morale of the students," said Ustadz Mujahidin, M.Pd, the leader of the Pesantren.

 

Aice’s Contribution to Lombok: From Post-Earthquake Recovery to Educational Facility Improvement

 

Aice’s donation to Pondok Pesantren Babussalam is not the first contribution to Lombok post-disaster. Since 2018, Aice has consistently and actively supported the recovery of the region through various forms of assistance, ranging from rebuilding infrastructure to improving logistics distribution for the affected community.

 

At Pondok Pesantren Babussalam, Aice's support, which has been ongoing since 2018, includes:

• Rebuilding emergency classrooms after the earthquake, ensuring that children could continue learning in decent conditions (2018).

• The 'Senyum Lombok, Senyum Indonesia' trauma healing program to share positive spirit and provide support for children post-disaster (2019).

• Providing educational facilities such as school bags, stationery, and basic necessities for the students (2022).

• Building a multifunctional field to support sports activities and a healthy lifestyle at the pesantren (2023).

• Constructing a multifunctional classroom to improve the quality of teaching and extracurricular activities (2025).

 

Multifunctional Classroom: A Solution to Longstanding Limitations

 

The new classroom built by Aice at Pondok Pesantren Babussalam addresses a critical issue that has long disrupted the learning process: classroom overcrowding. In 2018, the school had around 150 students, but now that number has surged to more than 500 students. This rapid increase in the student population posed a significant challenge, especially regarding the limited classroom space available.

 

As a result, many students were forced to study in open spaces such as gazebos or "berugak," which were inadequate for supporting optimal learning. Even when it rained, these areas would become wet, forcing the students to stop lessons and hampering both the comfort and continuity of learning.

 

With the new classroom built by Aice, it is hoped that students will be able to learn more comfortably and effectively. Although each class accommodates 35 students—slightly above the national standard of 28 students per class—this step is a real effort to meet the urgent need for a decent learning space.

 

"We hope that the students will be able to learn with more focus and engage in activities more comfortably in this multifunctional space," said Feni Wulandari, one of the teachers at Pondok Pesantren Babussalam.

 

The Pesantren expressed gratitude for Aice’s support from 2018 to the present. "We truly appreciate Aice's attention and contributions that have supported us at various stages, from post-earthquake recovery to the development of educational facilities that support the progress of our pesantren. This support means a lot to us, and we hope this collaboration can continue for the welfare and development of the students in the future," said Ustadz Mujahidin.

 

Aice Launches Mooochii Mochi Mango Ice Cream During CSR: A Unique Blend of Mochi Chewiness and Tropical Mango Freshness

 

During this event, Aice also introduced its newest innovation: Mooochii Mochi Mango Ice Cream—an ice cream mochi variant with fresh mango flavor, complemented with pieces of nata de coco inside. The combination of chewy, soft mochi skin with sweet and refreshing mango ice cream and nata de coco in every bite offers a unique sensation and an extraordinary ice cream experience.

 

"Through Mooochii Mochi Mango ice cream, we want to offer a new experience in enjoying mochi ice cream with fresh mango flavor, paired with nata de coco pieces that add a unique sensation in every bite. This Mango Mochi Ice Cream is also presented as a unique and refreshing iftar option during Ramadan, adding a sweet touch to the moment of breaking fast. As part of our innovation, Mooochii Mochi Mango Ice Cream not only offers a delicious flavor but also premium quality, which is always Aice's standard," said Jason.

 

With various product innovations and ongoing social initiatives, Jason is confident that Aice can play a role beyond being just an ice cream brand. "We want to continue accompanying the journey of the nation's children toward a better future," he concluded.