At Cannes 2025, it was Indonesian icon Syahrini who stole the spotlight amidst glamour and spectacle—not for her fame, but for her powerful blend of cultural pride, philanthropy, and global influence.
The Cannes Film Festival is not just about cinematic masterpieces and red-carpet glamour—it is also a celebration of those who use their influence to make the world a better place. Among the luminaries gathered at the prestigious Gala Dinner at the Carlton Hotel’s Grand Salon Ballroom on 14th May 2025, one name stood out for her remarkable contributions to philanthropy and cultural preservation: Syahrini.
The United Society Council, via the “Listen to Her Parole“ platform, and in partnership with UNESCO’s Artist for Peace Guila-Clara Kessous, bestowed upon the Indonesian superstar the “Global Cultural Impact Award” in recognition of her years of dedicated charitable work and her role as a proud ambassador of Indonesian culture on the world stage. The honor was presented by Jessica Chaijyaya, Chairwoman of the United Society Council, during an elegant ceremony attended by international dignitaries, filmmakers, and philanthropists.
Syahrini’s Speech
Gratitude and a Call to Action
In her acceptance speech, Syahrini struck a humble yet inspiring tone:
“ I came to Cannes to receive this prestigious and extraordinary award from UNESCO through the “Listen to Her Parole” platform.
I dedicate this to all the women in the world.
It is with deep humility and heartfelt gratitude that I stand before you tonight. This recognition is not just a personal honour — it is a celebration of resilience, transformation, and the power of human connection.
My name is Syahrini. I am a singer and artist from Indonesia. From a young age, I was guided by the love of my late father, who affectionately called me “Princess.” That name, now part of my stage identity, reminds me daily of his belief in me.
Music became my bridge to the world — a way to connect across borders and cultures. I was fortunate to live my dream: performing, creating, and sharing my voice with millions.
But at the height of that journey, a new calling emerged — one more sacred than the stage: motherhood. For some years, I chose to step back from music to focus on my family — a decision I made with love and pride. During that time, I found a quiet but powerful joy in becoming a mother to my daughter, and a wife to my husband.
Thank you, my husband, for always being there for both of us.
Receiving this award encourages me to welcome music back into my life. I look forward to sharing with you again very soon.
As women, we are often told to choose between career and family. But we are not defined by a single role. We are creators, nurturers, leaders, dreamers — and we carry all of that within us.
As a Southeast Asian woman and a proud Muslim, I bring a story not often heard. My faith grounds me. My culture strengthens me. And my voice joins the many women rising to redefine what is possible.
To every woman listening: your dreams are valid, your path is worthy, and your voice matters deeply.
I am honoured to be a part of “Listen to Her Parole” — a platform that tells stories like mine, and like yours. Thank you, UNESCO and the Princess Charlene Foundation, for seeing not just who we are, but who we are becoming.
Let us continue to stand together — and shape a future where every woman defines her own legacy.
Thank you. Merci.
SYAHRINI
Her speech resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing her commitment to uplifting women and children worldwide.
Why Syahrini? A Legacy Beyond Entertainment
Syahrini’s selection for this prestigious award reflects a growing recognition that true influence extends beyond box office numbers or streaming stats. As Jessica Chaijyaya remarked:
“Syahrini represents the very best of what global celebrities can achieve—using fame not just for personal success, but as a platform for meaningful change. From supporting orphaned children to disaster relief efforts, she has shown how stardom and social responsibility can walk hand in hand.”
JESSICA CHAIJAYA
The United Society Council, known for its commitment to cultural diplomacy and humanitarian causes, saw in Syahrini an exemplary figure who bridges entertainment and activism. Her work aligns perfectly with the Council’s mission of fostering global solidarity through arts, culture, and philanthropy.
Syahrini’s Philanthropic Journey
A Look at the Indonesian Star’s Charitable Contributions
When most people think of Syahrini, images of extravagant outfits, chart-topping pop songs, and a luxurious lifestyle immediately come to mind. The Indonesian superstar has built an empire on her glamorous persona and her music career. But behind the dazzling social media posts and red carpet appearances lies a lesser-known side of Syahrini: her quiet but consistent commitment to philanthropy.
Unlike some celebrities who make highly publicized charity announcements, Syahrini’s humanitarian efforts have typically flown under the radar. Yet over the past decade, she has supported numerous causes – from disaster relief to children’s welfare – demonstrating that her influence extends far beyond entertainment.
This profile examines Syahrini’s multifaceted charitable work, analyzing how she has leveraged her platform and resources to make meaningful social contributions. As we’ll explore, her approach blends personal engagement with strategic partnerships, offering an interesting case study in how celebrities can contribute to social causes without making philanthropy their primary public identity.
Supporting Indonesia's Most Vulnerable Youth
One of the most consistent threads in Syahrini’s charitable work has been her focus on helping underprivileged children. Unlike some celebrities who simply write checks, Syahrini has frequently taken a hands-on approach, personally visiting orphanages and children’s centers across Java.
Syahrini’s Orphanage & Educational Initiatives
Beyond her public image, Syahrini has played a vital role in transforming the lives of Indonesia’s most vulnerable children. She founded and continues to support an orphanage that provides shelter, education, and mentorship to more than 5,000 children across the country. Many of these children have been awarded full scholarships, and some have even gone on to pursue higher education in Cairo, Egypt—gaining access to opportunities few could have imagined. The orphanage’s mission goes well beyond academics, offering vocational training, healthcare, and emotional support to help children build stable, independent futures. Syahrini’s deep commitment reflects her belief that “education is the greatest equalizer.”
In 2019, Syahrini made headlines when she spent an entire day at Panti Asuhan Al-Hidayah in Jakarta, bringing not just material donations but also organizing activities for the children. Eyewitnesses reported that she spent hours interacting with the kids, singing songs, and even helping with arts and crafts – a far cry from the typical celebrity “photo op” charity visit.
“What impressed me most was how she treated each child as an individual,” said Siti Rahayu, a caregiver at the orphanage. “She asked about their dreams, their schoolwork – it wasn’t just about giving things away but making real connections.”
This personal touch has characterized many of her visits to institutions like Rumah Yatim, where she has returned multiple times to follow up on the children’s progress.
Education-Focused Support
Syahrini’s commitment extends beyond meeting children’s immediate needs—she places a strong emphasis on education as a lasting form of empowerment. Her contributions have included school supplies, uniforms, funding for extracurricular programs, and computer equipment to support digital literacy in learning centers.
In 2021, she collaborated with a local education nonprofit to fund vocational training for teenagers transitioning out of orphanage care—a group especially at risk of social and economic instability.
“Education is the one gift that keeps giving,” she noted in a 2022 interview. “When we help a child learn, we’re not just changing their present—we’re changing their entire future.”
Ongoing Health Advocacy
Following the pandemic, Syahrini has continued to champion health-related causes through sustained initiatives. She organizes annual blood drive campaigns and sponsors mobile health clinics serving rural communities in West Java. Additionally, she collaborates with organizations dedicated to improving maternal health, demonstrating a long-term commitment to advancing public health outcomes.
Women's Empowerment: Building Opportunities Beyond the Spotlight
While less publicized than her other charitable work, Syahrini’s support for women’s initiatives reveals a thoughtful approach to empowerment:
Advocacy Through Example
As one of Indonesia’s most successful female entrepreneurs, Syahrini’s business journey itself serves as an empowerment case study. She frequently shares behind-the-scenes insights into building her brands, demystifying entrepreneurship for young women.
Social Media as a Force for Good
With a digital following exceeding 50 million, Syahrini wields significant online influence, which she actively channels toward social good. She has amplified grassroots charities, organized donation matching campaigns, and promoted volunteerism. Notably, her “Social Media Sanity” series during the pandemic offered crucial mental health support, marking a meaningful departure from conventional influencer content.
Conclusion
The Measure of a Star's Legacy
In evaluating Syahrini’s charitable work, what emerges is a portrait of philanthropy that reflects her unique position in Indonesian culture – high-profile yet personal, luxurious yet compassionate. While she may never make philanthropy her primary public identity, her sustained commitment across multiple causes demonstrates that celebrity influence, when thoughtfully applied, can create meaningful change.
As she continues to evolve both as an artist and humanitarian, one thing is clear: Syahrini’s legacy will be measured not just in chart positions or Instagram likes, but in the lives touched by her quiet generosity.
Why Syahrini’s Recognition Resonates Beyond the Award
The United Society Council’s honor of Syahrini at Cannes highlights the growing importance of philanthropy and cultural pride on a global stage. Her dedication to Indonesian culture shows how artists can build bridges between communities, while her responsible use of fame reflects a new standard for celebrity influence.
Syahrini’s philanthropy focuses on lasting impact rather than showmanship. By blending her business and charitable work, she creates meaningful and sustained change. This recognition places her among influential artists who lead by example, inspiring others to use their platforms for good.
With this award, Syahrini joins a distinguished roster of artists honored by the United Society Council for their humanitarian contributions. As she continues her work—both in entertainment and philanthropy—this moment at Cannes 2025 may well mark the beginning of an even more impactful phase in her journey.
As Jessica Chaijaya, Chairwoman of the Council, remarked:
“We don’t just celebrate what Syahrini has done. We celebrate what she will inspire others to do.”
JESSICA CHAIJAYA
References
- KapanLagi.com (2019). “Syahrini Berbagi Kebahagiaan dengan Anak Yatim.”
- Detik.com (2018). “Syahrini Beri Bantuan untuk Korban Bencana di Palu.”
- Liputan6.com (2020). “Syahrini Ikut Berduka dan Beri Bantuan untuk Korban Banjir Jakarta.”
- Kumparan.com (2020). “Syahrini Donasikan APD ke Rumah Sakit di Bogor.”
- Syahrini [@princessyahrini]. (2019-2023). [Instagram profile].
- Personal communication with staff at Panti Asuhan Al-Hidayah, Jakarta (2023)
- Baznas Indonesia. (2018-2022). Annual reports on celebrity philanthropy partnerships.
