Jakarta. As a developing country, Indonesia faces numerous challenges in its journey to become a developed nation. These include the quality of education, environmental issues, and economic inequality. Achieving the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045 is challenging without immediate and adequate preparation.

One critical factor that can either be an asset or a burden if not prepared early is the younger generation. According to the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), in 2023, approximately 9.9 million young people (ages 15-24) were neither employed, attending school, nor participating in training. This demographic, referred to as youth not in education, employment, or training (NEET), represents 22.25 percent of the total population in this age group nationwide.

These young people are the future drivers of the nation, the architects of development, and the leaders of sustainable growth in Indonesia.

Therefore, it is crucial to identify, train, and support potential future leaders from an early age. In response to this need, Tanoto Foundation, an independent philanthropic organization in education founded by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto in 1981, through its TELADAN program, supports the creation of reliable future leaders who can contribute sustainably to society.

The TELADAN program provides scholarships and structured leadership training to students from ten partner universities. A key component of the learning journey for TELADAN scholarship recipients (Tanoto Scholars) is the annual Tanoto Scholars Gathering (TSG). This year, TSG 2024 is held again in Pangkalan Kerinci, Riau.

Benny Lee, CEO of Tanoto Foundation, stated that the founder, Sukanto Tanoto, has a 5C vision applied across all his business groups: good for the community, country, climate, customer, and company.“ The 5C vision means we must impact the first four Cs before considering our own organization or ourselves. Tanoto Foundation embraces this vision because our work must benefit society and the nation,” he said during the opening ceremony of the Tanoto Scholars Gathering (TSG) 2024 on Sunday.

“You will also visit RGE factories to see how they apply continuous improvement. This is crucial for Tanoto Scholars to always seek opportunities to improve and develop themselves,” Benny added.

“Take advantage of this TSG to get to know each other well, as this will form your future network. Support each other and grow together as leaders,” Benny concluded.

Eduward Ginting, COO of PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (RAPP), also inaugurated TSG 2024, emphasizing that PT RAPP pioneered business sustainability implemented in April 2030. “We believe that the more sustainable we become, the more competitive we will be. Likewise, you are being prepared to be leaders committed to sustainability. With a sustainability mindset, you will focus on creating long-term value that goes beyond financial profits to impact society, the environment, and the nation,” Eduward added.

Prof. Bambang Brodjonegoro, Minister of Finance (2014-2016), Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas (2016-2019), and Minister of Research and Technology (2019-2021), who opened the inspirational talk session, stated that human development is key to Indonesia becoming a developed country. 

“What Tanoto Foundation does through TSG 2024 and its leadership scholarship program aligns with this goal. As we aim to become a developed country, we will go through a period where sustainability and digital transformation stand out globally. Thus, incorporating sustainability as a theme is an acknowledgment of its future trend, achieved through digital means,” Bambang said.

“As the digital generation, you can contribute by implementing digital transformation supporting crucial sectors like economy, politics, environment, and health, while still considering the needs of the underprivileged, such as fishermen and farmers. The role of youth is crucial. You must be critical thinkers, change makers, innovators, communicators, and leaders,” Bambang added.

TSG 2024 also featured speakers like the Chairman of the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), Bambang Soesatyo; Minister of Agrarian and Spatial Planning, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono; and Tanoto Foundation scholarship alumni. One notable alumnus is Prof. Cahyadi, the youngest professor at Universitas Sebelas Maret, Solo, who shared his educational journey and contributions to the education sector.

About Tanoto Scholars Gathering 2024

TSG is part of Tanoto Foundation's leadership and scholarship program named TELADAN (Teaching Leadership, Advancing the Nation). TSG brings together Tanoto Scholars from across Indonesia and abroad, providing opportunities to network, learn from influential figures and fellow Tanoto Scholars, gain exposure to the working world, and meet directly with Tanoto Foundation mentors and management. TSG marks the transition in leadership development within the TELADAN program from “lead self” to “lead others.”

Held from July 28-30, 2024, in Pangkalan Kerinci, Riau, TSG 2024 is attended by 195 Tanoto Scholars from partner universities, including IPB University, Diponegoro University, Gadjah Mada University, Brawijaya University, University of Indonesia, North Sumatra University, Andalas University, Bandung Institute of Technology, and Riau University, as well as Tanoto Scholars from Singapore.

During TSG 2024, Tanoto Scholars engage in a series of activities over three days, starting with industrial visits to observe firsthand how RGE, founded by Sukanto Tanoto, practices sustainability in their operations. They also visit the RGE Technology Center, APRIL paper mill, APR rayon mill, Asian Agri palm oil plantation, and the Kerinci Central Nursery for acacia and eucalyptus seedlings. These visits aim to provide participants with insights into the working world after graduation and introduce them to sustainable industry practices, inspiring them to develop a sustainability mindset.

Following this, leadership workshops are conducted, including outbound activities where scholars learn teamwork, discipline, quick decision-making, and strategic planning through various games. This experiential learning is a significant component of the program for Tanoto Scholars.

Tanoto Scholars also have the opportunity to gain knowledge and engage in discussions with expert speakers, including former Minister of Research and Technology Prof. Bambang Brodjonegoro, Chairman of the MPR Bambang Soesatyo, Minister of Agrarian and Spatial Planning Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, Professor of Animal Husbandry at UNS Prof. Cahyadi.

TSG has been held annually since 2010 and is an integral part of the Tanoto Foundation's holistic scholarship and leadership development program. The theme for TSG 2024, "Learn and Lead: Becoming the Heart of Sustainability," aims to shape Tanoto Scholars into leaders aware of sustainability and capable of creating a lasting positive impact in various fields.

Tanoto Foundation scholarship program has been running since 2006, benefiting 8,338 students by 2023. In 2018, the program evolved into TELADAN, a comprehensive program offering scholarships, structured leadership training from the second to eighth semester, and alumni mentoring upon graduation.

TELADAN has three development stages, with TSG marking the transition from "lead self" to "lead others" before scholars move to the professional preparation stage and eventually become alumni.