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  • Young Researchers: UNESCO and Tanoto Foundation Amplify Youth Voices

    Young Researchers: UNESCO and Tanoto Foundation Amplify Youth Voices

    Jakarta, 22 November – The Youth as Researchers – Tanoto Student Research Awards (YAR-TSRA), initiated by UNESCO and the Tanoto Foundation, has returned following last year’s success in launching an innovative program aimed at amplifying youth voices through social research and contributing to policymaking.

    This year’s Knowledge Summit, held at Ganara FX Sudirman, Jakarta, marks a new chapter in empowering Indonesian youth to address societal challenges through evidence-based solutions.

    Building on the success of YAR-TSRA in 2023, this year’s program expanded its reach to include students from Sumatra, bringing the total number of participants to 96 students from various universities across Indonesia.

    The Knowledge Summit provides a platform for young researchers to present their findings to policymakers, academics, and private sector leaders, showcasing innovative approaches to tackling Indonesia’s social issues under themes such as mental health, climate action, digital technology, and inclusive education.

    YAR-TSRA is more than just a research initiative—it is a transformative platform that equips Indonesian youth with essential skills to tackle real-world challenges. Through training, mentoring, and focused research, participants are empowered to explore topics of personal and social relevance, design robust methodologies, and analyze data to generate actionable recommendations.

    Maki Katsuno-Hayashikawa, Director and Representative of the UNESCO Regional Office Jakarta, highlighted UNESCO’s collaboration with thousands of youth worldwide through the establishment and support of youth-led initiatives and networks. These efforts enhance their capacities, foster knowledge production, and create spaces for dialogue between youth, policymakers, and civil society organizations.

    “Today, we see how students produce high-quality research, such as the impacts of government climate policies in the Thousand Islands; leveraging digital technology to map hidden culinary adventures in Makassar; and strategies for fostering inclusive education for children in fishing villages

    in Medan. This demonstrates that youth can contribute and drive change. YAR-TSRA participants exemplify that young people are leaders of both today and tomorrow,” Maki added.

    Michael Susanto, Head of Leadership Development & Scholarship at the Tanoto Foundation, emphasized the growing voices and roles of youth as key drivers of sustainable development.

    “Young generations are increasingly aware of global issues such as education, social inclusion, and climate resilience. The Tanoto Foundation, an independent philanthropic organization in education founded by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto in 1981, focuses on developing human resources across various segments, including higher education. Government collaborations with universities and development sectors can create platforms to empower youth and lay the foundation for them to drive change,” Michael stated.

    “Through our collaboration with UNESCO and partner universities, the Tanoto Foundation has introduced the *Global Youth as Researchers* program as a model for Indonesian youth to gain hands-on field experience and develop solutions and policy recommendations to address gaps in their communities. We hope more young people realize they can also become change agents and contribute to local actions. Moving forward, we aspire to initiate more collaborative efforts to bring youth perspectives and creativity into development solutions,” Michael concluded.

    One YAR-TSRA participant, Muh Nurfaiz Fahmi from Hasanuddin University, expressed his excitement about being part of the prestigious UNESCO Youth as Researchers – Tanoto Student Research Awards program.

    “My team and I are thrilled to contribute to a more equitable digital future through our project to enhance domestic recognition of our city. Despite facing challenges like tight deadlines and technical obstacles, we take pride in our team’s resilience and dedication. We are grateful that our voices as young researchers are heard and valued by UNESCO and the Tanoto Foundation,” Nurfaiz said.

    A Platform for Change: Key Research Areas

    This year’s Knowledge Summit highlighted youth-led research across four categories, each addressing pressing challenges and offering innovative solutions.

    1. Advancing Mental Health

    Young people are directly affected by society’s understanding of mental health, and the YAR-TSRA program provides a critical platform for them to contribute to related policy discussions. YAR-TSRA participants applied these perspectives to local contexts, addressing issues like postpartum depression at community health posts (*posyandu*) and toxic relationships among teenagers. Their passion for destigmatizing mental health is evident in their research projects, which universally advocate for better mental health support.

    2. A More Equitable Digital Future

    Rapid digital transformation not only enhances efficiency and creates new opportunities but also widens disparities. In Indonesia, digital literacy remains a significant challenge for marginalized communities, particularly MSMEs. YAR-TSRA groups explored this gap and proposed practical solutions to create a more inclusive digital ecosystem in Indonesia.

    3. Transformative Inclusive Education

    Education is a lifeline for marginalized communities, yet systemic inequalities often hinder inclusive access. Through their research, YAR-TSRA participants proposed creative solutions to enhance education access across the archipelago. Their studies addressed crucial social issues, such as implementing holistic education to engage marginalized Papuan students in Bogor. Their work underscores the transformative potential of inclusive education in empowering underserved communities.

    4. Innovative Climate Solutions

    Climate change poses an urgent threat, representing a crisis that impacts livelihoods today. One critical issue is fostering innovative solutions to combat climate change. From utilizing biodigester residue as fertilizer in Jatinangor to addressing MSME emissions in Yogyakarta, this year’s research emphasized the importance of local solutions to tackle global challenges. These student-led studies offer practical insights into sustainable practices that protect communities while preserving the planet.

    Youth-led research is essential for creating inclusive scientific studies that reflect diverse perspectives and experiences. This approach also introduces novel ways to shape evidence-based policies and legislation, ensuring young voices are heard in decision-making processes. UNESCO and the Tanoto Foundation proudly announce the successful conclusion of the second YAR-TSRA program in Indonesia, which has successfully amplified the voices of Indonesian youth in research and policymaking.

    ***

    About the Tanoto Foundation

    The Tanoto Foundation is an independent philanthropic organization in education founded by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto in 1981 on the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to realize their full potential. Its programs are based on the belief that quality education accelerates equal opportunities. The foundation works to unlock potential and improve lives through quality education, from early childhood to productive age. Its three pillars are enhancing learning environments, developing future leaders, and facilitating medical research.

    For further information, please contact:

    Tanoto Foundation Communications Team

    Email: communications@tanotofoundation.org

    Website: http://www.tanotofoundation.org

    Ko Zin Thet

    ,

  • Tanoto Foundation, KemenkoPMK, KemenPPN, and KemenPPPA Enhance Early Childhood Development and Education in Indonesia Through an International Symposium

    Tanoto Foundation, KemenkoPMK, KemenPPN, and KemenPPPA Enhance Early Childhood Development and Education in Indonesia Through an International Symposium

    Jakarta, November 20, 2024 – Attention to early childhood development and education in Indonesia remains far from the ideal. Early childhood is a critical foundation for children’s future success and human capital development, which can break the cycle of poverty and boost economic productivity.

    Quality development and education are fundamental rights of every child. These rights must be fulfilled from an early age to ensure children grow and develop optimally, without exception. Their fulfillment also has a profound impact on fostering inclusive and sustainable societal development.

    In Indonesia, early childhood development and education face numerous challenges. Awareness of the interconnected needs of young children remains low. Many still perceive early childhood development merely as a health and nutrition issue. In fact, young children require responsive caregiving, adequate stimulation, and protection. Additionally, the coordination among service providers across multiple sectors has yet to be optimized, with services often segmented by sectoral interests rather than being holistic and integrated.

    These challenges underscore the collaboration among the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs (Kemenko PMK), the Ministry of National Development

    Planning/Bappenas, and Tanoto Foundation in organizing the **International Symposium on Early Childhood Education and Development 2024** in Jakarta on November 20, 2024.

    With the theme “Nurturing Care for Early Childhood Development (Holistic and Integrated Early Childhood Development)”, the symposium aims to gather experts and stakeholders to share knowledge, the latest research findings, and best practices. It also seeks to align thoughts and program planning for early childhood development and education based on the Nurturing Care Framework (NCF), known in Indonesia as Holistic and Integrated Early Childhood Development (PAUD HI).

    The NCF also serves as a tool to assist countries in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to early childhood, such as improving nutrition, reducing infant mortality rates, providing universal access to quality preschool education, and preventing violence and neglect of children.

    “This international symposium is expected to guide government policies in drafting the second phase of the National Action Plan (RAN) for Holistic and Integrated Early Childhood Development (PAUD HI) for the 2025-2029 period. This plan will serve as a framework for providing services at both the national and regional levels, ensuring better quality and alignment with international standards,” said Arifah Fauzi, Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, during the opening of the International Symposium on Early Childhood Education and Development 2024.

    Arifah explained that her ministry currently implements several flagship programs, such as the Ruang Bersama Merah Putih, a platform for fulfilling the rights and protection of women and children at the village level; the SAPA 129 call center for violence against women and children; and the **One Gender and Child Data** initiative. These programs also target early childhood.

    “We extend our appreciation to Tanoto Foundation for initiating this symposium. We hope this event becomes a pivotal moment to strengthen synergies between the government, society, and international organizations in supporting holistic and integrated early childhood development,” Arifah added.

    Woro Srihastuti, Deputy for the Coordination of Quality Improvement of Children, Women, and Youth at the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, emphasized the potential for inter-agency synergy through the Ruang Bersama Merah Putih platform.

    “Mechanisms for its implementation in 2025-2029 will be prepared. One key aspect is redefining the measurement instruments for PAUD HI. Currently, there is only the Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI). We need additional derivations of ECDI to enable each institution to measure the various components of PAUD HI,” Woro elaborated.

    During the same event, Inge Kusuma, Country Head of Tanoto Foundation Indonesia, highlighted the significance of the first 1,000 days of a child’s life as the period of the fastest brain development, which cannot be replicated later in life.

    “Eighty percent of brain development occurs in the first three years, with peak sensory, auditory, language, and cognitive development happening in the first year. If we fail to intervene during this golden period, the impact on a child’s future will be significant and may hinder their development in later stages of life,” Inge noted.

    “NCF and PAUD HI have provided clear guidelines to ensure optimal growth and development for young children. The challenge lies in our commitment and implementation in Indonesia. We hope

    this symposium strengthens the commitment of all stakeholders, serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, and enhances the implementation of PAUD HI,” Inge concluded.

    The symposium, involving government officials, academics, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, professional associations, practitioners, and media representatives, is expected to build a foundation for raising awareness among stakeholders about early childhood development. Together, they aim to make early childhood development a national development agenda priority.

    Speakers at the event included representatives from Kemenko PMK, KemenPPN/Bappenas, KemenKes, the National Nutrition Agency, UNICEF EAPRO, UNICEF Indonesia, WHO, The World Bank, ARNEC, SEAMEO CECCEP, Ishk Tolaram, Tulodo, UPTD PPA Depok, and Tanoto Foundation.

    ***

    About Tanoto Foundation

    Tanoto Foundation is an independent philanthropic organization in the field of education, founded by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto in 1981, based on the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to realize their full potential. Tanoto Foundation’s programs are founded on the conviction that quality education accelerates equal opportunities. We strive to unlock potential and improve lives through quality education, from early childhood to productive ages. Tanoto Foundation’s three pillars of commitment are enhancing learning environments, developing future leaders, and facilitating medical research.

    For more information, please contact:

    Tanoto Foundation Communications Team

    Email: communications@tanotofoundation.org

    Website: www.tanotofoundation.org

    Ko Zin Thet

    ,

  • How Story Teller Awam Prakoso Competes with Social Media

    How Story Teller Awam Prakoso Competes with Social Media

    Well-known storyteller Awam Prakoso talks with host Ivy Batuta about his 25-year-long experience as a storyteller. Awam accidentally began his career in 1999 in a bus terminal after he lost his job in a private bank during the financial crisis in Indonesia.

    “At that time, I was in a very crowded bus terminal before the Idul Fitri. Hundreds of parents with their children felt bored because they had to wait for hours for the arrival of their buses. My friends suggested I to show off my ability to imitate many voices. The children liked my performance. After that, I became a professional storyteller.”

    Awam divides storytelling into three types. First is a parenting-related fairytale; Second is a classical fairytale, often used by teachers to pupils and students in kindergartens, and elementary schools; Third, fairytales for entertaining purpose on the stage with a larger audience.

    “Children often fail to be obedient but rarely fail to imitate. Tell the children information or wisdom in entertaining way. They will remember it longer than advice from teachers or parents,” Awam shares his experience.

    Literacy is not just about writing and reading, but also encouraging children to listen, process and practice what they learn from the fairytales. Then they share their new experience with their friends and even families.

    One good example of literacy is the experience of children traveling by plane. They will share their experience with their children who never use air transportation.

    A fairytale is a powerful imagination picnic for kids. They do not just learn literacy but also enable them to re-tell the story they heard with more articulative power. We develop new storytelling style by readjusting ourselves with different natural resources. Storytelling adopts local culture and local wisdom. We have a strong storytelling culture. We just need to adjust it to local tradition.

    Storyteller also plays the role of influencers in social media platforms and local schools. Local governments often invite us to collaborate in schools.

    Did you feel sidelined by the massive social media presence? And how do you deal with the new challenges in your business?

    Not all children have easy access to social media due to their age. Then, we provide content for the kids by their age and education needs. Can his profession survive amid the massive presence of social media?

    He never feels demoralized by the social media platforms. “We remain competitive in creating content for playgroups, kindergartens and elementary schools. We take benefits from the digitalization. So, we never reject their presence. We must outsmart them by becoming content creators. Many of my content goes viral and boosts my followers. Children love my content so much.”

    In 2009, Awam developed the Kampung Dongeng, and, together with colleagues and activists, he developed various programs, including training, in the community. Now, Indonesia has more than 550 storytellers. The community now has 200 branches in 27 provinces across the country. Storytelling activity still plays an important role in entertaining and educating children.

    What does he do to attract children’s attention? The storyteller is very good at imitating the noise of various animals, such as chickens, birds, horses, robots, and helicopters.

    Now, he is one of the most popular storytellers. He regularly receives invitations from regional governments and institutions to perform in schools or other places, such as refugee centers.

    Watch the full episode here:

    thiha.clickr