Country Head of Tanoto Foundation, Inge Kusuma (far left), Governor of the National Resilience Institute of Indonesia, Ace Hasan Syadzily (third from the left), Acting Director of Learning and Student Affairs at the Directorate General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology, Berry Juliandi (third from the right), Head of Leadership Development and Scholarship at Tanoto Foundation, Michael Susanto (far right), together with representatives of Tanoto Scholars Cohort 2025. 

JAKARTA, February 7, 2025 – Soft skills are one of the key elements in shaping young generations capable of competing and tackling the challenges of globalization and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Soft skills are also essential competencies for Indonesian youth in realizing Indonesia’s Vision 2045. 

A 1918 study by Harvard University, The Carnegie Foundation, and Stanford Research Center stated that 85% of career success is attributed to strong soft skills. This is further reinforced by the Future of Jobs Report published by the World Economic Forum in 2023, which highlights that soft skills such as analytical and creative thinking, perseverance, flexibility, strong motivation, self-awareness, curiosity, and continuous learning are crucial for career development. 

Based on this, Tanoto Foundation, an independent philanthropic organization in education founded by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto in 1981, is committed to supporting the government in creating future leaders equipped with soft skills who are ready to contribute and make an impact on society and the nation. One of the ways this commitment is implemented is through the TELADAN (Transformational Education for Leadership Development) leadership scholarship program for undergraduate students. 

On Friday, February 7, 2025, Tanoto Foundation officially welcomed 204 students as TELADAN scholarship recipients (also known as Tanoto Scholars) for the 2025 cohort from 10 partner universities of Tanoto Foundation. These students consist of 150 students admitted through the regular TELADAN selection process (who will receive a monthly stipend and leadership development programs) and 54 students holding the Indonesia Smart Card for College (KIP-K), who will receive TELADAN leadership development programs. The inclusion of KIP-K recipients in the TELADAN leadership program is part of Tanoto Foundation’s long-standing collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Technology (Kemendikti Saintek), which began with the TELADAN 2024 cohort. 

These regular program students have gone through a rigorous selection process, starting with a total of 6,913 applicants, culminating in 154 students being selected. Meanwhile, KIP-K recipients were directly appointed by Kemendikti Saintek. 

“Today marks the beginning of your journey towards becoming Indonesia’s future leaders with impact. True leaders are those who can think critically, make wise decisions, empathize with others, work in teams, make strong contributions, and create impact through actions, not just words,” said Inge Kusuma, Country Head of Tanoto Foundation. 

The TELADAN program consists of three phases over three and a half years, where Tanoto Scholars will receive leadership development support through several stages: lead self (semester two to four), lead others (semester five to six), and professional preparation (semester seven to eight). 

Throughout these phases, Tanoto Scholars will have the opportunity to conduct research, engage in community service, network with fellow Tanoto Scholars in Indonesia and globally, participate in internships, study abroad, and develop their careers. 

“We must be able to anticipate future challenges, adapt to changes, and always innovate. Think outside the box. All goals can be achieved if we can collaborate,” said Ace Hasan Syadzily, Governor of the National Resilience Institute of Indonesia, during a discussion and motivation session at the TELADAN 2025 Cohort Inauguration. 

In the same event, Berry Juliandi, Acting Director of Learning and Student Affairs at Kemendikti Saintek, advised Tanoto Scholars to maintain a balance between academic and non-academic skills during their university years as preparation for the future. 

“You must believe that you can excel in both academic and non-academic areas. The rapid changes in today’s world require continuous learning. The key is to keep learning (learn), unlearn outdated knowledge, and relearn new things,” said Berry Juliandi. 

Inge concluded by encouraging students to start creating positive impacts on society as a form of paying it forward for receiving the Tanoto Scholars scholarship. 

“A new journey begins—make the most of this opportunity. Along the way, you may face disappointments or failures. Never fear failure, as it is the path to success. Always remember to be a lifelong learner,” said Inge. 

Since its launch in 2006, Tanoto Foundation’s undergraduate scholarship program has benefited 8,803 recipients. In 2019, the scholarship program evolved into the TELADAN Leadership Scholarship Program, where Tanoto Foundation not only provides financial support but also structured leadership development training. 

The TELADAN program is open annually to first-year students from 10 partner universities: Universitas Indonesia, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Universitas Brawijaya, Universitas Diponegoro, IPB University, Universitas Riau, Universitas Sumatra Utara, Universitas Hasanuddin, and Universitas Mulawarman. 

The TELADAN program aims to develop Indonesia’s future leaders with nine key characteristics: self-awareness, drive, innovation, continuous learning, care for others, empowerment, grit, integrity, and an entrepreneurial spirit.