The Tanoto Scholars Gathering (TSG) 2017 is taking place from November 22 to November 25 this year in Pangkalan Kerinci, Sumatra, Indonesia.

250 Tanoto Scholars from 21 universities across Indonesia are taking part in TSG 2017.

The Tanoto Scholars Gathering (TSG) 2017 kicked off November 22, 2017 with an opening ceremony at the Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (RAPP) Complex Sports Centre which was attended by this year’s participants.

Present to officiate the ceremony was Tanoto Foundation member Board of Trustees Anderson Tanoto.

In his welcoming speech, Anderson said that it was imperative for Indonesian products or brands to compete at a world level.

“In this regard, we believe that Indonesia is able to compete if it possesses great leaders. The Tanoto Scholars Gathering is one of Tanoto Foundation’s ways to support students in becoming future leader candidates in Indonesia,” he said.

Anderson encouraged the scholars to embrace lifelong learning, to learn how to lead oneself before leading others, and to always care for the community (in the manner of ‘paying it forward’).

“Enjoy the activities organised during this gathering, and make use of the opportunities to improve your soft skills, as well as teamwork and leadership skills,” he said, further reminding the participants to network and learn from each other.

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At night, the TSG 2017 scholars were treated to a surprise inspirational talk by Rio Haryanto, Indonesia’s first and only Formula One driver. Rio underscored the importance of discipline, determination and dedication in the pursuit of success.

“I think self-preparation is crucial, and it helps boost your confidence and ability to prove yourself when it is time to do so,” he said.

He also urged the Tanoto Scholars to “turn any negativity and criticism into positives” and to instead use it as motivation to work even harder.

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Rio lauded Tanoto Foundation’s constant efforts to contribute towards supporting the development of youth.

“There are a lot of youth who are not able to chase their dreams or pursue their education at the university level.

“I believe Tanoto Scholars are in very good hands. I think they have the possibility to make their dreams come true – maybe even put their name on the world map – through Tanoto Foundation,” Rio said.

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Chief Editor of Bisnis Indonesia Hery Trianto then gave a talk about the ongoing Indonesian media and journalism landscape.

“I believe that millennials have good intelligence and creativity. If supported with persistence, then they will be able to achieve success,” Hery said.

Nine Tanoto Foundation scholars were the latest batch of students to complete the ‘Young Leaders for Indonesia (YLI)’ program, following six continuous months of active involvement in the program in 2017.

The YLI program – which has been running since 2009 – is attended by third and fourth year university students who are selected because of their academic and non-academic achievements, as well as their active participation within Tanoto Foundation.

Initiated by McKinsey & Co., the YLI program aims to equip scholars with leadership skills through short and long-term projects, as well as inspirational talks by prominent public figures.

YLI program alumni include Go-Jek CEO Nadiem A. Makarim, and RuangGuru CEO Iman Usman.

The 2017 edition of the YLI program was attended by: Magdalena Maristia, Devi Aprisanti R, Agata Ayu Gita, Haitsam Shiddiq, Juan Daniel, Nesita Anggraini, Singgih Prakosa, Ayu Rizkyana, and Theresia D. Wahyuni.

During the program, the nine participants took part in two projects: a personal leadership project (PLP) and a breakthrough leadership project (BLP).

Scholars initiate and work on PLPs almost entirely on their own for two months, save for minimal guidance by their mentors.

The PLPs are meant to improve the scholars’ abilities to think critically and analyse a problem objectively, as well as their problem-solving capabilities.

Following completion of the PLPs, the participants then have the opportunity to work directly for a company during the BLP, which emphasises heavily on teamwork.

The BLP aims specifically to prepare scholars for the working world, as professionalism, integrity, punctuality, teamwork and client relations are involved. Among the companies involved in this year’s edition of the YLI program are Tokopedia, Pertamina, IBM and Travel Sparks.

Deputy Head of Tanoto Foundation, Margaretha Ari Widowati said: “This is an initiative by Tanoto Foundation to continuously provide not just financial assistance but also soft skills to scholars. And this time it’s a specific soft skill, which is leadership skills.”

As part of the 2017 YLI program, the nine participants also received the opportunity to meet and speak with Tanoto Foundation representatives, including Tanoto Foundation Board of Trustees member, Belinda Tanoto.

The Indonesian community is rather unique. They are quite fond of big predictions. For example, there is the prediction that Indonesia will have a demographic bonus in 2030 and, the most recent one, of how to reach Indonesia’s Golden Generation in 2045.

The demographic bonus talks about how in 2030 Indonesia’s population will be dominated by the youths who belong in the working age group. In the mean time, it also has been predicted when Indonesia turns 100 years old in 2045, the country can become one of the world’s economic giants.

When reviewed closely, these predictions are related to each other. Furthermore, there is one crucial aspect to support the realization of these predictions: the importance of high quality human resources.

Unfortunately, in Indonesia development of human resources always comes as a second priority than that of physical facilities. The target of government’s success is often measured by the number of bridges or toll roads which have been built or the increase in a port’s capacity. For the education sector, the measurement of success still tends to focus on physical achievements such as number of school renovations.

Physical development is important. But we need to evaluate why Indonesia is still considered as a middle-income country although in the past 20 years there has been a great deal of physical development in the country.

In addition, one of the keys of developed countries’ success is the provision of scholarships that is continuous and accessible for all. In this case, Indonesia is on the correct trajectory. There are different scholarship programs such as the Government’s Education Funds Management Body (Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan or LPDP). These scholarships bring a breath of fresh air for students with high academic achievement because they are now are able to obtain post graduate degrees, in Indonesia or abroad.

Other scholarship providers also give similar opportunities for students with opportunities to continue their education. One of the programs that stand out is Tanoto Foundation’s. Since 1981, Tanoto Foundation has supported the efforts to nurture youths from elementary schools to universities to become the golden generation of Indonesia. It is equally important that the scholarship programs that are carried out and funded by private sectors continue to be supported by the Government.

With so many scholarship programs available and the improvement of education system in Indonesia, it is hoped that the youths who are in the working age bracket would have better opportunities. The absorption of workers will also be better because prospective employees’ now have skills that match the industries’ needs. With better human resources quality, the prediction about achieving Indonesia’s Golden Generation in 2045 will not be empty words anymore.

Note: Translated from article “Mencetak Insan Indonesia Emas 2045” which was published by Harian Nasional on Monday, March 13, 2017. It was written by Bhima Yudhistira Adhinegara, researcher of Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (INDEF).