Tanoto Foundation’s scholarship programs leave a great impression in Dewa’s heart.  The different types of support that Dewi received from Tanoto Foundation have in turn inspired her to undertake various social activities. One of the initiatives that she is involved in is the establishment of Gemati (Gerakan Mengasuh Anak Petani/Movement To Foster Farmers’ Children) in Perbukitan Menoreh (Menoreh Hill), Magelang, Central Java.

Dewayani Retno Indarti, or more familiarly called Dewa, was born in Lampung, 2 July 1987. In 2003, she left her home in Lampung and moved to Muntilan, Magelang, to attend SMA (Senior High School) Pangudi Luhur Van Lith, a dormitory-based school concept.

“SMA Pangudi Luhur Van Lith was recommended by my mother because this school teaches independence and sense of social awareness and solidarity with others. Before graduating from the school, the students were obliged to raise money which would be used to help members of the surrounding communities,” explained Dewa.

At that time, to raise the money, Dewa sold martabak (egg pancakes) and cleaned worship places.  She particularly liked these activities because it molded her into an independent person with the spirit of sharing.

After graduating from senior high school, Dewa was accepted at the Accounting Department, Economic Faculty, Gadjah Mada University.  However, hard times started to approach her.  When Dewa just started her junior high school, her father passed away.  As a single mother and nearing the pension age limit as a civil servant,  Dewa’s mother struggled  to finance the education of Dewa and her siblings. At that time, her elder sibling was studying at a university while her younger sibling was still at a senior high school.

Dewa did not give up although the threat of dropping out of college came very close.  She did her best to continue her study until graduation.  In her free time she gave private lessons to other university students. She also earned money from doing laundry for her fellow boarders.  The money she earned was just enough for paying the cost of her study and living.

In 2006, Dewa’s friend informed her that Tanoto Foundation opened the scholarships registration process. Dewa and one of her friends decided to register.  Her friend even helped Dewa in preparing registration documents as Dewa was busy with her activities to earn additional money. At the end, all of the hard work paid off as  Dewa was selected to be a Tanoto Scholar.

(Read: Non Binding Scholarship List)

Tanoto Foundation’s scholarship really helped Dewa, especially in terms of financing.  She had more time for her study and could afford to spend less time in seeking additional money.  “By receiving the scholarship from Tanoto Foundation, I am more motivated to improve my academic achievement.  On the other hand, I also learned the sharing concept from the Foundation which inspires me to also do the same to the people in my community,” said Dewa.

(Read: Binding Scholarship List)

In 2012, Dewa together with her friends initiated the Gemati community so children of the farmers in Perbukitan Menoreh can go to school. This community solicits donors and channels their aids to children of less-fortunate families.  To date, Gemati has 72 foster parents and is supporting 114 foster children.

For immediate release

Riau, 16 August 2016 – Research, Technology, and Higher Education Ministry Indonesia 2015 data stated that the Gross Enrollment Rate for Indonesia’s higher education is 34%. This number also means that 66% or approximately 15 million of young Indonesians within the age group of 19-23 year old discontinue their education at senior secondary level. The improvement of access to higher education is one of the country’s national priorities. As such, Tanoto Foundation provides scholarships for the young people of Indonesia, particularly those who have high academic achievement and leadership potential so they can continue their education to the higher level.

Tanoto Foundation was established by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto to support poverty alleviation in Indonesia through education, empowerment, and enhancement of quality of lives. For the education sector, in addition to providing scholarships for more than 6,400 students in Indonesia, Tanoto Foundation also carries out Pelita Pendidikan program to improve the quality of education in its partner schools. Currently, the beneficiaries of this program include more than 340 elementary and junior secondary schools in Sumatera Utara, Riau, and Jamb.

To date, recipients of Tanoto Foundation scholarships come from 35 universities in Indonesia. The scholarship selection process is rigorous and competitive. The ones selected are those who have high academic achievement, have the skills and characters to become Indonesia’s future leaders, and are in financial need to be able to continue their education. In addition to obtaining tuition fee and allowance, Tanoto Foundation scholarship recipients also get counseling and soft skills development training. They also take part in yearly activities such as Tanoto Scholars Gathering.

For this year, Tanoto Scholars Gathering 2016 was held from August 16 to 20 in Pangkalan Kerinci, Riau. With a total participant of 300 Tanoto Foundation scholarship recipients or Tanoto Scholars from 32 universities, this Gathering is the biggest one so far. In the four day event, they took part in activities such as inspirational talks from national leaders, outbound games to learn about team work and improve their leadership skills, and learn directly about sustainability from Tanoto Foundation’s corporate partners.

In his remarks, Anderson Tanoto, Trustee from Tanoto Foundation said that, “In supporting efforts to alleviate poverty, we believe that Indonesia needs to be developed sustainably. In that respect, Indonesia continues to need innovation and leaders who are strong, have high quality, and care for their surroundings. The recipients of Tanoto Foundation scholarships are chosen not only because they have high academic achievement, but also because they have the potential to be the leaders of Indonesia in the future. Through events such as Tanoto Scholars Gathering, they are given the opportunity to strengthen their spirit of learning and leading, broadening their awareness about sustainable development, as well as developing their network and improving their soft skills.”

“We believe that Tanoto Scholars Gathering and other Tanoto Foundation activities will help to produce Indonesia leaders who are not only smart, but also competent and excellent in what they do. These people will also actively take part in poverty alleviation in Indonesia,” said Anderson concluding his statement.

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For more information, please contact:

Lestari Boediono, Head of Corporate Communications

Phone: +62 21 392 3189, Fax: +62 21 392 3324

Email: lestari_boediono@www.tanotofoundation.org

Following the Aceh Tsunami in 2004, Tanoto Foundation mounted a relief operation to assist the tsunami survivors. first to reach the tsunami-affected areas. At a later stage, we took part in the rehabilitation process by reconstructing a primary school in SDN Peunaga in Meulaboh, West Aceh District, which had been completely destroyed by the tidal waves.

On 30 March 2005, a 8.2 Richter scale earthquake also struck Nias and destroyed many public amenities, including schools. Tanoto Foundation responded by reconstructing the SMPN 1 Gunungsitoli, one of the significant education facilities in Gunungsitoli, the capital of in Nias District.

The support provided was among the first responses in addressing the basic needs of the survivors and highly acknowledged by Badan Rekonstruksi dan Rehabilitasi, the agency that coordinates the global response to the unprecedented tsunami disaster affecting Aceh province and the island of Nias.