• SDG Academy Indonesia Officially Launched as a National Learning Hub to Accelerate the 2030 Agenda 

    SDG Academy Indonesia Officially Launched as a National Learning Hub to Accelerate the 2030 Agenda 

    Indonesia has strengthened its national commitment to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the launch of SDG Academy Indonesia as a national learning hub for sustainable development.  

    The launch marks a new chapter following the long journey of SDG Academy Indonesia as a collaborative platform, which is now fully managed by the Ministry of National Development Planning (PPN/Bappenas) as a strategic national asset. 

    The launch of SDG Academy Indonesia under the leadership of the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas was officiated by Minister of National Development Planning/Bappenas, Rachmat Pambudy in Jakarta on Wednesday (25 February 2026). Also present at the event were Deputy for Human Development and Culture and Acting Head of the SDGs Secretariat at the Ministry of PPN/Bappenas, Pungkas Bahjuri Ali, Head of Policy and Advocacy at Tanoto Foundation Eddy Henry, Secretary General of the Indonesian Society of Sustainability Professionals Doty Damayanti, and CEO of KG Media Andy Budiman. 

    SDG Academy Indonesia was first established in 2019 through a collaboration between Bappenas, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Indonesia, and Tanoto Foundation. Over the past five years, the platform has evolved into a learning space for knowledge sharing and networking among changemakers from various sectors to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs agenda in Indonesia. 

    Deputy for Human Development and Culture and Acting Head of the SDGs Secretariat at the Ministry of PPN/Bappenas Pungkas Bahjuri Ali explained that SDG Academy Indonesia had played an important role in localising the Sustainable Development Goals and strengthening collaboration between government and non-government stakeholders.  

    He noted that since 2025 the academy had been managed by Bappenas, and in 2026 it had been officially launched as a nationally owned initiative under the ministry. According to him, this step reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding its reach while ensuring sustainable, inclusive management aligned with national development priorities. 

    SDG Academy Indonesia is designed as an innovative, inclusive, and sustainable national SDGs learning hub. The initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of government institutions and development stakeholders through knowledge-based learning, the use of technology, and strategic collaboration to accelerate progress towards the SDGs and Indonesia’s broader national development agenda. 

    The academy currently offers three main programmes, including a three-month SDGs leadership certification programme. To date, around 250 SDG leaders have received certification through the programme.  

    Deputy Pungkas explained that participants receive SDG leadership certification and that the programme is expected to be further developed into an international-level executive SDGs training programme. 

    Head of Policy and Advocacy at Tanoto Foundation Eddy Henry stated that since its establishment, SDG Academy Indonesia had served not only as a capacity-building platform but also as a cross-sector collaboration space. He expressed hope that with the academy now managed by Bappenas, it would further support the translation of sustainability principles into more effective planning, budgeting, and policy implementation. 

    Indonesia has shown relatively solid progress in achieving the SDGs, with approximately 62 per cent of national SDG targets already achieved, according to the latest Voluntary National Review (VNR).  

    Eddy noted that this achievement reflected Indonesia’s commitment and the consistent integration of sustainable development into national planning. However, he added that acceleration would still be required to ensure that the 2030 targets are achieved and aligned with the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045. 

    The launch also coincided with the introduction of a series of initiatives designed to enrich the SDGs learning ecosystem. These include the “Acceleration of SDGs 2030” Essay and Journalism Competition, which invites professionals, academics, journalists, and the wider public to contribute strategic ideas to strengthen governance, learning innovation, and sustainability communication. 

    The launch of SDG Academy Indonesia represents an important milestone, particularly as less than five years remain to achieve the SDGs 2030 targets. Strengthening human resource capacity is considered one of the key pillars for accelerating the achievement of national development targets. 

  • Siyuan Programme Delegation Visits Tanoto Foundation, Engages in Dialogue with Tanoto Scholars 

    Siyuan Programme Delegation Visits Tanoto Foundation, Engages in Dialogue with Tanoto Scholars 

    Tanoto Foundation welcomed a delegation of students from the Siyuan Programme at Tsinghua University as part of their international field study titled “Chinese Enterprises in Southeast Asia”. The visit formed part of a broader academic exploration of the education and philanthropy ecosystem in Indonesia. 

    The Siyuan Programme is recognised as one of China’s most prestigious leadership initiatives, nurturing selected first-year students from leading universities. During their visit to Tanoto Foundation office, the delegation took part in a structured dialogue session focused on education and youth development. 

    Through programme presentations and interactive discussions, Tanoto Foundation introduced TELADAN as a leadership development programme that integrates scholarship and academic excellence with community service. Siyuan students and Tanoto Scholars participated in small group discussions to exchange experiences, broaden cross-cultural perspectives, and deepen their understanding of the social and educational dynamics in their respective countries. 

    The visit also included several dedicated sessions: 

    • Academic Visit and Field Exposure 

    The delegation’s visit formed part of Siyuan’s international field study in Southeast Asia, offering first-hand exposure to Indonesia’s education and philanthropy landscape through engagement with Tanoto Foundation. 

    • Scholar Experience Sharing 

    Tanoto Scholars and Siyuan students shared their academic journeys, social contributions, and reflections on how leadership programmes shape values-driven and impact-oriented leadership. 

    • Alumni Insight Session 

    Participants also heard from distinguished alumni of the Belt & Road Talent Development Programme (a leadership development programme jointly developed by Tanoto Foundation and Tsinghua University): 

    Patricia Lisca, Deputy Director at Indonesia’s Financial Services Authority, who shared insights on cross-cultural leadership and global networks. 

    Adi Harsono, member of the China Committee at the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), who discussed international collaboration and institutional engagement. 

    Youth Leadership Exchange Across Cultures 

    The exchange provided an opportunity for emerging leaders from Indonesia and China to build connections, exchange perspectives, and explore long-term collaboration in education and development. 

    “This afternoon I had a very engaging discussion with my new friends from Indonesia. The whole discussion was truly impressive, as I seldom have the opportunity to speak so deeply with students from other countries,” said Li Xuxu, a Siyuan student from Tsinghua University. 

    Similarly, Kian, a Tanoto Scholar from the University of Indonesia shared his experience. 

    “It was not just about the projects being shared, but also about the meaning and passion behind them. We were introduced to new friends and connections abroad. I am very grateful and hope to take part in more events like this in the future,” said Kian. 

    In bringing together emerging leaders from Indonesia and China, the visit illuminated the power of dialogue, shared values, and global connection in shaping a future driven by leadership, purpose, and impact. 

  • Tanoto Foundation Inaugurates 176 TELADAN Scholarship Recipients for 2026, Strengthening Soft Skills Development in Higher Education

    Tanoto Foundation Inaugurates 176 TELADAN Scholarship Recipients for 2026, Strengthening Soft Skills Development in Higher Education

    Amid increasingly complex labour market competition and rapid change, university graduates are expected not only to excel academically but also to possess strong non-technical or soft skills. Research conducted by Harvard Business School and Kellogg School of Management, analysing more than 1,000 occupations and 70 million career transitions, confirms that individuals with strong soft skills are better able to adapt, earn higher incomes, and remain resilient in fast-changing environments.

    In response to this challenge, Tanoto Foundation, an independent philanthropic organisation in education founded by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto in 1981, through the TELADAN Programme, supports the government’s efforts to strengthen non-technical skills and leadership development among Indonesia’s young generation.

    The TELADAN Leadership Scholarship Programme (Transformasi Edukasi untuk Melahirkan Pemimpin Masa Depan) provides not only financial assistance but also structured soft skills and leadership development training.

    On Wednesday, 14 January 2026, Tanoto Foundation officially inaugurated 176 new Tanoto Scholars (the designation for TELADAN scholarship recipients) from the 2026 cohort. These scholars come from ten Tanoto Foundation 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 new Tanoto Scholars were selected from 9,283 applicants across the ten partner universities nationwide through a multi-stage selection process conducted between July and November 2025.

    Over seven semesters, Tanoto Scholars are developed as future leaders of Indonesia with nine core characteristics: self-awareness, driven mindset, innovation, continuous learning, care for others, empowering others, grit, integrity, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

    Jakarta’s Deputy Governor, Rano Karno, who delivered an inspirational talk at the inauguration ceremony, expressed his support for Tanoto Foundation’s efforts to create equal opportunities for society through education.

    “This scholarship is a trust from someone who believes that education can change lives, and even alter the course of a nation. One day, when you stand at a pivotal moment in your life, in a meeting room, a classroom, in villages, in cities, or even on this very stage, remember this day, that you once received an opportunity greater than others. Therefore, be a role model through your values and the positive impact you bring to your surroundings,” said Deputy Governor Rano Karno.

    “Good fortune is not inherited, it must be earned. Remember one important thing: this scholarship is not meant to be enjoyed alone, nor to live comfortably by oneself, but to open pathways for others. This is the true meaning of the TELADAN Programme, to be a light and create impact for many,” he added.

    Tanoto Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Benny Lee, emphasised that the TELADAN Programme is part of Tanoto Foundation’s long-term commitment to preparing Indonesia’s future leaders who are not only academically capable but also strong in character.

    “We believe that Indonesia’s future leaders must possess integrity, empathy, and the ability to create tangible impact for society,” said Benny.

    He also encouraged Tanoto Scholars to make the most of this opportunity by contributing meaningfully to their communities through the spirit of pay it forward, by extending the benefits they receive to the wider society and communities.

    “Out of thousands of applicants, you have been selected as Tanoto Scholars. However, this achievement should not lead to complacency. Instead, use this opportunity as a platform to continue learning and growing with humility, while creating impact for the wider community,” Benny added.

    The TELADAN Programme is designed across three development phases over three and a half years: lead self (semesters two to four), lead others (semesters five to six), and professional preparation (semesters seven to eight). Through these stages, Tanoto Scholars gain a range of development opportunities, including community service, national networking with fellow Tanoto Scholars, internship experiences, global-level personal development, and career preparation.

    Upon graduation, Tanoto Scholars become part of a cross-country alumni network, a leadership community committed to continuous learning, collaboration, and positive impact.

    According to the TELADAN Programme Evaluation Report: Enhancing Leadership Capacity and Graduate Competitiveness in Indonesia, published in 2025, TELADAN alumni have a 27 per cent higher likelihood of securing employment and a 36 per cent greater probability of achieving higher income levels compared to students who did not participate in the programme.

    The evaluation also found that the TELADAN Programme doubles alumni’s opportunities for upward social mobility. Some alumni have matched or even exceeded their parents’ income levels within just one year of work experience.

    Employers also assessed TELADAN alumni as demonstrating strong adaptability, leadership capabilities, and communication skills.