Scientific research is essential for a nation to progress, but in this area Indonesia lags behind many of its neighbors.

Accoring to The Jakarta Post, the University of University of Gadjah Mada earned the highest number of citations in scientific journals in 2015 with 16,809, but this is less than half the 40,030 earned by Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University, and just a fraction of the National University of Singapore’s 419,702.

To support the Indonesian government’s goal of publishing 6,000 to 6,500 scientific papers per year, Tanoto Foundation has been running the Tanoto Student Research Award (TSRA) since 2007.

The program encourages students at Indonesian universities to conduct research into problems that affect the lives of ordinary people. As well as recognition, the best projects can win can prizes.

This year projects by noine teams from five universities were on display on 21 March at the annual media briefing, where students got the opportunity to showcase their work to the public.

“Tanoto Student Research Award encourages the development of applications of knowledge in college to become a product that can be directly utilized by the community,” said Sihol Aritonang, Head of Tanoto Foundation.

“From here, we can see a variety of innovative products that are useful for a lot of people. For example, the students from University of Indonesia made a drone that can be used for agricultural systems to be more precise. Or Bogor Agricultural University students who recycle the fronds of palm oil to be used as a building material that is economical and strong.”

In its 10 years the competition has attracted 440 applied research projects from various fields, including technology, health, agriculture, and the environment.

Ujang Suwarna, Deputy Director of Interests and Talents Bogor Agricultural Institute, praised the effect the program has on the creativity of students.

This year’s entrants were:

1. Emergency Assistance Box – Universitas Indonesia
2. Precision Farming System Using Drone – Universitas Indonesia
3. Mushrooms Omnivore For Plastics Degradation – University of North Sumatra
4. Prototype Waste Processed Natural Stone Business – Institute of Technology Bandung
5. Waste Management as Alternative Fuel Cement Industry – Institute of Technology Bandung
6. Souvenir Products Made From Bamboo Laminate – Universitas Hasanuddin
7. Bacteria Formulation Technology for Agriculture Bioindustry – Universitas Hasanuddin
8. Zephyr Board of Palm Fronds – Bogor Agricultural Institute
9. Silvator, Punch Machine Land for Agriculture – Bogor Agricultural Institute

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.