The Passion of Care to Community

There was a special moment at Tanoto Foundation’s office on July 15, 2017.  Around 100 people gathered at the Tanoto Foundation office on that Saturday.  They are graduates of Tanoto Scholars who are now working and have careers in various big companies in Indonesia.

The 2017 Tanoto Scholar Alumni Gathering showcases the close ties between Tanoto Foundation and its scholarship recipients, even though their status is not that of students anymore.

“I am very pleased to see Tanoto Scholars have a sense of belonging to the value upheld by the Tanoto Foundation. The spirit of “pay it forward” of these friends is still high.  Let’s keep the spirit of sharing.  For those who have money to give money, those who have time to give time, and those who have knowledge to give knowledge.  Because, we are not the only ones living in this world, “said Belinda Tanoto, Member of the Board of Trustees of Tanoto Foundation.

In addition to being a event to satisfy our longing to be together, this event was also filled with materials about self-development. Speakers who filled this event were Meidyatama Suryodiningrat, President Director of Antara News Agency; Rudi Fajar, President Director of PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper; and Fonny Lomanorek, Head of Human Resources of Royal Golden Eagle (RGE).

The three speakers highlighted the theme of career development.  Meidyatama shared his experience about integrity, hard work, and determination to work for Indonesia, which led to him achieving his current position. Rudi Fajar added that in addition to hard work, people must also stick strongly to quality values in their works.  Meanwhile, Fonny Lomanorek explained the opportunities and career paths in RGE Group.

“My impression of this event is very good, because it can build a close relationship. Hopefully this event can be held regularly, and if possible not only held in Jakarta.  Today we got a lot of inspirations from the speakers.  It would not be a bad idea if in the next event there will be alumni who will share inspirations, “said Caroline Herawati Manik, alumni of Tanoto Scholar  from Gadjah Mada University, who now works as Expert Staff at the Presidential Advisory Council.

“This event is very good and, in the future hopefully relationship of Tanoto Scholars alumni will become more solid.  Hopefully in the future there will be events initiated by the alumni as well, “said Jaja Netra Puspita, alumni of Tanoto Scholars from Universitas Indonesia, who now works as a Business Improvement Specialist at a national insurance company.

Not only have they gathered and met in a reunion, the alumni have also created a new platform, namely a Facebook Group, as a medium of communication between alumni.  As a first step, the alumni have also created a real program of book collection to be donated to Tanoto Foundation’s partner schools in rural areas.

On the number of books collected, Tanoto Foundation doubled it. “Tanoto Scholars Alumni Gathering is a continuous realization of Tanoto Foundation’s commitment to participate in the development of future leaders of Indonesia.  The alumni who attended are Indonesian leaders and candidate leaders, “said Tanoto Foundation Chairman, Sihol Aritonang.

According to Tanoto Foundation alumni data, 67% of alumni work in multinational companies, state-owned enterprises, and national private companies.  Meanwhile, 16% work as lecturers and continue with S2 studies and 50% occupy the positions of managers in the companies where they work.