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  • Tanoto Foundation Drives Cross-Sector Synergy to Strengthen the Early Childhood Education and Development Ecosystem through the 2025 International Symposium on Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED)

    Tanoto Foundation Drives Cross-Sector Synergy to Strengthen the Early Childhood Education and Development Ecosystem through the 2025 International Symposium on Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED)

    Jakarta, 17 December 2025 – Early childhood is not merely a phase of growth, but the foundation that determines the quality of human capital and a nation’s future competitiveness. Yet to this day, the fulfilment of young children’s rights and wellbeing continues to face major challenges, both globally and nationally.

    UNESCO (2022) reports that only around two thirds of children aged 36 to 59 months worldwide are developing in line with their developmental stages, while UNICEF notes that more than half of children have experienced severe violence.

    In Indonesia, national stunting prevalence remains at 19.8 percent (National Team for the Acceleration of Stunting Reduction, 2024). Meanwhile, Statistics Indonesia (2025) shows that the Gross Enrolment Rate for early childhood education stands at only 36 percent, alongside persistent challenges related to the quality and capacity of early childhood educators.

    These data highlight the wide gaps that remain, ranging from access to services and quality of caregiving to weak cross-sector coordination in early childhood development. Strong advocacy is therefore required to drive policy and practice reforms so that early childhood development becomes more holistic, evidence based, and cross sectoral.

    Without close synergy between health, education, caregiving, and social protection, Indonesia risks losing momentum in human capital development and its demographic dividend on the path towards Indonesia Emas 2045.

    Recognising this urgency, Tanoto Foundation, an independent philanthropic organisation focusing on education and health, convened the 2025 International Symposium on Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) under the theme “ECED Ecosystem Synergy in Promoting the Best Start in Life” in Jakarta on Wednesday, 17 December 2025.

    To ensure that every child receives the best possible start in life, solutions must be cross sectoral, evidence based, and sustainable. Collaboration among central and local governments, international organisations, research institutions, civil society, and the philanthropic sector is key to strengthening early childhood development.

    Accordingly, Tanoto Foundation partnered with ministries and cross sector organisations, including the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas, the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, and the Ministry of Population and Family Development, as well as UNICEF, SEAMEO CECCEP, ARNEC, ECED Council Indonesia, and others.

    The symposium discussions were structured around two main sub-themes. The morning segment, “Synergising Health and Education for ECED”, emphasised the importance of integrating health, nutrition, and education services as the foundation of children’s development from an early age. This session highlighted innovations in growth and development monitoring, nutrition interventions, and the strengthening of early stimulation within primary service systems.

    The afternoon segment focused on “Parenting and Early Learning”, positioning families, particularly parents and caregivers, as key actors within the early childhood ecosystem. Discussions explored the role of responsive caregiving, interaction based early learning, and policy and programme support to strengthen parents’ capacity to support children’s optimal growth and learning.

    Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin, who officially opened the symposium, underscored that fulfilling young children’s right to life and health is the cornerstone of human development.

    “The age of 0 to 5 years is a highly decisive phase in determining whether a person will grow into a healthy, intelligent adult who can contribute to the nation, including to increased per capita income,” said the Minister of Health.

    He added that priority must be placed on ensuring children can live and grow in good health. “We must act very quickly. If we do not, we risk missing Indonesia’s demographic dividend, and this is our responsibility to our children,” he stressed.

    The Government of Indonesia has reaffirmed its commitment to early childhood development through the Long-Term National Development Plan 2025 to 2045 and the Medium-Term National Development Plan 2025 to 2029, with Holistic and Integrated Early Childhood Development (PAUD-HI) designated as a key performance indicator. The second phase of the National Action Plan for Holistic and Integrated ECED 2025 to 2029 will also be launched soon as a framework for multisector collaboration.

    Opening the afternoon session, Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifatul Choiri Fauzi highlighted the symposium’s role in strengthening policy direction. “This forum brings together strategic cross sector perspectives. We encourage the resulting recommendations to be used to strengthen policies, regulations, and service innovations for early childhood development,” she explained.

    Prof. Stella Christie, Benny Lee, and Inge Kusuma during the 2025 International Symposium on Early Childhood Education and Development in Jakarta.

    Continuing the session, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Prof. Stella Christie emphasised the importance of science based parenting and high quality interactions between children and parents or caregivers.

    “As a researcher, I have found that caregiving with optimal interaction between children and caregivers has the greatest potential to maximise child development. No technology, including artificial intelligence, can replace the power of human interaction,” said Prof. Stella.

    She explained that children learn through curiosity and imitation. “Children develop by asking questions and by observing and copying. Therefore, it is important to give them the widest possible opportunities to learn through questions, to respond in ways that stimulate thinking, and to provide good examples in everyday life,” she added.

    Prof. Stella stressed that parenting grounded in scientific evidence and meaningful relationships forms the foundation of brain development and lifelong learning.

    At the same occasion, CEO of Tanoto Foundation Benny Lee reaffirmed that early life is the most decisive phase in a person’s life journey, shaping brain development, health, and character.

    “The early years are a critical starting point. This is when the foundations of human capacity are formed, with impacts that last a lifetime. That is why we need a truly supportive ecosystem, not driven by a single institution, but through collaboration among all stakeholders,” said Benny.

    He added that Tanoto Foundation’s current focus is on strengthening a comprehensive ecosystem for young children and families.

    “For Tanoto Foundation, early childhood development is a primary investment. We believe that when government, civil society, academia, and the philanthropic sector work together, the impact will be far greater and more sustainable,” Benny concluded.

    This year’s symposium was attended by around 200 participants, with speakers from a wide range of institutions and organisations.

    Government speakers included:

    • Deputy for Coordination of Family Quality Improvement and Population, Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, Woro Srihastuti Sulistyaningrum
    • Deputy for Family Welfare and Family Empowerment, National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN), Nopian Andusti
    • Assistant Deputy for Early Childhood and Basic Education, Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, Jazziray Hartoyo
    • Director of Family Health Services, Ministry of Health, Lovely Daisy
    • Director of Primary and Secondary Education, Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas, Suprapto Budinugroho
    • Senior Education Quality Assurance Expert, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Harris Iskandar
    • Chair of the Family Welfare and Empowerment Movement (TP PKK), East Java Province, Arumi Bachsin

    Speakers from development organisations, academia, research institutions, and philanthropy included:

    • President and CEO, Childhood Education International, Diane Whitehead
    • Chief of Nutrition, UNICEF, Mamadou Ndiaye
    • Executive Director, ARNEC, Evelyn Santiago
    • Octapharma Chaired Professor of Decision Neuroscience, INSEAD, Prof. Dr. Hilke Plassmann
    • Director, SEAMEO CECCEP, Prof. Vina Adriany
    • Deputy Director of Programmes, SEAMEO CECCEP, Widodo Suhartoyo
    • Coordinator, National Coalition for Holistic and Integrated ECED, Irma Yuliantina
    • Chair, ECED Council Indonesia, Prof. Fasli Jalal
    • Director, Indonesian Fortification Coalition, Nina Sardjunani
    • Member of ECED Council Indonesia and BAN PAUD, Dr. Gutama

    “This symposium is a commitment to ensure that every parent receives the support they need, every child receives the stimulation, nutrition, protection, and learning they deserve, and every sector, public, private, and development partners alike, moves forward together. Most importantly, it is about giving every child the strongest and happiest possible start in life,” Benny Lee concluded.

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  • The Role of Fathers in the First 1,000 Days of Life: A Conversation on Bincang Inspiratif with Bapak2ID 

    The Role of Fathers in the First 1,000 Days of Life: A Conversation on Bincang Inspiratif with Bapak2ID 

    Tanoto Foundation hosted a special podcast, Bincang Inspiratif Live on Stage, focusing on the vital role fathers play during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life. 

    The discussion brought together public figures, the Bapak2ID community, and participants who shared real experiences and practical challenges. Throughout the session, one message stood out clearly: caregiving is not solely a mother’s responsibility.

    Actor Agus Kuncoro contributed his perspective, highlighting the importance of supporting the mother’s emotional wellbeing during pregnancy. He also stressed the need for fathers to maintain emotional stability, noting that babies can respond to sound and the surrounding atmosphere even from the womb. 

    The co-founders of Bapak2ID—Pak Munawir, Tuan Yayat, and Pak Nuang 2.000—added reflections on common issues faced by new fathers. One recurring challenge is the lack of clarity in dividing household and caregiving responsibilities, especially for fathers who grew up believing their primary role was simply to provide financially. 

    They emphasized that fatherhood is an ongoing learning process. Through their community, fathers have a space to exchange experiences, gain insights, and develop healthier, more effective parenting practices. 

    Watch this episode of Bincang Inspiratif to gain practical insights and help fathers feel more prepared and confident even before their child is born. Access the full episode through the link below. 

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  • Tanoto Foundation, KemenkoPMK, KemenPPN, and KemenPPPA Enhance Early Childhood Development and Education in Indonesia Through an International Symposium

    Tanoto Foundation, KemenkoPMK, KemenPPN, and KemenPPPA Enhance Early Childhood Development and Education in Indonesia Through an International Symposium

    Jakarta, November 20, 2024 – Attention to early childhood development and education in Indonesia remains far from the ideal. Early childhood is a critical foundation for children’s future success and human capital development, which can break the cycle of poverty and boost economic productivity.

    Quality development and education are fundamental rights of every child. These rights must be fulfilled from an early age to ensure children grow and develop optimally, without exception. Their fulfillment also has a profound impact on fostering inclusive and sustainable societal development.

    In Indonesia, early childhood development and education face numerous challenges. Awareness of the interconnected needs of young children remains low. Many still perceive early childhood development merely as a health and nutrition issue. In fact, young children require responsive caregiving, adequate stimulation, and protection. Additionally, the coordination among service providers across multiple sectors has yet to be optimized, with services often segmented by sectoral interests rather than being holistic and integrated.

    These challenges underscore the collaboration among the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs (Kemenko PMK), the Ministry of National Development

    Planning/Bappenas, and Tanoto Foundation in organizing the **International Symposium on Early Childhood Education and Development 2024** in Jakarta on November 20, 2024.

    With the theme “Nurturing Care for Early Childhood Development (Holistic and Integrated Early Childhood Development)”, the symposium aims to gather experts and stakeholders to share knowledge, the latest research findings, and best practices. It also seeks to align thoughts and program planning for early childhood development and education based on the Nurturing Care Framework (NCF), known in Indonesia as Holistic and Integrated Early Childhood Development (PAUD HI).

    The NCF also serves as a tool to assist countries in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to early childhood, such as improving nutrition, reducing infant mortality rates, providing universal access to quality preschool education, and preventing violence and neglect of children.

    “This international symposium is expected to guide government policies in drafting the second phase of the National Action Plan (RAN) for Holistic and Integrated Early Childhood Development (PAUD HI) for the 2025-2029 period. This plan will serve as a framework for providing services at both the national and regional levels, ensuring better quality and alignment with international standards,” said Arifah Fauzi, Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, during the opening of the International Symposium on Early Childhood Education and Development 2024.

    Arifah explained that her ministry currently implements several flagship programs, such as the Ruang Bersama Merah Putih, a platform for fulfilling the rights and protection of women and children at the village level; the SAPA 129 call center for violence against women and children; and the **One Gender and Child Data** initiative. These programs also target early childhood.

    “We extend our appreciation to Tanoto Foundation for initiating this symposium. We hope this event becomes a pivotal moment to strengthen synergies between the government, society, and international organizations in supporting holistic and integrated early childhood development,” Arifah added.

    Woro Srihastuti, Deputy for the Coordination of Quality Improvement of Children, Women, and Youth at the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, emphasized the potential for inter-agency synergy through the Ruang Bersama Merah Putih platform.

    “Mechanisms for its implementation in 2025-2029 will be prepared. One key aspect is redefining the measurement instruments for PAUD HI. Currently, there is only the Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI). We need additional derivations of ECDI to enable each institution to measure the various components of PAUD HI,” Woro elaborated.

    During the same event, Inge Kusuma, Country Head of Tanoto Foundation Indonesia, highlighted the significance of the first 1,000 days of a child’s life as the period of the fastest brain development, which cannot be replicated later in life.

    “Eighty percent of brain development occurs in the first three years, with peak sensory, auditory, language, and cognitive development happening in the first year. If we fail to intervene during this golden period, the impact on a child’s future will be significant and may hinder their development in later stages of life,” Inge noted.

    “NCF and PAUD HI have provided clear guidelines to ensure optimal growth and development for young children. The challenge lies in our commitment and implementation in Indonesia. We hope

    this symposium strengthens the commitment of all stakeholders, serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, and enhances the implementation of PAUD HI,” Inge concluded.

    The symposium, involving government officials, academics, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, professional associations, practitioners, and media representatives, is expected to build a foundation for raising awareness among stakeholders about early childhood development. Together, they aim to make early childhood development a national development agenda priority.

    Speakers at the event included representatives from Kemenko PMK, KemenPPN/Bappenas, KemenKes, the National Nutrition Agency, UNICEF EAPRO, UNICEF Indonesia, WHO, The World Bank, ARNEC, SEAMEO CECCEP, Ishk Tolaram, Tulodo, UPTD PPA Depok, and Tanoto Foundation.

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    About Tanoto Foundation

    Tanoto Foundation is an independent philanthropic organization in the field of education, founded by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto in 1981, based on the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to realize their full potential. Tanoto Foundation’s programs are founded on the conviction that quality education accelerates equal opportunities. We strive to unlock potential and improve lives through quality education, from early childhood to productive ages. Tanoto Foundation’s three pillars of commitment are enhancing learning environments, developing future leaders, and facilitating medical research.

    For more information, please contact:

    Tanoto Foundation Communications Team

    Email: communications@tanotofoundation.org

    Website: www.tanotofoundation.org

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