• Jadi Teladan #1: The Skills You Need to Be A Global Citizen

    Jadi Teladan #1: The Skills You Need to Be A Global Citizen

    Welcome to Jadi TELADAN, the new show from Tanoto Foundation that aims to give young Indonesians the skills and inspiration you need to become a future leader. In our first episode, we’re talking about what it means to be a global citizen.

    Join our host Robinson (author of ‘Impian Besar Orang Kecil’) along with Fenny Chandra (TELADAN Experiential Lead Program, Tanoto Foundation) and Rahayu Saraswati (Chairman of the Parinama Astha Foundation) to learn what it means to be a global citizen, and how you can learn the skills you need to succeed in a globalised, multicultural world.

    This episode covers:

    a. Global Citizen? What is it and why you need to know

    b. The characteristic of a Global Citizen

    c. How to raise your awareness of the world’s problems

    d. How to change your mindset and have a wider global perspective ‘Local Youth, Global Perspective’

    e. Things you need to know to improve your abilities

    f. Tips and tricks on how to harness your talent

    ‘Global Citizen’ – why does it matter?

    A global citizen is someone who takes an active role in both their local community and the international community to succeed – whether it’s in education, in business, or in making the world a more sustainable place.

    The opportunities our fast-changing ‘globalised’ world offers young people are enormous. But so too are the challenges. Young Indonesians need an education that equips them with the knowledge, skills and values they need in order to embrace the opportunities and challenges they encounter and to create the kind of world that they want to live in. 

    How to be a Global Talent

    Tanoto Foundation’s TELADAN is a scholarship and training program designed to equip the next generation of Indonesia’s leaders with the skills they need to make a meaningful contribution to the places in which they live and work.

    To become a future leader, each individual needs to have these nine traits:

    – Self-awareness: conscious knowledge of one’s own character and feelings

    – Drive: be passionate, focused on learning and competitive.

    – Integrity: being honest and showing a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values

    – Grit: able to persist in something they feel passionate about and persevere when facing obstacle

    – Innovative: Actively seek out opportunities

    – Continuous Learning: the practices the individual carries out daily in order to continue increasing knowledge

    – Caring for Others: Able to understand different perspectives and needs, and work at being socially sensitive, considerate, and perceptive.

    – Empowering Others: bringing energy and enthusiasm

    – Entrepreneurial Spirit: Actively seeks out change, rather than waiting to adapt to change

    These traits are essential if young Indonesians are to compete in a globalized world, Fenny explained. “That’s why, in TELADAN, the first step of our leadership development program is called Lead Self. It’s about how we lead ourselves that we have to know our purposes, what our weaknesses are, what is our strength, and what issues that we’re passionate about. If we want to champion, come up with a solution.

    Get to know more: https://bitly.com/JadiTeladanGlobalCitizen

    Video Transcript

    Hello, T-Friends, wherever you are! I’m Robinson Sinurat. Just call me Robin. I’m here to host the Jadi Teladan program. This show is recorded by following the health protocols, keeping the physical distance.

    This talkshow is a light and fun talk about leadership, training, and soft skills, which will broaden the younger generation’s insights.

    In the talk show, we will discuss global citizen.

    In this first talk show, there will be two extraordinary speakers.

    First, she is an Indonesian actress, politician, and activist fighting for the anti-human trafficking movement.

    Now, we call our first extraordinary speaker, Rahayu Saraswati, who we often call Sarah.

    Thank you.

    Applause?

    I don’t know if they applauded or not.

    The second speaker, T-Friends, is also very extraordinary. Here we present you with the second great speaker, Fenny Chandra.

    How are you, Sarah and Fenny?

    Great, thank you.

    Throughout the Covid pandemic, the most important thing is to keep our spirit and maintain our health, right?

    That’s right.

    “The first question is for Fenny. What is a global citizen?”

    The global citizen, it may sound fantastic. Global citizen is a concept that a lot of our friends must know already. The global citizen is an individual who puts his identity as a world citizen above the communal identity, such as national identity, ethnic identity, race, religion, and others. As technology is getting faster, numerous social issues affect all countries quickly. Safe to say that borders are now limitless.

    Then, how do we participate in becoming a global citizens?

    Indeed we have concerns about specific global issues. For example, we have concerns about waste management or gender equality. It’s relevant everywhere. So starting from there, understand what contribution we can make to this issue and increase our awareness for ourselves and our environment. From there, we can take part and have a global perspective.

    Sorry, I’d like to add some more to what Ms. Fenny said about the definition of a global citizen. I won’t know it’s wrong, but I can’t entirely agree about positioning ourselves as a global society above matters related to groups or localities. I disagree because global citizen doesn’t mean we forget our nationalism. It doesn’t mean that we put ourselves above our responsibilities and our rights as national citizens because of global citizen. If we say citizens, we’re part of a nation. Especially yesterday, as the head of the delegation at Y20, I was discussing the priority area of global citizen. We agreed, across the board from Y20 from G20 countries, representatives of young people from G20 countries, that we are citizens of a country where we obey and understand our love for our respective homeland. But we are also aware and have awareness. The keyword here is awareness.

    Correct.

    We have awareness about global issues as national citizens and global citizens. And in this world, the earth is the only place we live in, we better focus on protecting the place where we live now, the earth. So, it shows that we have awareness as global citizens.

    Sarah, what provisions should the young generation have to be a global talent?

    Of course, we must try to master six literacy.

    How about that?

    When we talk about six literacy, it’s not only about reading, writing, and calculating. It’s not reading when we don’t comprehend it. You can be literate in words, a b c d e, literate numerically when 1 + 1 is 2. But if you don’t comprehend the materials, you should seek more sources to be more literate. Some of the things that we must have are digital literacy and financial literacy. Moreover, now we have entered the 4.0 industrial revolution, soon to 5.0 with artificial intelligence. If we are Global Citizens with nationalism, like it or not, we must be dealing with something called protectionism versus globalization.

    Speaking about becoming a Global Talent, let’s not hurry to talk about the global level. Mainly, please talk about the context in our community first. It’s what I’d like to remind T-Friends that, frequently, we set our dreams as high as the sky. And that’s a good thing; it’s not a bad thing. But don’t forget that every goal should start from a little step to make it come true. For example, I went through a selection process to choose the Y20 delegates this year. And I knew it wouldn’t be easy. There were only three delegates chosen despite dozens of applicants. But often, the young generations expect everything to be expressed. They want to be the best but forget about the process. You have to start small. Everyone who is ready. Don’t forget that the best inventors in the world, even all of the millionaires in this world, billionaires, trillionaires, have been through the darkest time. They have been through failures. Thomas Edison wasn’t successful the first time he tried something.

    True.

    It needs more than one failure to be successful. So, my biggest advice that I can share is to see your greatness. Talents can be developed. Maybe you’re not good at something, and it doesn’t mean that you don’t have talent. You can grow it by following your passion, with who you are. That’s the right start that will bring you to the right place.

    What are the preparations that T-Friends should have during their university life? Because many of them ask about college but do nothing afterward, what do you think, Fenny?

    It’s right what Sarah said. Know yourself, know your potential, what the things we like to do, our passion, that’s about understanding our self-focus. That’s why, in Teladan, the first step of our leadership development program is called Lead Self. It’s about how we lead ourselves, that we have to know our purposes, what our weaknesses are, what is our strength, and what issues that we’re passionate about. If we want to champion, come up with a solution. So, please don’t be selfish during your college life, so you don’t want to go through the process in college, through organizations, or in society because it’s not a global citizen when we don’t take care of our backyard.

    Yes.

    That’s what I like a lot, that’s right! Don’t ever become selfish and want to finish something quickly, but then we didn’t immerse ourselves in the experience, and for T-Friends who are still in college, please, it’s okay to take your time. And it’s not going to come back. Some experiences are once in a lifetime.

    It’s not a race, right.

    It’s not a race. And to be honest, talking about experiential learning, I’m doing a developed learning program and going back to college. And you know what? Today, online learning is so cool because we can understand each other because during the old college method, physically, all we did was sit in the class, listen, and go home. We didn’t get to know each other in the class. One of the biggest things that will help you more than your knowledge is your network.

    True.

    If you have a large network, you are rich in that. If you don’t take the time to know each other, immerse yourself in existing communities; since I got involved in some communities from the clubs that I joined, you can’t move as fast as those with better networks.

    To be a global talent, Sarah, is it necessary to study abroad?

    No.

    Many asked whether they should go aboard or not.

    No.

    This pandemic has taught us about the democratization of learning. Learning can be everywhere, anytime. And some paid courses are free now!

    So, to be a global talent, global citizen, we have to know your place in the world, how you can contribute, and you have the eagerness to learn and have the willingness to seek out an opportunity because it’s always there.

    I can say because I’m part of the selection board in (..) for Y20 delegates. What we searched for were the people with not only global perspectives but also who know what is currently happening. If you have been to so many places, have great global perspectives, but don’t understand your own backyard’s realities, it can be seen as negative.

    What’s the good of your high education when you only use it for yourself?

    Exactly.

    So, no, you don’t have to go abroad. But many international institutions provide online learning with overseas lecturers that you can still access. I don’t have to go to the US to enroll in a university there. Join online learning but even get the knowledge, and many of them are for free.

    Yale gives free online learning, Harvard, Cambridge, all you need to do is search.

    Alright! We have learned and listened to Fenny and Sarah’s many wonderful experiences and valuable insights for T-Friends.

    So, T-Friends, it’s essential to know yourself first before doing anything for other people. And then to have the awareness to care for others and always be honest, that’s very important. Being true to yourself is important.

    Everyone can be a leader. No matter what’s your background. We have the same opportunity to be future leaders.

    Let’s keep maintaining our health and keep up the spirit to achieve our dreams. Hopefully, the lesson that we learned today can help make us better and be the future leaders of Indonesia.

    Thank you, everyone, see you later, T-Friends!

    Where You Can Find Us:

    In Bahasa Indonesia:

    Website: https://www.tanotofoundation.org/id/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanotoeducation

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tanotofoundation​

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/tanotoeducation/

    In English:

    Website: https://www.tanotofoundation.org

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tanoto-foundation/

    Read about our founders here:

    https://www.tanotofoundation.orgabout-us/founder-message/sukanto-tanoto

    http://www.sukantotanoto.net/

  • Towards a New Balance of Power in Philanthropy

    Towards a New Balance of Power in Philanthropy

    On January 26th 2021, Alliance Magazine collaborated with Centre of Strategic from Cambridge University to hold a webinar which invited various speakers around the world, such as Global CEO of Tanoto Foundation J. Satrijo Tanudjojo, Degan Ali of Adeso Kenya, Clare Woodcraft of Emirates Foundation, and Dr. Kamal Munir from Cambridge University who is also the author of the research in which the webinar is based on. This webinar discussed how the Covid-19 pandemic accelerates an already existing trend: the awakening of institutional philanthropy in the global south. 

    Although according to the recent research done by Dr. Kumal Munir, this awakening is seemingly hampered due to the weak infrastructure and networks, insufficient collaboration within and sectors and a lack of core funding to build the resilience of the non-profit ecosystem.

    Kamal Munir defined power in philanthropy in his research as an ability to encourage and persuade others into doing or moving towards the way that we intend to show them to. This power dynamics can only shift if we leverage indigenous knowledge. He also stated that according to his research also, the lack of core funding to Non Governmental Organizations may lead to lack of resilience, and this pandemic has brought some new oblivious challenges while at the same time it also has opened new opportunities.

    This webinar is opened and moderated by Charles Keidan of Alliance Magazine which then asked Clare Woodcraft to give her thoughts on the subject. She claims that there is a bias towards how people perceive north global’s influence on the balance of philanthropy globally. She believes that philanthropic actions should not be regionally limited, as global south’s regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and SouthEast Asia are within Emirates Foundation’s vision and mission reach as she also believes a lot of the countries within the said three regions are heavily affected by the Covid-19.

    She then shares three recommendations for a more resilient philanthropy; investments in infrastructure through partnerships, to establish collaboration with government sectors, as well as to increase core funding to local organizations to help build resilience.

    In this webinar, Degan Ali cautions the impact in seeing the global south philanthropy through the western lens philanthropy. With so many INGOs retreating due to the occuring pandemic, it has opened an opportunity for local philanthropy foundations to grow local social support that will lead to the break of dependency towards the western aid. 

    In discussing this subject, J. Satrijo Tanudjojo speaks about the potential of local philanthropy in Indonesia. While he claims that Indonesia’s economy has risen significantly, poverty in Indonesia undeniably still exists and remains an issue that should be overcome. WIth the happening pandemic, it has opened new opportunities and potentials for local philanthropy and private sector funding. He adds that this could bring a change towards the balance of power in Indonesia’s philanthropy and to not be as dependent on the western aid like it used to.

    For the last four years, Indonesia’s philanthropy has grown rapidly. Tanoto Foundation’s investment in Indonesia’s education alone has multiplied from the previous USD3 million to more than USD10 million. J. Satrijo Tanudjojo believes that only with a quality education, a nation can open more opportunities in the future. While he believes that Indonesia’s philanthropy is yet to reach its maximum potential due to the unconducive environment, lack of support and funding, as well as being too dependent to certain Indonesian individuals, he claims to be optimistic as he feels that the Indonesian government of today has been really promising by making it easier for private institutions such as Tanoto Foundation, an independent family philanthropy organisation founded by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto in 1981, to establish cooperation with the state institutions.

  • Tanoto Foundation for Indonesia’s Future Education

    Tanoto Foundation for Indonesia’s Future Education

    2020 was an unprecedented year, with the Covid-19 pandemic forcing borders to close, businesses to shut, and schools to send pupils home. 

    Although it made the logistics more complex, the pandemic made the work of Tanoto Foundation even more important as educations and livelihoods were disrupted. 

    In April 2020, Tanoto Foundation, an independent family philanthropy organisation founded by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto in 1981, procured 1 million medical gloves, 3,000 medical goggles and 100,000 protective gowns to help protect frontline medical personnel. Tanoto Foundation also donated 10,200 PCR diagnostic kits to BNPB, the national disaster management agency.

    That was followed in October by a collaboration with Temasek Foundation to donate Covid-19 detection equipment kits to GSI Lab in Jakarta. The donation included a PCR test machine and 10,000 testing kits to increase the daily testing capacity.

    We also continued our work to support schools in Indonesia, which had been forced to rapidly introduce online learning. We developed distance learning modules designed for teachers, principals, facilitators, parents and students. We also worked hand in hand with education stakeholders to create online learning platforms tailored to regional needs, such as the Kendal Pintar Berbagi website in Kendal Regency, Central Java; Rumah Belajar and Kukar Pintar Youtube channels in Kutai Kartanegara Regency, East Kalimantan; and the Batanghari Belajar dari Rumah Facebook group.

    Our work to contribute to the reduction of the stunting rate in Indonesia to below 20% by 2030 continued, as Tanoto Foundation partnered with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to become a founding member of the World Bank’s Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) for Indonesia Human Capital Acceleration (IHCA). Operating from 2020 to 2024, the MDTF will support and accelerate whole-of-government stunting reduction efforts. Both the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Tanoto Foundation have committed a total USD 4 million donation to the MDTF.

    In the field of leadership development, Tanoto Foundation continued its recruitment for TELADAN 2020, offering scholarships and support to 150 students from nine state universities.

    Our annual Tanoto Scholars Gathering was conducted virtually for the first time, along with our Graduation and Alumni Gathering events for scholars who had just finished their bachelor education.

    Looking back to everything that has been done in 2020, Tanoto Foundation looks forward to 2021 as a time to strengthen the commitment we have built in increasing the quality of education in Indonesia. Because we believe, only through a better education can we improve the quality of the next generation as our successors.