Jakarta. Forest and land fires continue to occur frequently in Indonesia. Although the number of incidents has relatively declined, the figures remain significantly high. The National Disaster Management Agency recorded 2,051 forest and land fire cases in 2023, with 629 incidents occurring throughout 2024. The challenge is further compounded by the lack of advanced technology and methods capable of detecting the types of land cover affected by the fires.

Amid these challenges, a glimmer of hope emerges from a young Indonesian innovator leveraging science and technology.

Meet Nitya Ade Santi, a native of Karanganyar, Central Java, who made history as the youngest doctoral graduate of IPB University. Through her dissertation titled "Development of a Method to Measure Fire Severity and Vegetation Regeneration Using Direct Multi-Temporal Analysis," Nitya developed a new approach to more accurately detect the impacts of forest and land fires.

More than just calculating the burned area, she is able to identify the type of land cover affected, assess economic losses, and determine the loss of environmental carrying capacity.

"So far, we only know the size of the burned area, but not what actually burned --whether it’s primary forest, shrubs, or community plantations. That information is crucial," said Nitya.

Using publicly accessible satellite imagery, Nitya designed a multi-temporal analysis approach that allows authorities to monitor land condition changes before and after a fire, and obtain more detailed information about the area --especially in terms of economic impact.

She adds that this methodology is already used in developed countries such as the United States, Australia, and several European nations. In fact, a unit of the US space agency NASA applies this technology. However, because each country’s natural conditions vary, the standards for fire analysis also differ.

"Indonesia is a tropical country, so it's better for us to have our own standards. After all, the characteristics of fires in tropical and subtropical regions are indeed different," she explained.

Nitya’s research, published in prestigious international scientific journals, has also become a reference for the Climate Change Control division at the Environment and Forestry Ministry.

Equally important, her findings have become the basis for developing similar methods in other natural disaster cases, such as landslides and floods, and for tracking land cover changes over time.

Innovation Born from Limitations
Behind this academic achievement lies a moving life story. Nitya comes from a modest family -- her mother a teacher and her father a tea factory worker. Financial limitations did not dampen her family’s spirit in supporting their children’s education.

After graduating from high school, Nitya was accepted into the Forest Management study program at IPB University. Facing financial hardship, she sought scholarships to continue her studies. One of the opportunities she pursued was the TELADAN Scholarship Program by Tanoto Foundation, a scholarship combined with structured leadership development training to improve the soft skills of Indonesian youth.

"At first, I didn’t think I’d get the Tanoto Foundation scholarship -- it’s one of the most competitive and prestigious. They run many activities, give out awards, and the fellows often get to travel. During the application, interview, and all the selection stages, I didn’t feel like I was among the smart people worthy of the scholarship," she recalled with a laugh.

Her doubts were proven wrong. Nitya was accepted as a Tanoto Scholar and, from then on, received full support, not just financially, but also in leadership training, character development, and counseling services.

"Tanoto Foundation doesn’t just give money. They help build character, improve soft skills, open networking opportunities, and help me grow personally," she said.

One unforgettable experience for her was when her GPA dropped below the 3.25 minimum requirement.

"I was ready for the scholarship to be revoked. But Tanoto Foundation gave me the chance to bounce back," she said.

Nitya proved herself. The following semester, her GPA rose to 3.7. She completed her undergraduate degree successfully and went on to a Sandwich Master’s program (combined local and international study or research program) between IPB University and the University of Göttingen, Germany. She ultimately earned her PhD at just 25 years old.

Today, Nitya serves as an expert and consultant for several institutions, including the Environment and Forestry Ministry.

Giving Back with Commitment
Nitya realizes that every step she has taken has been supported by many parties, including the scholarships she received. That’s why she feels a moral responsibility to give her best.

"This scholarship isn’t a gift -- it’s a trust. I see it as a form of belief that I must respond to with sincerity. We have to finish what we started, and do it well," Nitya said.

She advises young people not to waste their college years.

"College is the easiest time to get complacent. But if you’re not careful, the consequences will be heavy later. Everything centers back on ourselves. We have to take responsibility for our choices," she concluded.

TELADAN Scholarship Applications Open for 2026 Cohort
Tanoto Foundation is now accepting applications for the TELADAN Scholarship 2026 cohort from July 1 to September 7, 2025. Selected students will receive full tuition support and a monthly living allowance. What sets this program apart is its structured 3.5-year leadership development training, starting from the second semester through the eighth.

Tanoto Scholars receive various leadership and soft skill development supports, including additional funding to participate in competitions, conferences, certifications, and short-term learning programs both domestically and abroad—such as summer courses, student exchanges, and volunteering. They also have internship opportunities with Tanoto Foundation’s partner industries and funding for collaborative research.

Tanoto Scholars will join a Tanoto Scholars Association on their respective campuses, providing a platform for collaboration and social contribution through the spirit of Pay It Forward. After graduation, they become part of the Tanoto Foundation alumni network spread across Indonesia and around the world.

This year, the TELADAN program is also open to KIP-K scholarship recipients currently in their first semester at 10 partner universities:

• IPB University (Bogor Agricultural University)

• University of Indonesia (UI)

• Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB)

• Gadjah Mada University (UGM)

• Brawijaya University (UB)

• Diponegoro University (Undip)

• University of Riau (Unri)

• University of North Sumatra (Usu)

• Hasanuddin University (Unhas)

• Mulawarman University (Unmul)

For more information and to apply, click here: bit.ly/JadiTELADAN2026