Jakarta. Natural resources can be a blessing or a curse. Without mastery of science and technology, natural wealth may instead lull a nation into complacency and cause it to fall behind.

This message was conveyed by Higher Education, Science, and Technology Minister, Professor Brian Yuliarto, when speaking before hundreds of TELADAN Tanoto Foundation scholarship recipients at the 2025 Tanoto Scholars Gathering held at the RAPP Complex in Pangkalan Kerinci, Riau, on Thursday, July 24.

“A great nation is defined by how much it masters technology, not by its resources. That’s why there's a concept called the ‘resource curse.’ People blessed with abundant natural wealth often fail to develop their industries because they become too comfortable and secure, believing that selling raw resources is enough,” explained Minister Brian.

He cited Indonesia’s failure to seize the opportunity during the oil export boom in the 1970s and 1980s. The global oil price surge at the time could have been a launching pad for strengthening the national industry, but that opportunity was missed.

“We failed to convert our capital capacity into intellectual and industrial capacity. Our industry back then wasn’t strong enough to generate significant revenue and lift us into the category of a high-income nation,” he continued.

As a result, Indonesia has lagged in per capita income, even compared to neighboring countries. Minister Brian said that President Prabowo Subianto’s administration is committed to catching up by emphasizing the importance of science and technology.

“We want our country to stand tall on the international stage. The key is to advance our industry and create useful innovations. The President has entrusted this message: Only a nation that masters science and technology will succeed,” he asserted. Minister Brian thus highlighted the need to sharpen the intellectual capacity of Indonesia’s youth and encouraged students to keep expanding their knowledge.

“I always say, read books, read references. That must become a habit for every leader and every great person. You must make this a daily habit,” he said.

He compared the reading habits in developed countries with those in developing ones. “I studied abroad. One common habit is reading books everywhere. Books are often even given as souvenirs. In developing countries, I still see mostly plaques and trophies,” he observed.

According to Minister Brian, the current era of disruption actually presents a significant opportunity to spark innovation. “Disruption is favored by those who love challenges. You students can race ahead with competence, capacity, and skills to climb the ladders that matter,” he said.

However, he expressed concern over the declining interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, even though they are the backbone of scientific and technological advancement. “I used to be Dean at ITB. Now, fewer students are interested in entering STEM fields. The competition is decreasing,” said the former Dean of the Faculty of Industrial Technology at ITB from 2020 to 2024.

As an academic, Minister Brian admitted that the challenges facing STEM in Indonesia are complex. He compared it to his experience as a student and researcher in Japan, where he could fully focus on research. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic that Indonesian youth still have a strong fighting spirit.

He shared stories of students from modest families who were willing to live frugally just to pursue education. According to Minister Brian, persistence and determination are just as important as intelligence. He cited Thomas Alva Edison as a prime example of tireless perseverance. “I happen to be a researcher, too. Research is a continuous process. I never stop because I believe something will eventually come out of itsomething must happen. It’s just a matter of whether we have the endurance. So never get tired of chasing your dreams. Keep going until you achieve them,” he encouraged.

About the Tanoto Scholars Gathering

The Tanoto Scholars Gathering (TSG) is an annual forum that brings together scholarship recipients of the Tanoto Foundation from across Indonesia. During the event, participants have the opportunity to network, learn from inspiring figures, and gain insights into the professional world and the leadership ecosystem within the Tanoto Foundation.

TSG is part of the TELADAN program, a scholarship initiative by the Tanoto Foundation, an independent philanthropic organization in education founded by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto in 1981. Unlike most scholarships, this program not only provides financial aid but also offers structured leadership training from the second to eighth semester, as well as post-graduation alumni mentoring.

This year, TSG was held again from July 24–26, 2025, at the RAPP Complex in Pangkalan Kerinci, Riau. A total of 291 Tanoto Scholars participated. They came from Tanoto Foundation’s partner universities, including IPB University, Diponegoro University, Gadjah Mada University, Brawijaya University, University of Indonesia, University of North Sumatra, Bandung Institute of Technology, Hasanuddin University, Mulawarman University, Riau University, and Andalas University.

TELADAN Scholarship Program Now Open

Registration for the TELADAN Scholarship Program is now open from July 1 to September 7. The program targets first-semester students from the 10 Tanoto Foundation partner universities: IPB University, Diponegoro University, Gadjah Mada University, Brawijaya University, University of Indonesia, University of North Sumatra, Bandung Institute of Technology, Hasanuddin University, Mulawarman University, and Riau University.

In addition to scholarships and leadership training, TELADAN recipients will receive various supports to enhance leadership and soft skills, including:

• Additional financial support for participating in competitions, conferences, and certifications—domestically and internationally.

• Opportunities to join short-term learning programs such as summer courses, student exchanges, volunteering, and other initiatives both in Indonesia and abroad.

• Internship opportunities within Tanoto Foundation’s industry partner network.

• Access to research funding and collaborative research opportunities.

After graduation, Tanoto Scholars become part of Tanoto Foundation’s global alumni network, spread across regions in Indonesia and around the world. This year, students receiving the Kartu Indonesia Pintar-Kuliah (KIP-K) are also eligible to apply for the TELADAN Program, as long as they are enrolled in their first semester at a partner university.

More information and registration: bit.ly/JadiTELADAN2026