Jakarta. Quality education is key to the successful development of a nation. However, improving the quality of education is an uphill and continuous task that requires the involvement of all parties. It also demands more development agents who are dedicated to the education sector.

Tanoto Foundation recently launched the Tanoto Foundation Fellowship Program, an initiative aimed at nurturing participants into development agents through an exclusive opportunity to learn and engage directly with the education system in areas where the Tanoto Foundation operates for a full year. The program's beneficiaries will be guided by highly experienced mentors from Tanoto’s internal team and its partners.

Tanoto Foundation, an independent philanthropic organization focusing on education, was founded by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto in 1981. The foundation has implemented various programs in partnership with the government and development partners to improve the country’s human resources through education. This initiative is based on the belief that quality education accelerates the creation of equal opportunities. In its first year, the Tanoto Foundation Fellowship Program will align with the existing programs at Tanoto Foundation.

“This new initiative is a testament to our continued commitment to improving human resources, particularly in Indonesia. I hope this program will produce highly qualified leaders who will carry forward the mission of future development and make positive impacts for sustainable development and the glory of Indonesia,” said Inge Kusuma, Country Head of Tanoto Foundation Indonesia, during the launch of the Tanoto Foundation Fellowship Program on Thursday.

At the same event, Amich Alhumami, the National Development Planning Deputy Minister for Human Capital, Community, and Cultural Development, emphasized the importance of nurturing qualified human capital in parallel with ongoing infrastructure, economic, and other sectoral development. He stated that preparing qualified human capital is essential for national development.

“Tanoto Foundation has consistently demonstrated its commitment to focusing on education, which is the backbone of national development. With the launch of the Tanoto Foundation Fellowship Program, we anticipate the emergence of qualified individuals to support Indonesia’s development through the education sector,” Amich said.

The Tanoto Foundation Fellowship Program is open to applicants not older than 26 years who have completed at least an undergraduate degree. Selected participants must agree to participate in five phases of the fellowship program:

1. Orientation and Induction: Understanding the philosophy and context of development, education, and their ecosystem.
2. Immersion: Making field visits and interacting with stakeholders to learn more about the education and development ecosystem.
3. Creation Initiatives: Identifying the gaps between ideal conditions and real conditions, and proposing initiatives as solutions.
4. Initiative Implementation: Collaborating with stakeholders to implement their initiatives and deliver impacts.
5. Reflection and Closing Program: Concluding the program, reflecting on the lessons learned, and documenting them in a written report.

Additionally, participants will attend a leadership camp to instill values and mindsets necessary for future leaders capable of delivering sustainable impacts.

After completing the program, participants can continue to contribute to Indonesia’s development through their current organizations or employment or by developing their own initiatives and social activities. Moreover, Tanoto Fellows will join the Tanoto Foundation Fellows Network, serving as a learning institution and partner for future collaborations.

The Tanoto Foundation Fellowship Program was launched during a ceremony at the National Awakening Museum in Jakarta, attended by government officials, academicians, development partners, and youth organization representatives.

The event also featured a discussion on the future direction of education in Indonesia, with notable speakers such as Iwan Syahril (Director General of Pre-School, Elementary, and Middle School of the Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Ministry), Gusman Yahya (Executive Director of the Indonesia Philanthropist Organization), and Maudy Ayunda (Educator, Creator, and Investor).

Registration for the Tanoto Foundation Fellowship Program opens on July 6, 2024, and is accessible at bit.ly/TF-Fellowship2024.