Jakarta. Amid the spotlight on the younger generation -- often labeled the "strawberry generation," which appears appealing on the surface but fragile under life's pressures -- Deputy Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, Veronica Tan, urged university students to return to the basics: honing their conscience and moral intelligence.

Veronica made this statement during the Tanoto Scholars Gathering 2025 at the Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (RAPP) Complex in Pangkalan Kerinci, Riau, on Wednesday. At this event, which brought together nearly 300 Tanoto Scholars (recipients of the TELADAN scholarship by the Tanoto Foundation) from across Indonesia, Veronica said that intellectual intelligence alone is not enough to become a well-rounded person in today’s distraction-filled digital era.

“Akal means intellect, ability. We may have a high IQ, but it needs to be paired with budi -- wisdom. Intellectual and moral intelligence must go hand in hand,” Veronica said.

Challenges of the Young Generation in the Digital Era
The term "strawberry generation" first emerged in Taiwan to describe young people who seem impressive but bruise easily under pressure. This phenomenon has now spread to various countries, including Indonesia. According to the 2024 Indonesian National Adolescent Mental Health Survey, around 15.5 million adolescents in Indonesia face mental health issues -- roughly 34.9 percent of the total adolescent population.

In addition, the 2023 National Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) found that approximately 2 percent of Indonesians aged 15 and above suffer from mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. These numbers place Indonesia at risk of becoming a mentally fragile society, particularly among Generation Z.

Academic pressure, constant exposure to social media, and high societal expectations are among the contributing factors. Today's youth grow up in an accelerated digital landscape that is not always kind. Nevertheless, Veronica believes they have an extraordinary capacity to adapt and thrive -- if they can maintain a balance between logic and conscience.

“You’re exposed to far more information from many sources than we ever were. Your resilience must be stronger than ours. Don’t let emotions overpower your common sense,” she told the Tanoto Scholars.

Balance Between Emotion, Reason, and Values
Veronica highlighted the importance of young people being able to filter the information and content they consume daily. She pointed out that sensational and emotionally charged content on social media poses a unique challenge to maintaining inner peace and clarity of thought.

Instead of following the stream of viral, uneducational content, she encouraged students to enrich themselves with quality reading, moral reflection, and value-based dialogue. “If you want to become a champion of good, read quality materials. Emotional and intellectual balance is essential. Don’t lose your mind over fleeting emotions,” she said.

Her message is simple but powerful: let your conscience be your moral compass, and your moral intellect be your navigation tool. This is a crucial foundation for the younger generation to avoid being swept away by the relentless tide of the digital world.

Building Change Through Collaboration and Community
In addition to strengthening personal values, Veronica also stressed the importance of community and social support in shaping character and fostering a spirit of change. In her view, no one becomes a change-maker alone.

“If you have even one friend who supports your values and thinking, that person can make an impact. But if a thousand people move together, the impact is far greater,” she said.

She called on Tanoto Scholars to build solidarity amid today’s challenges --especially in upholding values of goodness and integrity, which are increasingly needed. A key point in her speech was the call to speak up. According to her, the younger generation must be brave enough to voice the values they believe in. Amid the dominance of negative and destructive content on social media, moral voices must not remain silent.

“If we must speak up on behalf of morality, then we must do so. That’s how we make change,” she declared.

Within this context, the role of Tanoto Scholars as future young leaders is tested. They are challenged not only to excel academically but also to embody strong values -- in attitude, speech, and action.

About Tanoto Scholars Gathering 2025
The Tanoto Scholars Gathering 2025 took place from July 24–26 at the RAPP Complex in Pangkalan Kerinci, Riau. The event was attended by 291 students from 10 partner universities of the Tanoto Foundation, including the University of Indonesia, Gadjah Mada University, Bandung Institute of Technology, the University of Riau, Hasanuddin University, Bogor Agricultural University, Diponegoro University, Brawijaya University, Mulawarman University, and the University of North Sumatra.

This event is part of the TELADAN Program. This Tanoto Foundation undergraduate scholarship program not only covers tuition fees but also provides structured leadership training throughout the course of study and alumni development.

Tanoto Foundation CEO Benny Lee said the 2025 TSG theme, “Becoming the Champion of Good,” is part of the Foundation’s broader mission to nurture future leaders who are not only competent but also of strong character.

“The philosophy of consistently creating positive impact is a legacy passed down by the founders of the Tanoto Foundation, Mr. Sukanto Tanoto and Mrs. Tinah Bingei Tanoto,” Benny said.

TELADAN Scholarship Applications Now Open
The Tanoto Foundation has opened applications for the 2026 TELADAN Cohort, running from July 1 to September 7. This program is aimed at first-semester undergraduate students from the 10 partner universities.

Successful applicants will receive:

• A full scholarship covering tuition and monthly living allowances.

• Structured leadership training over 3.5 years (from the second to the eighth semester) -- which sets TELADAN apart from other scholarship programs.

TELADAN Scholars will also receive various forms of support to strengthen leadership and soft skills, including:

• Additional funding to participate in competitions, conferences, and certifications, both domestic and international.

• Opportunities to join short-term learning programs, such as summer courses, student exchanges, volunteering, and other local/international programs.

• Internship placements within the Tanoto Foundation’s industry partner network.

• Research grants and collaborative research opportunities.

Upon graduation, Tanoto Scholars will become part of a global alumni network spread across Indonesia and abroad.

This year, recipients of the Indonesia Smart Card for Higher Education (KIP-K) are also eligible to apply for the TELADAN Program, as long as they are first-semester students at a partner university.

For full information and registration: bit.ly/JadiTELADAN2026

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