Semarang, Jawa Tengah – The Tanoto Foundation and Endgame Podcast partnered with Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) to host an engaging event titled Endgame Goes to Campus on Thursday, December 19, 2024. Held at the Engineering Hall on the 5th floor of the Faculty of Engineering’s Dean Building at UNDIP Tembalang, the event invited Indonesia’s game-changers to speak on critical educational issues in the country.
Featuring Gita Wirjawan, Executive Producer of the Endgame Podcast, the event aimed to provide a platform for lecturers and students to have their voices heard by the public and key stakeholders. It was an opportunity for students and educators to take active roles in addressing education challenges rather than merely observing change.
Representing the Rector of UNDIP, Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Heru Susanto, S.T., M.M., M.T., attended alongside deans of faculty and their teams. Also present were Michael Susanto, Head of Leadership Development&Scholarship at the Tanoto Foundation, his team, and other distinguished guests.
In his opening remarks, the Vice Rector welcomed the collaboration with the Tanoto Foundation and Endgame Podcast, appreciating their input and creating a discussion space to encourage students to care about and contribute to advancing education in Indonesia.
“Discussing solutions often involves ideas we believe to be effective, yet they might not truly address the core problems because we do not fully understand their root causes. This is why collaboration across various sectors is essential to address our educational challenges comprehensively,” said Prof. Heru.
Prof. Heru also highlighted a concerning trend: the declining interest of younger generations in studying fundamental sciences like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. He shared that among 300 prospective students asked about their interest in these fields, only a few expressed enthusiasm. This issue, he noted, is critical as advanced research in developed countries is often underpinned by mastery of these fundamental sciences.
Michael Susanto from the Tanoto Foundation outlined the organization’s role in supporting government efforts to improve education. The Tanoto Foundation is a key member of the Policy Forum on Education (PFoE), aiming to enhance the impact of policy recommendations shaping the future of education in Indonesia.
One of the foundation’s flagship initiatives is the TELADAN Program (Transformasi Edukasi untuk melahirkan Pemimpin Masa Depan / Transformative Education for Leadership Development for Future Leaders). This program builds a strong generation of future leaders capable of making positive contributions to Indonesia through structured and tiered leadership development, global self-development opportunities, community service, collaboration networks, and financial support for tuition and living expenses.
The event’s lively atmosphere was enhanced by a podcast format featuring Gita Wirjawan and guest speaker Watiek Ideo, a prolific author of 370 children’s books. They discussed several topics to inspire young people, educators, and parents, including the role of family and community, inclusivity and holistic development, digital learning mediums, local wisdom and cultural values, and addressing well-being and social skills.
The event also spotlighted Eleazar, an educator who began his career as a curriculum developer at a private school in Ambarawa. As the winner of the Call for Papers competition, he shared insights on the role of parents in children’s education.
This initiative underscores efforts to achieve equitable, inclusive, and quality education. Educators play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of inclusive education. With the proper knowledge, skills, and resources, they can create a learning environment that is welcoming and accommodating for all students. (Ut-Media Relations)
