An Introduction to Sukanto Tanoto’s Philanthropy Organisation

The Tanoto Foundation is an independent philanthropic organisation founded by Indonesian businessman Sukanto Tanoto and his wife, Tinah Bingei. Established in 1981, the foundation primarily focuses on improving access and the quality of education in countries it is based in (Indonesia, Singapore, and China). It also focuses on funding medical research into diseases that are prevalent in Asian regions.

The Tanoto Foundation’s focus on education comes directly from its co-founders, Sukanto and Tinah, two individuals who were unable to complete their formal education. In 1966, young Sukanto Tanoto was prohibited from attending national school under the Suharto regime.

Despite his later success as a self-educated entrepreneur, Tanoto regretted his interrupted education and eventually went on to enroll into business school in Jakarta in the mid 1970s and pursued further studies at INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France.

Hence, the Tanoto Foundation takes special interest in addressing the needs of people who face problems with accessing quality education.

History

Beginning with the establishment of a kindergarten and elementary school in Besitang, North Sumatra, the foundation initially worked on improving education and infrastructure in poverty-stricken rural parts of the area.

Following its recognition as a non-profit charity organisation in 2001, it took on other operations, such as training teachers, improving facilities, providing scholarships (over 20,000 to date), and funding medical research. Throughout its 38-year history, the foundation has received all its funding from the Tanoto family.

Most recently, the foundation announced it will be taking on a new strategy with four main targets to be achieved by 2030.

  1. Contribute to reducing the rate of stunting in Indonesia to less than 20% (2030)
  2. Drive Indonesia to be among the top five most improved countries according to the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) ranking system (2030)
  3. Support medical research that will help extend the average lifespan of Asian populations by five years as well as prevent diseases that are prevalent among them
  4. Help raise a community of leaders who strive to make a positive impact on society

Tanoto Foundation in Indonesia

The Tanoto Foundation’s activities in Indonesia have been largely focused on education. In 2010, the Pelita Pendidikan programme was launched to improve education in rural Indonesia, specifically the qualifications and competencies of teachers and proper facilities at schools. The programme was renamed PINTAR in 2018 and expanded its focus to cover schools in more urban areas as well.

In 2016, the Tanoto foundation established the Acacia Child-Friendly Integrated Public Space (RPTRA) in Jakarta, complete with a library, playground, gardens, and other facilities that encourage early childhood development. The space covers a total of about 2,400 square kilometres.

Also in 2016, the Tanoto Foundation agreed to provide funding for a pilot project between the provincial government in Riau and UNDP Indonesia. The goal was to drive the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals within the local community.

The Foundation is also a renowned giver of scholarships for higher education in Indonesia. As of 2018, it has used its National Championship Scholarship programme (now known as ‘TELADAN’, …