17th SATU Indonesia Awards 2026 Roadshow Comes to Makassar, Seeking Changemakers from Eastern Indonesia

MAKASSAR, SULAWESI SELATAN: Change does not always begin with a grand idea. Across Indonesia's many regions, change often starts with young people who care about the problems around them, or with local potential waiting to be developed and grown into action that brings wider benefit to the country.

From Sabang to Merauke, millions of young Indonesians grow up amid the diverse characters and challenges of their regions. The island of Sulawesi alone is home to more than 5.2 million young people, about 7.89% of all young Indonesians. In South Sulawesi, projections from Statistics Indonesia (BPS) in South Sulawesi Province in Figures 2026 show around 2.41 million residents are aged 15 to 29. This wealth of young talent matches strong regional economic growth, with South Sulawesi recording 6.88% growth in the first quarter of 2026, the sixth highest among all provinces. The combination of a large young population and positive economic momentum provides a vital foundation for collaboration, innovation, and community-benefiting initiatives.

Recognizing this potential, Astra presented the 17th SATU Indonesia Awards 2026 Roadshow in Makassar as a space for young people to share inspiration, expand networks, and build collaboration. With the theme "Connected in Action," the event drew more than 500 participants, including students, community members, social activists, and young entrepreneurs. Governor of South Sulawesi Andi Sudirman Sulaiman was represented by the Assistant I for Government and Public Welfare Affairs of the South Sulawesi Provincial Secretariat, Dr. H. M. Ishak Iskandar, M.Kes., M.M., M.H. Also present were Juror of the 17th SATU Indonesia Awards 2026 and Rector of YARSI University and Professor of the Postgraduate Program at Universitas Negeri Jakarta Prof. Fasli Jalal, Juror of the 17th SATU Indonesia Awards 2026 and Founder of Young On Top Billy Boen, Astra Head of Corporate Communications Windy Riswantyo, and SATU Indonesia Awards 2017 Awardee and Desa Sejahtera Astra Champion of Kanreapia, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi Jamaluddin.

"The large number of young people in South Sulawesi is a strength that needs continued support to grow into actions benefiting society. Through the theme 'Connected in Action,' Astra wants to create a space for young people to meet, exchange experiences, and strengthen collaboration so their care and ideas can grow into wider and more sustainable impact," said Astra Chief of Corporate Affairs Boy Kelana Soebroto.

During the inspirational talk session, the speakers shared their experiences and perspectives on the importance of education, personal development, leadership, and collaboration in nurturing a young generation capable of making a positive difference in society.

One example is the real change brought about by Jamaluddin, SATU Indonesia Awards 2017 Awardee and Desa Sejahtera Astra Champion of Kanreapia, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi. His journey began with his own experience as a farmer's child who once dropped out of school, and with his unease over the limited access his community had to education and information.

Moved by that concern, he started his initiative by transforming his family's cattle shed into Rumah Koran, a space for children and farmers to read, discuss, and learn to organize. What began as a literacy effort grew into a community empowerment movement connecting education with farming and local potential development. Over time, it expanded into reforestation, construction of farming reservoirs, organic agriculture development, and social activities like sharing harvests with orphanages.

The journey of this man, who recently received the 2026 Kalpataru Award in the Pioneer category, shows that change can begin with the problems closest to home and grow when pursued consistently and in partnership with the community. His story is one example of how caring about the issues around us can blossom into a movement that brings wider benefit to society.

"Amid the many development challenges we face today, we need more and more young people with social awareness, creativity, innovation, and the courage to bring solutions to the problems in our communities. Through programs like the SATU Indonesia Awards, I hope more young people in South Sulawesi will be inspired to turn their ideas into real action that benefits society and regional development," said Governor of South Sulawesi Andi Sudirman Sulaiman.

South Sulawesi has also been the birthplace of other SATU Indonesia Awards Awardees, including SATU Indonesia Awards 2012 Awardee in Technology Harianto Albar, SATU Indonesia Awards 2014 Awardee in Technology Idham Aulia, and SATU Indonesia Awards 2016 Awardee in Environment Ridwan Nojeng. To date, there are 30 SATU Indonesia Awardees from the province, comprising 4 national-level and 26 provincial-level awardees.

The SATU Indonesia Awards is Astra's recognition program for young people who have made meaningful contributions to society in the fields of Health, Education, Environment, Entrepreneurship, and Technology. This year, Astra is strengthening the integration of the SATU Indonesia Awards with the Desa Sejahtera Astra ecosystem to broaden the impact of the various initiatives run by its awardees.

The registration period for the 17th SATU Indonesia Awards 2026 has been open from April 1 to August 1, 2026. National-level awardees are entitled to IDR 65 million in development funding and the opportunity to join Astra's mentoring and development program to expand the impact of their initiatives. Awardees also have the opportunity to grow their programs by integrating with the Desa Sejahtera Astra ecosystem.

Astra's commitment to supporting young changemakers reflects its aspiration to Prosper with the Nation and supports the achievement of Indonesia's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

ALSO READ: 17th SATU Indonesia Awards 2026 Roadshow Arrives in Banyuwangi, Inspiring Young Changemakers with the Spirit of "Connected in Action"

 

For further information, please contact:
Windy Riswantyo
Head of Corporate Communications
PT Astra International Tbk
Phone. 021-508-43-888

 

About Astra:
Astra is one of Indonesia's largest public companies, comprising 322 subsidiaries, joint ventures, and associated entities, supported by more than 190,000 employees. The company's diversified business model creates synergies and opportunities across multiple industries, including Automotive, Financial Services, Heavy Equipment and Mining Solutions, and other sectors.
Astra has a sustainability framework that includes the Astra 2030 Sustainability Aspirations, which guide the Astra Group's transition toward becoming a more sustainable company by 2030 and beyond. Astra aspires to strengthen Indonesia's economic resilience in support of an inclusive and prosperous society.
Astra's sustainable social contributions are centered on developing and strengthening villages through the Desa Sejahtera Astra program, which has reached more than 1,500 Desa Sejahtera Astra sites across 35 provinces in Indonesia. The program covers four main areas, including health, education, environment, and entrepreneurship, supported by nine foundations that contribute to Indonesia's economic growth while advancing an inclusive and prosperous society.
In line with the Desa Sejahtera Astra program, the Semangat Astra Terpadu Untuk (SATU) Indonesia Awards was established to recognize young innovators as well as the best Desa Sejahtera Astra communities and village champions mentored by Astra. Since its launch in 2010, the SATU Indonesia Awards has honored 792 young Indonesians who actively collaborate with Desa Sejahtera Astra.
For more information, visit astra.co.id, and follow Astra's activities on Instagram @satu_indonesia, TikTok @satu_indonesia, YouTube SATU Indonesia, X (Twitter) @satu_indonesia, LinkedIn PT Astra International Tbk, and Facebook Semangat Astra Terpadu.