Prime Highlight
- Tanoto Foundation convened policymakers and global experts in Jakarta to call for stronger coordination across health, nutrition, education, and caregiving for young children.
- Indonesian leaders stressed that investing in the first five years of life is critical to protecting the country’s future human capital and demographic dividend.
Key Facts
- The 2025 International Symposium on Early Childhood Education and Development was held in Jakarta with the theme “ECED Ecosystem Synergy in Promoting the Best Start in Life.”
- Around 200 participants from government, academia, development agencies, and philanthropy took part in the two-track discussions on integrated services and parenting.
Background
Tanoto Foundation brought together policymakers, global experts, and civil society leaders at the 2025 International Symposium on Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) in Jakarta to push for stronger coordination in supporting young children.
Held under the theme “ECED Ecosystem Synergy in Promoting the Best Start in Life,” the symposium focused on closing gaps in health, nutrition, education and caregiving that continue to affect children’s development in Indonesia and other countries.
The event came at a time when many children still lack access to good nutrition and early learning, which threatens Indonesia’s long-term human capital growth.
Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin opened the symposium, stressing that the first five years of life shape a person’s future. He said early action is vital to ensure that children grow into healthy and productive adults who can contribute to the national income. He warned that delays could weaken Indonesia’s demographic dividend.
The Government of Indonesia has already declared early childhood development a national priority under its long-term and medium-term development plans, with Holistic and Integrated ECED set as a key performance indicator.
The symposium featured two main discussion tracks. The morning session focused on linking health, nutrition, and early education services. Speakers discussed ideas on growth monitoring, nutrition programs, and early stimulation through public health systems.
The afternoon session centred on parenting and early learning, placing families at the heart of child development. Women Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Arifatul Choiri Fauzi urged stakeholders to turn the discussions into policy action.
Deputy Minister Prof. Stella Christie highlighted that no technology can replace quality human interaction in caregiving.
Tanoto Foundation CEO Benny Lee said early childhood investment is a shared responsibility and requires teamwork across sectors. Around 200 participants from government, academia, development agencies, and philanthropy attended the symposium.
