How Astra is Driving Youth Innovation from Eastern Indonesia to Accelerate Sustainable Development

PT Astra International Tbk (Astra) continues to encourage young people to create innovations that benefit society and local economies, ultimately impacting the national economy. One such effort is through the Semangat Astra Terpadu Untuk (SATU) Indonesia Awards. Mataram became the final city in the series of inspirational talks for the 17th SATU Indonesia Awards 2026, held across various regions in Indonesia. Astra’s Chief of Corporate Affairs, Boy Kelana Soebroto, stated that the SATU Indonesia Awards are not only an appreciation platform for the younger generation but are also being developed to generate broader impact through collaboration with the Desa Sejahtera Astra programme. ‘Through the SATU Indonesia Awards, Astra wants to encourage the young generation in West Nusa Tenggara to present solutions that have a real impact on society. This year, the SATU Indonesia Awards strengthens collaboration with Desa Sejahtera Astra so that various initiatives born from the award recipients can continue to grow and reach more people,’ Boy said in a statement on Sunday, 13 July 2026. He added, ‘We hope that every innovation born from the younger generation does not stop as a movement, but grows into a driver of change that provides sustainable benefits.’ The event, themed ‘Connected in Action’, served as a space for sharing experiences among young people, local government, community leaders, and change-makers in developing beneficial initiatives. The roadshow was also used by Astra to invite the public to recognise and nominate young individuals who have made real contributions in the fields of health, education, the environment, entrepreneurship, and technology through the 17th SATU Indonesia Awards 2026. The selection of West Nusa Tenggara as the location was driven by the significant potential of its young population. According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the province has approximately 1.81 million young residents. Furthermore, the province’s economic growth in the first quarter of 2026 was recorded at 13.64 percent compared to the same period the previous year, indicating strong demographic and economic capital for fostering community-based innovation. The event was attended by the Regional Secretary of West Nusa Tenggara Province, Abul Chair, representing Vice Governor Indah Dhamayanti Putri. Also present were judges for the 17th SATU Indonesia Awards 2026, including Tri Mumpuni, Founder of the Institute for Business and People’s Economy; Arif Zulkifli, President Director of PT Tempo Inti Media Tbk; artist and activist Dian Sastrowardoyo, Founder of the Dian Sastrowardoyo Foundation; Astra’s Head of Corporate Communications, Windy Riswantoro; and 2023 SATU Indonesia Awards recipient in the Technology category, Reza Permadi.