Toronata Tambun: Teaching Is Not About Systems, But About Students

Bandung, stei.itb.ac.id As part of the 105th Anniversary of Engineering Higher Education in Indonesia, Toronata Tambun received the prestigious Ganesa Widya Jasa Utama award from Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) . A seasoned energy practitioner and the Founder and Director of Aren Energy Investment Pte Ltd, Toronata also serves as an Industry Lecturer at the School of Electrical Engineering and Informatics (STEI) ITB. .His dedication to developing young Indonesian talent and promoting innovation has made him a strong voice in shaping the future of engineering education.

In a brief interview following the ceremony, Toronata reflected on the meaning behind the award.

"I don’t see this as recognition of past work, but as a reminder of unfinished responsibility" he said.
“What keeps me awake at night is not the system, but my students—their fears, their pressures, their silent potential.”

Toronata emphasized that innovation and entrepreneurship are not optional components in modern engineering education—they are essential. . .

“Without the ability to connect technical design to real-world adoption, students are only learning theory. Innovation isn’t just about invention—it’s invention multiplied by adoption. That’s where entrepreneurship matters,” he explained.

He also noted that entrepreneurship is not necessarily about launching startups, but about building resilient, adaptive individuals who can create impact in uncertain environments. ..

“We need antifragile citizens—people who can absorb shocks, adapt, and still lead,” he added.

Toronata also highlighted a major challenge in shaping innovative students, which he believes stems from early educational culture. ..

"Our early childhood education still often discourages curiosity, diversity of perspective, and the courage to be different. We tend to reward conformity rather than the bravery to think differently. By the time students reach university, they often seek permission instead of conviction." he said.

According to him, reversing this mindset requires more than curriculum—it demands safe environments, honest mentorship, and exposure to ambiguity.

Based on his experience at STEI ITB, Toronata sees powerful potential in the collaboration between academia and industry.

“There are two strengths at STEI: leadership that is open—but not overly agreeable—and students who are not only intelligent, but willing to stretch. When real-world problems meet this kind of academic culture, the collaboration is no longer symbolic—it leads to real breakthroughs,” he noted. .

Toronata Tambun brings more than industry expertise to the classroom. He brings a mission—to nurture courage, responsibility, and vision in Indonesia’s next generation of engineers. . .

For him, the future of the country will not be shaped by policy alone, but by students who dare to build what has not yet existed. ..