Because of their detached and out-of-reach character, researchers and scientists sometimes appear to be living in a different world from the one we live in, despite their efforts to create innovation and conduct studies to solve problems in society. However, the Head of SBM ITB Jakarta Campus, Yudo Anggoro, Ph.D., is different. Aiming to shape the policy decisions in this country, Yudo completely breaks free from the exclusivity to create impacts on the community from his field of expertise, public policy.
From Engineering to Public Policy
Yudo’s leap to public policy was unforeseen. After getting a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Yudo worked at a multinational company. However, he felt no excitement and desired flexibility in his work life. Therefore, he chose to be an academic. Having graduated from ITB, he decided to return and serve his alma mater. After finishing his Master’s degree at SBM ITB, Yudo got the opportunity to continue his study through the Fulbright Scholarship, where he chose public policy as his field of study.
“Since its establishment in 2003, SBM ITB has made more contributions to corporations and private sectors than to the government and society. It made me sentimental,” Yudo confessed. He also admits to focusing on public policy to have niche expertise. “There are so many experts in marketing or accounting in SBM ITB already. I need to find an unexploited field,” he added.
Those reasons are also the force that drives Yudo to establish the Center for Policy and Public Management. “If we could create a proper policy, we could serve the public better so they could reap more benefit, and vice versa. Thus, I proposed to SBM that we need a center managing and studying public policy,” Yudo said.
According to Yudo, the center is one of the most referred centers that top leaders and decision-makers often come to ask for new perspectives. It has partnered with and received funding from many institutions. Some of them are Gojek, Kejora Capital, and Indonesia Logistic Association. They even got the privilege to present one of their studies about uncovering Indonesia’s renewable challenges to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. However, what’s impressive about the center is that it tries to make its research accessible to everyone by taking a different approach to communicating its research findings.
“When it comes to research, common people are reluctant to read it because it’s so technical with many sophisticated words. So in my center, I try to shift that kind of paradigm by producing a policy brief. It is a summary of our research, presented in a way that is easy to read so the public can digest the information,” Yudo stated.
Besides making research contributions, as a faculty member of SBM ITB, Yudo also has a hand in developing the institution. In addition to constructing the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) course, Yudo initiates the Sustainability Executive MBA, Indonesia’s first-ever sustainability study program, and the Energy Management Executive MBA, to respond to current development trends that are moving toward sustainability and renewable energy.
Balancing the Roles
It’s not easy to do many things at once. However, Yudo can perform excellently due to his time management, passion, and purpose. Yudo also felt grateful to SBM ITB for being a supportive environment and mentioned his mentor as someone who guided him through his journey.
“I feel lucky to be in SBM; this is a good institution that appreciates our potential. I have a mentor that happens to be the founder of the school, Professor Kuntoro. He shapes my thinking and guides how I should serve in the future,” Yudo said.
Therefore, Yudo encourages all students to find a mentor. “Every successful leader has a mentor. However, if I were to give advice, it’s not only about how we can be great leaders but also how we can build other leaders. Leaders create leaders. So, find a proper mentor for you, and develop a new leader. It could be your junior or subordinates later on,” Yudo advised.
Lastly, he advised students to be conscious of what’s happening in society. I would say that we need to have awareness. Keep on observing society; if we find a problem, it is an opportunity to contribute. In every role we take, try to put in 100% effort. For students, continue your education as it will make our nation stronger.