26 August 2025
Press Release

Awarding of the 13th Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) – Indonesia’s Young Generation as a Beacon: Lighting Up a Green Future Through Real Action

Jakarta – For nearly two decades, Toyota Eco Youth (TEY), initiated by Toyota Indonesia (PT Toyota-Astra Motor and PT Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia), has grown into a competition platform that fosters environmental awareness. In this 13th TEY, Indonesian youth once again demonstrated their role through innovations that contribute to environmental sustainability and a greener future. The active participation of high school students in this year’s program highlights Indonesia’s bright future supported by a capable young generation. From its first to the 13th implementation, TEY has consistently promoted environmental initiatives at schools and within surrounding communities, while also raising collective awareness to preserve the environment. This activity also aligns with the Indonesian Government’s commitment and efforts to achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2060.

Since its inception, Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) has engaged 2,033 schools from 34 provinces, with a total of 9,972 environmental innovation Eco-Project proposals, of which 232 ideas were successfully implemented. In addition, TEY has established Eco-Galleries in 32 schools across Indonesia, serving as learning platforms for students to understand and apply various environmental issues and solutions. In TEY’s 13th round, 338 schools submitted 1,125 Eco-Project proposals, with 25 best ideas selected as finalists. The finalists received both online and offline mentoring from the committee and Toyota Indonesia Directors before their projects were judged by the panel.

“Youth are the key to Indonesia’s future, bringing innovation and spirit to create a greener and more sustainable nation. We hope this program continues to inspire environmental awareness among students and contributes alongside communities to support the government’s carbon neutrality targets. With the spirit of these young leaders, let’s build a lasting green ecosystem for today’s and future generations, toward a better life,” said Nandi Julyanto, President Director of PT Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (TMMIN).

The Eco-Project proposals in TEY 13 were divided into five main categories: energy, waste, air, water, and others. Carrying the theme “ECOActivism – It’s Time to Take Action to Protect the Earth”, the program encourages concrete steps to reduce carbon footprints for a cleaner and sustainable future. The series of activities began with the Kick-Off and socialization, equipping participants with methods for drafting Eco-Project proposals, effective communication techniques, and understanding strategic issues such as Circular Economy, Sustainability, Collaboration, Self-Empowerment, and Decarbonization.

“Through the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 and the Multi-Pathway approach, we are committed to achieving sustainable mobility gradually and inclusively. Beyond providing eco-friendly technologies, Toyota also engages society through various initiatives, such as Toyota Eco Youth (TEY), to contribute collectively toward carbon neutrality. Therefore, we truly appreciate the creative and innovative ideas of the finalists, which can make a real contribution in reducing carbon emissions and preserving the environment,” said Hiroyuki Ueda, President Director of PT Toyota-Astra Motor (TAM).

Best Ideas from TEY 13 Winners

The final evaluation of TEY 13 Eco-Project proposals was carried out by a cross-disciplinary jury consisting of Prof. Jatna Supriatna, Ph.D (Academician, University of Indonesia), Zidane Adha (President, Green Generation), Didi Kaspi Kasim (Editor-in-Chief, National Geographic Indonesia), and Nahdiya Maulina (Training Center, Ministry of Environment). Proposals were assessed based on originality, innovation, problem identification, background ideas, stakeholder engagement, and use of digital platforms. Additional criteria included implementation plans, external involvement, measurable social-environmental impact, and program sustainability.

Today (August 25), SMA Negeri 1 Matauli Pandan was named the Champion of TEY 13 with the best Eco-Project proposal, marking a new milestone in Indonesia’s environmental conservation movement. Their Eco-Project, titled “Utilization of Chitosan Content in Crab Shell Waste in Central Tapanuli through Extraction Method to Generate Electricity”, earned them the TEY 13 first prize. SMA Negeri 1 Matauli Pandan received a reward of IDR 100 million to support the continuation of their project.

In addition to the main Eco-Project competition, Toyota Eco Youth also held a Side Competition themed “Toyota Eco Youth Seeks Young Journalists”. This consisted of two categories: Pop Writing (popular writing contest) and Creative Video (creative video-making contest).

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This side competition attracted 496 written works and 159 videos from across Indonesia. The strong enthusiasm reflected the passion and commitment of high school students nationwide to participate in TEY 13 through areas that match their interests and skills.

Empowering Youth Toward Real Action with TEY

Since it was first launched in 2005, Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) has served as a stage for young people to respond to environmental challenges with fresh ideas and concrete actions. From waste management to renewable energy innovations, every Eco-Project proposal is not just an idea but a real step toward a greener future.

TEY is not just a competition—it is a movement that inspires youth to become agents of change. Through Eco-Projects, they voice their hopes and prove that small steps can make a big impact on the planet.

“Toyota not only focuses on internal efforts but also involves society, because protecting the Earth is everyone’s responsibility. Through the Toyota Berbagi (Sharing) movement, we invite all communities to contribute through real actions, one of which is TEY 13. This year, 25 finalists have proven that innovative youth ideas, when well-facilitated, can be realized into concrete contributions for decarbonization, while also inspiring the wider community to act together,” said Henry Tanoto, Vice President Director of TAM.

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In the development process of the best Eco-Projects, more than 50,000 people were involved online and offline in mentoring, assistance, and collaboration with experts from National Geographic Indonesia, academicians, and Toyota Indonesia. Using the Toyota Business Practice approach, TEY participants’ project implementations demonstrated the potential to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 24,000 tons of CO₂, evidence of youth’s real contribution to environmental conservation and accelerating carbon neutrality in Indonesia.

Beyond technical solutions, participants also actively carried out campaigns and social actions in 66 locations across Indonesia, such as tree planting, river and beach cleanups, and environmental education. These activities were carried out collaboratively with local communities, local governments, academics, and the general public, making inclusiveness the key to creating sustainable impact.

“TEY 13 is real proof that Indonesian youth are ready to take on an important role in protecting the Earth. Beyond creating innovative Eco-Projects, high school students also mobilized communities and stakeholders to improve the environment together. This spirit will continue to grow. Moving forward, TEY will expand its scope—not only in environmental issues but also touching on social and governance aspects. This is a step toward a more sustainable future for Indonesia,” said Bob Azam, Vice President Director of TMMIN.

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With the spirit and creativity of youth as the main driver, TEY continues to commit to fostering meaningful positive change, not only for the environment but also for social welfare and sustainable governance. Together, we are moving toward a greener, more inclusive, and hopeful future.

List of Toyota Eco Youth 13 Winners:

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