The Role of Communities in Realizing Sustainable Change

Bangun Bangsa Conference 2026 (Photo: Dok. Bentoel Group)

JAKARTA - In the midst of an increasingly fast rhythm of life, more and more people realize that truly lasting change is not born from something instant or large-scale.

Quite the opposite, such changes usually start with simple things, such as a community supporting each other, a space to learn, and collaboration paving the way for more people to advance.

This view has become one of the main highlights in various forums recently, including the 2026 Bangun Bangsa Conference.

With the theme Sustainable Community Growth: Shaping Indonesia's Future Inclusive Economy, this conference brings together various stakeholders, ranging from the government, business actors, academics, civil society organizations, to empowerment activists, to exchange ideas on how to build a more resilient and empowered community.

This event is not just a regular discussion forum. It exists as a space for meeting diverse experiences and inspirations, with one common thread, namely that humans must be placed at the center of every effort for change.

In the midst of evolving social challenges, collaboration is seen as the key to ensuring that the impact created does not stop as a short-term program, but is able to develop sustainably.

William Lumentut, President Director of the Bentoel Group and initiator of Bangun Bangsa, emphasized that the main spirit of this movement is to realize change through joint action.

"The Bangun Bangsa Conference is part of our long-term commitment to bring about more meaningful social impact through collective action," explained William in Mampang, South Jakarta, Thursday, August 6, 2026.

"We believe that today's socio-economic challenges cannot be solved with the old approach that only focuses on physical development. What is needed is investment in people and communities. This helps open up opportunities, build capacity, and create access so that communities are able to grow independently," he continued.

The commitment does not only stop at the discourse on the stage. The Bangun Bangsa program has started since 2024 in Malang City as a pilot project, before it was finally expanded to four other cities and districts, with more than 200 beneficiaries.

The journey shows that change will be easier to grow if various parties complement each other. The government, the private sector, academics, civil society organizations, and local communities all play an important role in creating an environment that gives people room to grow.

In the series of conferences, the discussion also highlighted the shifting meaning of social investment over time. If it used to be synonymous with mere philanthropy, now the approach is more directed at efforts that can bring long-term impact, through capacity building for communities, expanding access, and sustainable collaboration.

Sihol P. Aritonang, President of the Indonesia Business Council for Sustainable Development (IBCSD) conveyed his view that the business world and society have an inseparable relationship.

"Business can only grow sustainably when the communities around it also grow, are resilient, and benefit from that growth. Therefore, investing in people must be part of the business strategy and generate measurable and sustainable impact," explained Sihol.

In addition, discussions at the conference also emphasized the importance of preparing the public to welcome a more sustainable future. Various initiatives that encourage the mastery of new skills, cross-sector collaboration, and community strengthening are considered to be an important resource so that more people are able to adapt to changes in time.

The biggest message brought by the Bangun Bangsa Conference 2026 is not just about programs or policies, but about the importance of building an ecosystem that gives everyone the same opportunity to grow.

Because the most significant changes often begin with people who support each other, a community that moves together, and concern that is realized through concrete actions.