Yanti Koestoer
I have been engaged with The Prince of Wales’s International Business Leaders Forum since the Indonesia Business Links (IBL) programme was first established in 2000. I initially managed a 3-year programme funded by the UK government's Department for International Development, which led to a formal registration of Indonesia Business Links as a Foundation in 2001. I've been instrumental in designing, developing, and supervising various Indonesia Business Links projects, including a business ethics programme and a small enterprises development programme.
My experience working with IBLF has been both enjoyable and helpful, and the establishment of Indonesia Business Links would have been impossible without facilitation from IBLF.
With the support of IBLF, Indonesia Business Links has achieved a great deal over the past seven years. Two particular highlights include: obtaining funding from the Ford Foundation to expand Indonesia Business Links from one person (myself) to 20 in 2008, with dozens of associates; and developing a initiative to support entrepreneurs which has now become an independent and self-reliant cooperative.
One of my most memorable experiences was when the late Robert Davies - CEO of IBLF from 1990 to 2007 - visited Indonesia in 2006, to accept our invitation as a speaker in our first conference on corporate social responsibility. His presence and support was energising and demonstrated the close and solid relationship between IBLF and Indonesia Business Links.
