Through its Decision Making and Strategic Negotiation (DMSN) expertise group, SBM ITB partnered with SMA N 1 Surakarta to host a Systems Thinking Workshop on Saturday, August 31, 2024. The Systems Thinking for Entrepreneurship Program for K-12 (STEP K-12) took place at the SMA N 1 Surakarta Auditorium in Central Java.
Dr. Pri Hermawan, Head of the DMSN Expertise Group at SBM ITB, officially opened the workshop. In his remarks, Dr. Pri emphasized the crucial role of systems thinking in developing collaborative and adaptive leadership. “This training aims to enhance students’ leadership abilities by using systems thinking to address increasingly complex and multi-sectoral challenges,” Dr. Pri stated.
The event also received full support from the Acting Principal of SMA N 1 Surakarta, Mr. Drs. Sukamto, M.M., who remarked, “I welcome and fully support this workshop as it aligns with SMA N 1 Surakarta’s vision and mission of preparing outstanding students who are dedicated to their country.”
The core session kicked off with Prof. Utomo Sarjono Putro’s introduction to systems thinking. He underscored the importance of collaboration and adaptation in overcoming future challenges, particularly for the younger generation. During the workshop, students were introduced to theoretical concepts and engaged in a hands-on experience with the SODA Game, a simulation adapted from MIT Sloan’s Beer Game. This activity was designed to develop participants’ collaboration and strategic planning skills.
The SODA Game, led by Dr. Manahan Siallagan, challenged participants to work in supply chain teams composed of manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers. Each team aimed to minimize operational costs through effective collaboration. “This game allows students to learn through experience and discover the best strategies through teamwork,” explained Dr. Manahan.
Following the game session, Ms. Shimaditya facilitated a reflection period, encouraging participants to discuss the leadership lessons they had gained, particularly regarding collaborative leadership. The discussion revealed that students found it easier to grasp the essence of leadership through practical experience rather than theoretical instruction.
The workshop was attended by twelve members of the DMSN group, including Prof. Utomo Sarjono Putro, Dr. Pri Hermawan, Yos Sunitiyoso, Ph.D., Dr. Manahan Siallagan, Santi Novani, Ph.D., Meditya Wasesa, Ph.D., Khrisna Ariyanto, Shimaditya Nuraeni, Valid Hasyimi, Afisindika Fadhilah, Tyas Larassati, and Ely Sulistyowati, who served as facilitators. Ely, an SBM ITB alumnus and ITB’s 2024 Outstanding Student, led an additional inspirational session highlighting the importance of collaborative thinking in contributing to society.
This workshop is part of SBM ITB’s community service initiative, aligned with the university’s Tridharma mission. The event aims to help schools prepare students with collaborative and adaptive leadership skills and to support the Indonesian government in fostering a strong, innovative, and competitive generation.
