Valuable Lessons from Suriname
Valuable Lessons from Suriname — Are We Ready to Face the “Oil Boom” Without Leaving Our People Behind?
By.
Myr agung Sedayu – Yayasan Pendidikan Indonesia – Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC – United Nations (since 2013).
*Main Reference: Analysis by Hubert Rampersad, Ph.D., Suriname census data, and the latest developments in Suriname (2026).
Introduction.
Suriname is a small country in the South American-Caribbean region that has very close historical and emotional ties with Indonesia. Around 13.7% to 15% of Suriname’s population are of Javanese descent (based on the latest census), or approximately 70,000–82,000 people. They continue to strongly preserve Javanese culture — from language, arts, cuisine, to Islamic religious traditions. This Javanese-Surinamese community plays a significant role in the country’s bureaucracy, politics, and economic life.
Javanese-based political parties such as KTPI (Kerukunan Tulodo Pranatan Inggil) and Pertjajah Luhur (led by figures such as Paul Somohardjo) have long been influential political forces. Prominent national figures of Javanese descent include Iding Soemita (founder of KTPI), Willy Soemita, as well as various ministers and parliament members throughout Suriname’s history.
This cultural closeness makes Suriname feel like a “distant sibling” to Indonesia — a reminder that Dutch colonial history has connected us across the oceans. Yayasan Pendidikan Indonesia has had a special connection with Suriname. When the ICDL program was being promoted in Indonesia, the Surinamese Ambassador officially opened one of the events in Jakarta. Currently, preparations are underway to rename a university to Paul Somohardjo University, in collaboration with my teacher and friend Prof. Hubert Rampersad, Ph.D., who now resides in the United States.
“ The future of Suriname does not depend solely on the oil and gas reserves beneath the ground, but on the ethics, readiness, and quality of the people and leaders above it.” — Hubert Rampersad, Ph.D.”
Suriname is preparing to welcome an oil boom that could transform the nation’s destiny. However, behind the glittering potential of its natural wealth, a serious warning has emerged: local communities and local content providers are not yet ready.
This issue is not unique to Suriname. The entire Caribbean region, particularly Suriname and Guyana, faces the same challenge. Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of CARICOM, emphasized this in her keynote speech at Caribbean Energy Week 2026:
• Human resource development is just as important as building energy infrastructure.
• Without competent and integrity-driven people, the benefits of the oil and gas industry will flow to foreign companies, while local citizens remain mere spectators.
Local Content Board Suriname: Between Hope and Reality.
The Surinamese government has established a Local Content Board to safeguard local participation. Unfortunately, according to in-depth analysis, this board is populated by many individuals who lack competence, possess strong political backgrounds, and in some cases have questionable records.
Many of its members are closely tied to the current political coalition, have minimal experience in the oil and gas sector, and are considered insufficiently independent. This raises serious concerns about the board’s objectivity and effectiveness in building a strong local ecosystem.
Outdated Education and Training.
Staatsolie (Suriname’s state-owned oil company) has indeed organized various training programs. However, most still focus on conventional technical aspects: supply chain, HSSE, finance, cybersecurity, and ESG.
What is missing?.
• Sustainable innovation ecosystem
• Quantum-driven innovation
• Purpose-driven organizations
• Innovation leadership
• Critical thinking
• Personal integrity and empathy
Suriname (and many other developing countries) still relies on outdated approaches, while the future of the oil and gas industry demands disruptive, creative, and highly ethical thinking.
As Hubert Rampersad has emphasized, a new way of thinking based on a growth mindset is required. The younger generation must be taught not only to work hard, but to work smarter, more innovatively, more ethically, and more sustainably.
The Looming Danger of the “Oil Curse”.
History has recorded many cases: countries rich in oil, yet their people remain poor. Corruption, low education levels, and a political culture that perpetuates ignorance are the main factors behind this “oil curse.”
Suriname risks repeating the same mistakes. Over the past 60 years, investment in ethical and high-quality learning environments has been critically low. As a result, when major opportunities arrive, the foundation of its human resources remains weak.
Lessons for Indonesia.
Yayasan Pendidikan Indonesia views the situation in Suriname as a valuable mirror for Indonesia. We possess abundant energy reserves, an ambitious energy transition, and the target of becoming a major player in the region. However, without radical educational transformation — one that produces not only technical workers but also visionary leaders, morally grounded innovators, and critical thinkers — we risk repeating the same errors.
We must build a sustainable innovation ecosystem that integrates science, ethics, leadership, and empathy from an early age.
Toward a Better Future.
The future of a nation is not determined solely by its natural wealth, but by the quality of its people. Suriname reminds us all: the greatest investment we must make is in the character, minds, and conscience of the younger generation.
Yayasan Pendidikan Indonesia is committed to continuously promoting holistic education — one that does not merely produce workers, but develops leaders with integrity, innovation, and a deep concern for sustainability.
Because a great nation is one whose people are ready to lead change, not merely participate in it.
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*Prof. Hubert Rampersad, Ph.D., is a prolific author and was my supervising professor when I pursued my Doctorate program in Educational Leadership at an online University in Hawaii, USA.
The University was Accredited by ;
• ASIC (Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities) — Premier level.
• Recently, the International Education Accreditation Council (IEAC).
ASIC has strong formal recognition in Indonesia. In 2025, the Indonesian Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education officially recognized ASIC as an International Accreditation Agency (LAI) through Ministerial Decree No. 73/O/2025. This makes ASIC one of the few international bodies with legal standing for schools in Indonesia
