A leadership research institute, Dwi Soetjipto Research Center (DRSC), and EM Transformation Academy (EM) have launched a joint initiative to nurture corporate leaders capable of steering the nation toward its vision of becoming a developed country by 2045.

The two institutions held the inaugural DSRC Dialog Series: Leading the Shift under the theme “Highlighting the role of leaders as the main drivers of transformation” on Wednesday, August 13, 2026, in Jakarta.

The event brought together CEOs and corporate leaders from diverse sectors, including energy, finance, manufacturing, and media.

“Transformation is inevitable for any organization to survive and grow. The success of transformation is determined by the competence, capability, and courage of its leaders,” Dwi Soetjipto, former president director of State-owned energy company Pertamina, said during the dialogue.

Citing Pertamina’s own transformation journey, Dwi noted how the company achieved a significant leap in net profit from US$1.45 billion in 2014 to US$3.15 billion in 2016, an increase of about 122 percent, alongside a healthier corporate culture, a more realistic strategic vision, and a shift in employee mindset.

He outlined short-, medium-, and long-term transformation goals: boosting efficiency and production within two to three years, building new facilities over five to seven years, and mastering relevant technology over a decade or more.

He cited that tisk-taking, trust-building, and a willingness to embrace change were identified as essential leadership traits.

“Transformation always has two sides − success or failure and leaders must be brave enough to take that risk,” Dwi said.

Meanwhile, Risk management director of PT Pertamina Hulu Energi, Whisnu Bahryansyah, framed transformation as “leaving the comfort zone and working harder to produce better outcomes.”

He emphasized open communication to expose and address corporate weaknesses, coupled with clear deadlines to keep reforms on track.

Financial readiness, technical capability, and strong human resources were highlighted as prerequisites for effective transformation.

Media industry veteran Primus Dorimulu described transformation in a single word “hijrah” meaning a leap to a higher state. He stressed that leaders should focus on moving forward without looking back.

Addressing the growing role of artificial intelligence in the workplace, Primus said that leaders must cultivate qualities AI cannot replicate, namely critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.

“This applies to both corporations and nations because, at their core, the real innovators are leaders,” he said.