Indonesian student Gilbertofer Tanoto crowned Northern Territory's top student for 2025
A 19-year-old who arrived in Darwin with "a laptop and big dreams" has claimed a major international student award for his community work.
Gilbertofer Tanoto’s passion for education and technology has seen the international student travel to remote schools across the Territory and inspire the next generation to pursue a path in STEM.
Originally from Indonesia, Gilbertofer moved to Darwin to study Batchelor of Information Technology at Charles Darwin University and to forge a career as a data analyst.
“The Northern Territory is such an awesome place to study, live and thrive,” Gilbertofer said.
“I love being part of this community. I am passionate about inclusivity, sustainability and diversity all of which are embraced in the Northern Territory.”
Since arriving in the Territory in 2024 Gilbertofer has taken on many roles as a CDU student leader and Study NT Student Ambassador assisting new students to settle into life in the Territory.
Taking part in CDU’s Radicle Road Trip to visit primary schools across Barunga, Elliot and Mataranka enabled Gilbertofer to connect with younger students across the Territory.
“Being part of the Radicle Road Trip gave me the opportunity to travel to regional areas of the NT and share my knowledge about science and technology with Territory students so they too can pursue a career in STEM,” he said.
Gilbertofer’s commitment to bridging accessibility gaps for students in STEM has also seen him become a tutor for First Nations students through the Transition to Education Program.
At the 2025 International Student Awards, Gilbertofer was named the Study NT International Student of the Year for 2025, in recognition of his contribution to the international education and training sector in the Territory.
“I came to the NT with a laptop and big dreams. Now I’m teaching, creating, capturing moments, inspiring others, and learning every day,” Gilbertofer said.
“Coming to the NT at 18 and now winning this award at 19 feels unbelievable. I’m probably one of the youngest to receive it, and I hope my journey shows young Territorians and other international students that passion can take you further than you ever expect. For me, it’s all about giving back to the communities that have supported me.”
Now in its ninth year, the Study NT International Student Awards recognise and showcase impressive international students, alumni, volunteer organisations and the local businesses that employ and mentor international students.
The awards highlight the importance of the international education and training sector in contributing to the Territory’s economy, workforce and the fabric of multicultural community.
Study NT International Student Award winners:
Study NT International Student of the Year: Gilbertofer Tanoto, Indonesia, CDU
Study NT International Student Alumni of the Year: Ali Dhirani, Tanzania, CDU
Study NT International Student Volunteer of the Year: Mengdie Momo Zhao, China, CDU
Study NT International Student Employer of the Year: Kinetic IT
Study NT Student Ambassador of the Year – Mit Dinh, Vietnam, CDU
Originally published as Indonesian student Gilbertofer Tanoto crowned Northern Territory's top student for 2025
