So these are the lessons I have embraced: to do good wherever I go, to embrace my identity and be super proud of my roots
I was born on a very remote island called Salakan, located around six to eight hours from the mainland. It’s part of Salawesi, one the five main islands in Indonesia. Of course, it’s surrounded by the sea.
helpingMost people work as fishermen or farmers, and the locals have an affinity towards water. We live mainly from nature, our food comes from the ocean - seafood, shrimp, fish, clams… everything that the ocean provides.
helpingWhen I was born, 26 years ago, we didn't really have electricity. My mom had to use oil lamps in the evening, and when she went to the main island she had to go by boat and it took half a day.
People come for the beautiful nature: stunning beaches, white sand and pristine water. And then the underwater landscape, the oceanscape is so gorgeous.
Life there is pretty amazing. The community is small. Only a few hundred people lived on the island 26 years ago, but now it’s thriving.
helpingI call it the last paradise in the east (my people are located in the very eastern part of the main island). It doesn't have a hustle and bustle culture like here in the capital, Jakarta; it's a slow living, respecting nature and making the most of our life.
helpingIt’s one of the only places in the world where you live right on the equator and of course it gets super hot. We always say that it feels like we have not one sun, but five or ten.
Since I was born, the ocean has been my backyard; it’s literally 50 meters away from my home, along with the river and then this beautiful lush forest, far from civilization.
After school each day I would do my homework, have a nap – and then play with friends and explore nature. When I slept at night I could actually hear the waves.
The sound of the waves hitting the rocks and the beaches is just music to my ears. All this made me feel very connected to the ocean.
helpingNowadays I live in Jakarta. It’s not far from the ocean, but it is not as beautiful as my home because this is the capital, they have the port and the sea is kind of dirty.
helpingSo I only really go to the sea when I have a business trip; then I always make time to go and connect with the ocean or go diving, which I love.
helpingEvery time I go to the ocean (this is not something that you should do, but I do it anyway) I dip my fingers in and taste it. It’s super salty, but it reminds me of home.
My connection with the ocean is something very personal, almost spiritual. The ocean is this huge living entity that's taking care of us, provides food for us and shapes our culture; our community thrives around the ocean.
When I was in high school I wanted to be a conservation scientist. I wanted to learn how to save the pristine water and nature in my hometown, and the creatures that live in it. That's why I am so happy to join activities that promote environmental conservation.
helpingMy dad is from the southern part of Silawesi, my mom is from the east, and they come from different tribes. In Indonesia your tribe is very important; it shapes your cultural identity. So my mom and my dad told me stories of their ancestors.
My mom told me her family descended in a long line from the last king in my hometown, Banggai, 50-100 years before the modern government.
I was surprised by this, but there's a small museum in my hometown where a scripture lists the offspring of the King, and one of them is my grandmother's grandmother. So it's actually true!
helpingThat's a really funny, amazing story that I got from her. She also told me that stories about royal blood are not about being better than others: it's about being a leader, and then using your power to help people, to influence your community to grow and develop. I am so so proud of this lesson that she taught me.
helpingAnd then my father’s ancestors were sailors. In my research, I found that the greatest sailors from Indonesia came from our tribe. My ancestors sailed across the sea and traded with nations as far away as Australia. My dad told me that we had the most advanced type of ship back then – I think it's still famous – called the Pinisi.
My story is a bit like Moana’s. She lives on a beautiful island, but somehow is part of this great legacy. Her ancestors were the best sailors, the best navigators in the world, and this shapes her will to explore and see the world.
That resonates with me, because all my life I lived in this very small village, I didn’t know there was anything else out there, and I thought that I would end up living my life in this small village.
But I got so inspired by Moana and the stories from my dad that our ancestors used to be sailors and explore the world. If they did that in the past, I could do it as well – I wanted more. And then that's why after I graduated from high school, I took the opportunity to study in Jakarta.
So these are the lessons I have embraced: to do good wherever I go, to embrace my identity and be super proud of my roots
