Dunia Kita: Apa Kabar Diaspora Indonesia di Amerika?

Summary

The video showcases the inspiring stories of Indonesian diaspora in the United States, contributing to various fields like academia, social impact, and entrepreneurship. It features Mustika Wijaya, an Obama Scholar and founder of Solar Chapter, working to improve communities in Indonesia through solar-powered solutions. The video also highlights Shinta Herwantoro Hernandez, an educator and virtual campus dean, making education accessible to immigrant communities. Additionally, the story of Zen, who founded Awan, an Indonesian-inspired ice cream business in Los Angeles, and Eva, a dedicated cleaning lady, reflects the diverse contributions of Indonesians abroad. The segment also follows Indonesian runners participating in the 2022 New York Marathon, showcasing their personal challenges and triumphs.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mustika Wijaya, an Obama Scholar, is the founder of Solar Chapter, a non-profit helping communities in Nusa Tenggara Timur, Indonesia, through solar-powered solutions.
• 😀 Mustika's goal is to improve the organization's impact by developing remote monitoring technology for more effective and efficient programs.
• 😀 Shinta Herwantoro Hernandez, a dean at an online college in Maryland, promotes affordable and accessible higher education for diverse communities.
• 😀 Shinta's dedication to virtual education earned her a spot among Maryland’s top 50 female leaders in 2022.
• 😀 Eva, a cleaning lady from Indonesia, has thrived in the U.S. despite her limited education, earning a high income and gaining respect from her clients.
• 😀 Eva works tirelessly, cleaning up to three homes a day, and has built strong relationships with her clients, particularly a Jewish-American family.
• 😀 Zen, an Indonesian-born chef, opened Awan, a unique ice cream shop in Los Angeles that features Indonesian flavors using local ingredients.
• 😀 Awan's ice cream blends coconut milk, palm sugar, and tropical fruits, providing a delicious taste of Indonesia to a diverse clientele.
• 😀 Zen's culinary vision is to showcase Indonesian ingredients and flavors, bringing attention to the country's rich food culture.
• 😀 Hasan Ramdan and Derisa Zahara, two Indonesians, participated in the 2022 New York Marathon, facing personal challenges to represent Indonesia in this prestigious event.

Q & A

What is the Solar Chapter project founded by Mustika Wijaya?

The Solar Chapter project, founded by Mustika Wijaya, is a social enterprise focused on providing solar-powered water solutions to communities in Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT), Indonesia, aiming to improve access to clean water in rural areas.

What is the Obama Scholar Program and how is Mustika Wijaya involved in it?

The Obama Scholar Program is a prestigious leadership development initiative for young people who have shown significant contributions to their communities. Mustika Wijaya, an Obama Scholar, is using the platform to further her work in sustainable development, particularly through her Solar Chapter project.

What role does Shinta Herwantoro Hernandez play in virtual education in the U.S.?

Shinta Herwantoro Hernandez is the dean of the first virtual campus at her institution, responsible for overseeing all academic activities conducted online. She has been a leader in expanding access to education for immigrants and low-income communities in the U.S.

What is unique about the way Shinta contributes to the educational field?

Shinta's contributions to the educational field are unique because she focuses on making higher education accessible to marginalized groups, particularly immigrants and middle-class communities, through online platforms. She has been recognized for her efforts to provide quality education to a broader demographic.

How does Eva's story challenge stereotypes about manual labor in the U.S.?

Eva's story challenges stereotypes by highlighting the dignity and financial stability that come with manual labor jobs like cleaning. Despite having only a primary school education, Eva has thrived in the U.S., demonstrating that such jobs can offer respectable pay and opportunities, especially in areas like Maryland.

How does Eva's work as a cleaning lady contribute to her community in the U.S.?

Eva's work as a cleaning lady contributes by providing essential services that are highly valued in the U.S., especially in middle and upper-class households. Her dedication to her job has allowed her to build long-term relationships with clients and achieve financial independence.

What inspired Zen to start his ice cream company, Awan, in Los Angeles?

Zen was inspired to start Awan, an Indonesian-flavored ice cream company, after moving to the U.S. and realizing the potential for introducing unique Indonesian flavors like coconut and palm sugar to the American market. His culinary background and passion for Indonesian cuisine motivated him to share these flavors with a wider audience.

What makes Awan's ice cream different from other ice cream brands in the U.S.?

Awan's ice cream is unique because it uses traditional Indonesian ingredients such as coconut milk and palm sugar. The company offers a variety of flavors that are made with locally sourced fruits from Indonesian farmers, providing a distinct and authentic taste that sets it apart from other ice cream brands.

What was the process for Hasan Ramdan and Derisa Zahara to participate in the New York Marathon?

Hasan Ramdan had to participate in nine qualifying races and volunteer at a previous New York Marathon to secure a spot, while Derisa Zahara entered through a lottery system. Both had to train intensively and overcome various challenges to participate in the iconic marathon.

Why do some Indonesians participate in international marathons like the New York Marathon?

Indonesians participate in international marathons like the New York Marathon for a variety of reasons, including the desire for a unique and magical experience, the challenge of completing a marathon in a global city, and personal motivations such as proving one's strength or overcoming physical challenges.