2018 Asian Alumni Festival
November 2-3, 2018
JAKARTA, INDONESIA
The 2018 Asian Alumni Festival was held Nov. 2 and 3 in Jakarta, Indonesia. There were more than 240 participants from 12 different countries. Each of the weekend’s three events was sold out.
The weekend kicked off with a look at a restaurant that serves the latest trends in Jakarta’s culinary world. The restaurant, which is on the 38th floor, gives diners a 360-degree view of the city. The attendees, who came from all around the world, arrived early and were excited to reconnect with their friends and meet fellow alumni.
The evening featured two speakers. First, Steve Hall, Vice President for Alumni Relations, took the floor and presented updates from BU, including news of the recent opening of the Dahod Family Alumni Center.
Next, Patricia Adam (Wheelock ‘12) shared her story on how BU shaped her professional journey. She also spoke about her experience as a Kelly Elizabeth Stephens Scholarship (KESSA) scholar.
The scholarship was established to honor Kelly Elizabeth Stephens, who worked in Indonesia in the 1980s and early ’90s. She taught English at universities and government ministries and established and supervised English-language centers across the country. In June 1993, Stephens was fatally injured when the volcano, Anak Krakatau, which is off the west coast of Java, erupted. Her family created the scholarship to provide one student from Indonesia the opportunity to come to the BU Wheelock College of Education & Human Development to earn a master’s degree, or, in some cases, a Ph.D., in education. The scholarship ensures Stephens’ work as an educator will continue in the country she loved.
Patricia Adam (Wheelock ’12)
Saturday’s events featured a half-day forum at the spectacular Grand Hyatt Jakarta. Attendees learned about investment and business opportunities in Jakarta. They also had the opportunity to connect with distinguished local business leaders.
This forum featured high-profile speakers, including Thomas T. Lembong, chairman of Indonesia’s Investment Coordinating Board, and Bambang Brodjonegoro, minister of National Development Planning. As a result, 11 local media outlets, including the Jakarta Post, covered the forum.
Panelist bios and slides can be found here.
From left: Erwin Budisantosa (ENG’96), Didit Ratam (Questrom ’00), Miranda Goeltom (GRS’81), Thomas T. Lembong, Bambang Brodjonegoro, Andre Rahadian (LAW’98, MET’99, Parent CAS ’20), and Shirley Santosa
The weekend’s highlight was the festival itself, which also took place on Saturday, Nov. 3, at the Grand Hyatt Jakarta. The evening featured one speaker. Luhut B. Pandjaitan (Parent MET’04), coordinating minister for Maritime Affairs, shared his expertise and insight on investing in Indonesia. You can find his slides here.
Luhut B. Pandjaitan (Parent MET’04), Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs
Then, alumni and guests enjoyed a variety of Indonesian foods. They watched traditional dances and participated in an angklung performance.
Angklung performance
BU Alumni Association would like to extend a special thanks to the 2018 Jakarta Planning Committee. We look forward to seeing you again in Bangkok November 2019!
2018 Jakarta Planning Committee (From left): Widjaja Parlin (Questrom’93), Iwan Tirtha (ENG’90), Andre Rahadian (LAW’98, MET’99, Parent CAS ’20), Didit Ratam (Questrom’00), Erwin Budisantosa (ENG’96), Hartono Jap (Questrom’95), William Tandiono, Victor Luhur (Questrom’01), and Wibowo Parlin (ENG ’93); (Not on the photo) Angelo Alvin (CAS’14) and Whitlam Luhur (MET’98)