From a fast-tracked high school experience in Indramayu to the international stages of education, Anggi Suharja’s journey exemplifies the spirit of courage and growth championed by Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI). Entering UPI’s English Education program in 2012 as her first choice, Anggi was driven by a calling that teaching was never just a profession; it was her purpose.
The child of educators, Anggi continued her studies at UPI, deepening her expertise and expanding her world. Yet, her defining transformation came with the opportunity to join the Language Assistant Program in Melbourne, Victoria, in 2018, where she taught Indonesian to international students. This experience broadened her perspective, fueling her involvement as West Java Language Ambassador and instilling a lifelong passion for cultural diplomacy.
Serving Across Continents through Teaching and Community Service
Anggi’s journey took on a global dimension when, while completing her thesis, she was selected for the Fulbright Scholarship as a BIPA instructor at Columbia University, New York. Her experiences in these diverse environments became catalysts for profound personal and professional growth, opening doors to further achievements.
As a teaching consultant at USINDO (an international NGO), Anggi dedicated herself to developing online courses for Indonesian language learning, expanding her career as an educator and innovator. “Teaching in international settings is a form of national diplomacy,” she explains, describing her years at Mae Fa Luang University in Chiang Rai and Walailak University in Thailand, each chapter marked by her spirit of adventure and service to global learners.
One of Anggi’s most recent community projects is “School under the Coconut Tree,” where she volunteers to teach English to children in a remote coastal village in southern Thailand. It is here she witnessed the transformative power of education, reinforcing her belief that knowledge knows no boundaries.
Memories of UPI: Shaping Character and Leadership
For Anggi, the values instilled at UPI were foundational: the university’s focus on character building, community service, and robust academic networking prepared her to thrive amid the complexities of international education. Memories of leading the student association’s public relations department, advocating for student wellbeing, and engaging deeply in community service (KKN) still shape her identity and professional philosophy.
“UPI not only gave me a good education,” Anggi reflects, “it trained me to serve, to lead with empathy and resilience, which have become my greatest assets abroad.” Her journey proves that UPI graduates can compete and contribute at a global level. The challenges of being part of the Indonesian diaspora, such as facing risks, making sacrifices, and facing uncertainty, are balanced by the rewards of character growth and impactful contributions.
A note to UPI’s Future Generation
Looking ahead, Anggi is pursuing professional teaching certification in Thailand, with plans to undertake a Ph.D. while building youth communities and expanding her educational reach. Her message to current UPI students is both practical and empowering: “Remember, there is no harm in learning. Keep learning, stay active in organisations, and you’ll never know how positively it will shape you. Know your worth and be brave enough to seize opportunity.”
Through courage, passion for education, and cross-border collaboration, teh Anggi Suharja embodies the transformative promises of UPI alumni as leaders who continue to shape, inspire, and unite communities around the world. (VS)