I was born and grew up in Malang, East Java. My secondary education was at a boarding school where I was awarded a scholarship from Putera Sampoerna Foundation. From this school, I was inspired by an Indonesian language teacher who introduced me to what anthropology is. In 2014, I enrolled in the Department of Anthropology at Universitas Indonesia. There, I was mentored by inspiring professors and teachers, such as the late Prof. Achmad Fedyani Saifuddin, Ph.D., who always captivated me with very interesting ethnographic readings. I was even given the opportunity to attend a postgraduate class on “anthropological theory paradigms” while still an undergraduate. Since my bachelor’s studies, I have been actively participating in several scientific conferences, listening to people talk about anthropology and social sciences. I only started my master’s education in 2021, and since then, I have become increasingly sharp and confident in my research interests.

Now, I am serving as adjunct lecturer at Department of Anthropology Universitas Indonesia. I earned my Master’s in Anthropology from Universitas Indonesia in 2023, where I honed a keen research interest in rituals, social transformations, and material culture within local communities, with a special focus on vernacular architecture and handwoven textiles. My extensive fieldwork in Flores and Sumba, part of East Nusa Tenggara, is dedicated to exploring ritual change, agricultural modes of production, and the dynamics of gender-based violence in Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Timor Leste. My unwavering commitment to qualitative research and ethnography underlines my dedication to anthropology as a path of lifelong learning. My goal is to delve into and address the complexities of social transformation and cultural conservation across Eastern Indonesia and Southeast Asia.

As an anthropologist, I find profound joy and fulfillment in conducting field research, immersing myself within communities far from my own. This process is not just about observation for me; it’s about building genuine connections, becoming friends with the individuals in the communities I study. These relationships enable me to understand their lives and cultures on a much deeper level, providing invaluable insights that enrich my research and academic work. This approach allows me to bridge the gap between being an outsider and becoming a part of the community, albeit temporarily, fostering a mutual exchange of knowledge and respect.

My passion for anthropology extends beyond mere academic interest. I have cultivated a hobby in photography, specifically focusing on cultural landscapes in my research locations. Capturing the essence of these communities through my lens allows me to document and share the beauty and complexity of their cultures with a wider audience.

Additionally, my interest in collecting cultural artifacts, especially traditional textiles (tenunan), enriches both my personal and professional life. Sometimes, these exquisite pieces of art are gifts from the people I meet during my research, a token of friendship and respect. Other times, I acquire them by purchasing directly from the makers, ensuring that they receive fair compensation for their craftsmanship. This collection not only serves as a tangible reminder of the communities I’ve had the privilege to study but also as a testament to the diverse and rich cultural heritage that exists around the world.