Growing up on a remote Indonesian island with fewer than 100 residents, Ara’s world was shaped by the ocean. Today, she’s inspiring youth across Indonesia to become ocean stewards and has just released her first environmental film.
Ara grew up on the Gili Islands, where opportunities were limited and independence came early. Diving became both a way to stay close to the ocean she loved and a way to make ends meet. It was while guiding a tourist on a dive that she first heard about Take Action Lab. She applied, unsure what to expect, and was accepted into one of our early classes.
For Ara, Take Action Lab was transformative. It was the first time she experienced a global learning community that believed deeply in her potential and challenged her to imagine a broader future.
“I met amazing people who became lifelong friends,” she reflects. “I was surrounded by mentors and peers who believed in me, even when I doubted myself. That support made a real difference.”
Through Take Action Lab, Ara developed confidence, leadership skills, and a stronger sense of purpose. The experience pushed her to think beyond survival and toward impact. It also opened doors she had never imagined, including attending the Villars Institute Summit in Switzerland as part of the first Tilting Futures delegation, joining young leaders from around the world to engage with global decision-makers on sustainability and environmental action.
Since completing Take Action Lab, Ara has continued to build on that foundation. She works as a dive instructor and supports project management for an ocean-focused organization in Indonesia. She also applied for and was accepted into the Darwin 200 Fellowship, joining a scientific voyage to Tasmania focused on humpback whale research.
That voyage became the subject of Ara’s first environmental short film of a three part series. The film showcases stunning marine life and landscapes, but it also reflects the confidence and clarity Ara gained through her Take Action Lab experience.
“Being in that environment pushed me to grow, to try more, and to care more deeply about the impact I can have on others,” she says. “It reminded me that we’re not alone in the work we do.”
Today, Ara is still living the values she strengthened through Take Action Lab: leadership rooted in community, purpose, and care for the planet.
She is working on the second and third parts of her documentary series and looks forward to sharing the rest of the films with her community.
From a tiny island to a global community, Ara’s story shows what becomes possible when young people are given the opportunity, support, and belief they need to turn passion into lasting impact.
