Food Valley Ambassador from Indonesia

Education and work experience:
• MSc Food Technology - Food Biotechnology, Wageningen UR
• BSc in Food Technology at Haagse Hogeschool, The Hague
• Internship at Unilever R&D
• Internship at Heineken NV

Knowledge of languages:
Indonesian (mother tongue), English and Dutch

About Indonesia
Indonesia can offer Dutch food companies raw agricultural food materials and products.
Open to imports Low labor costs Time is elastic is Indonesia - in fact it is referred to as 'rubber time'. Exchanging small gifts helps to develop and maintain business relationships. People tend to avoid openly disagreeing with others. It is difficult for people to say 'no', preferring to express disagreement very vaguely or through the use of silence. Do not assume that 'yes' means 'I agree with you' - it is just as likely to mean, 'I understand what you have said', which is neither agreement nor disagreement.

Personal note:
I have always wanted to gain experience by studying abroad for my higher education. I was hoping that I could continue my studies in The Netherlands. Why? Because of the history that we share, I am interested in gaining life experience in The Netherlands. Besides, the fact that its location is “the gateway to Europe makes me all the more interested in continuing my studies in The Netherlands because this country's unique position can help me to achieve my goal. Therefore, I did not think twice when I got an opportunity from the Dutch government (through a DELTA scholarship) to study in The Netherlands. I studied Process and Food Technology at Haagse Hogeschool for my Bachelor's. While studying for my bachelor's degree, I heard about Wageningen University's fine reputation and decided to pursue a higher degree there. I find Wageningen the perfect place for me to acquire more knowledge about Food Technology. And here I am now, in the final stage of my Master's program.

The Food Valley Ambassador program is interesting yet challenging for me. My previous two internships, which I completed during my Bachelor's studies, lasted only six weeks and five and a half months respectively. I felt that the duration of the internships was too short to get to know a real work environment. When I heard about the more extensive FVA program, I applied immediately. I believe that a year-long internship through FVA will help me in many ways. It will improve my skills and competence, give me a “taste” of working life and allow me to gain professional experience in the European Food Industry. In addition, the Food Valley Ambassador Program gives me opportunity to build networks between the Food industries in Indonesia and The Netherlands.