Anggit grew up in Sidoarjo, East Java. After her father passed away when she was just four years old, her mother worked as a teacher to support her young family, earning amsalary that was barely enough for them to survive daily. Anggit began working at a very young age, selling various items and giving private lessons to her younger neighbors.Now, Anggit works on a team of academic administrators. They help teachers grow through professional development and develop Christian education curriculum for 30 schools (and more in the future) throughout the islands of Indonesia.
Anggit is a Jakarta Cohort member, and is being equipped and mentored to see God's hand in her story as she seeks to use the skills He's given her to impact Indonesia. We asked her some questions about her role and how she sees God using her through it.
When did you first know you wanted to be in education?
I come from a long line of teachers and administrators but it wasn’t until 2014 that I fully understood my passion for teaching. After all the formal education and experiences I’ve had, I’m convicted to continue to grow and invest in the mission of education. I see and have experienced how education liberates people from darkness. It brings me joy to be involved in the process.
In what ways have you seen firsthand the impact of your work?
Everytime I visit the schools, I hear stories of students leaving their old bad habits and choosing to do the right thing because of the education they’ve received; students then teach good practices to their parents and impact the family culture.
I see leaders and teachers trying to implement what they have been learning from my team to improve their school. I witness how the schools are trying to proclaim Christ even when facing challenges because of this. When I see the map of Indonesia with the school locations on it, I praise God for the work He has done.
One particular example of encouragement was when I recently visited Labuan Bajo (Flores, Indonesia). The leaders had shared they were feeling insecure, confused, and uncertain of what they were doing: “We didn’t know whether we made the right decision. Is the school running well? Talking to you comforted us and confirmed our decision and what we are doing here. Thank you for praying for us.”
I almost shed tears upon hearing what they said. It confirmed that I am doing what God has called me to, laboring for eternity.
Where do you see opportunities in Indonesia for God to use emerging leaders? What makes you most hopeful, even amidst challenges?
In general, I see that Indonesia needs strong leaders everywhere in many areas such as commerce, health, arts, religious institutions, government, education, and domestic affairs. We need leaders with vision who see the big picture, who fear and depend on God, who are able to translate vision into implementations, and who share Gospel values.
In particular, our school system feels that we lack leaders who will then transform the education system in Indonesia. We employ about 1.100 teachers and staff and have 15.000 students all over Indonesia. We always try to make sure that our employees are growing in Christian faith because they are on the frontlines of those who teach, invest, and interact with the students. If all students have the opportunities to listen to the Good News, to see godly life examples from the school community, and to witness how sinners try to live in integrity, by God’s grace they might encounter a lifetime personal relationship with Jesus.
Following Christ is still a narrow path. Our nation is facing a very difficult situation at the moment and it’s so hard to be hopeful since Christians here are pressed in many ways. However, every time I hear progress or good practices from schools, I am confident that God is working and is in control. I am hopeful that He will restore our world. I am looking forward to see Him work in and through all of us.
What have you enjoyed most about being part of the Jakarta Cohort so far?
Listening to different speakers has enriched and confirmed my understanding of work. It’s challenged me to reflect and implement what I’ve learned to my sphere of influence.