Dian Sastrowardoyo, an Indonesian actor and filmmaker, has been instrumental in providing opportunities for women in rural Indonesia to access higher education. Inspired by Indonesia’s national hero Raden Adjeng Kartini, who fought for women’s rights, Dian started an initiative in 2015 that has since provided scholarships to more than 30 women. Additionally, she collaborates with a local nonprofit to offer free coding lessons and programs for hundreds of Indonesian women, believing that investing in women is crucial for the future generations.
Dian’s success extends beyond her efforts in education, as she is also the face of Netflix’s popular show “Gadis Kretek” (Cigarette Girl), a period drama set in Indonesia’s clove tobacco industry. The show has garnered global popularity, reaching the Top 10 list for non-English language content on Netflix. Dian’s portrayal of the lead character Dasiyah, a woman in a male-dominated industry, highlights important themes of discrimination and representation.
Despite her success in the entertainment industry, Dian values education and holds a degree in philosophy and a master’s in management. She is passionate about challenging beauty standards and advocating for more diverse representations in media, particularly given the rise of social media influencers shaping perceptions. Dian is also concerned about the impact of toxic masculinity on young people, emphasizing the importance of guidance for her own children.
Looking to the future, Dian hopes to continue producing quality projects in Indonesia’s film industry and elevate the country’s creative output on a global scale. She aims to empower women storytellers and filmmakers, advocating for more representation and diversity in the industry. Her ambitious goals include writing and directing her first feature film, inspired by the success of filmmakers like Greta Gerwig.
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