Samintang
Wholehearted Transformation Leader & Movement Orchestrator
Samintang
Founder and Executive Director of Climate Catalysts I Researcher of SDGs Center for Eastern Indonesia I Co-Founder and Curriculum Specialist of Young Eco-Stars Programme (YES-P) I Head of Communication and Outreach Manager of KARANG I Project Director of Empowered Mataran I Grant Coordinator and Writer of IDEAL Foundation I Enrichment Lead of SDGs Marathon
Biography
Samintang is a formidable advocate for women's rights and climate activism, serving as the Founder and Executive Director of Climate Catalysts. Her extensive experience includes managing development programs across a range of cultural contexts and topics within the Asia-Pacific Region. She is also a development professional with 5+ years of experience in action for climate empowerment and environmental education. In 2022, Samintang was named the Youngest Invited Speaker for the Indonesia Development Forum Agenda, where she passionately advocated for and reported on industrialization paradigms and edible bioplastic innovation directly to President Joko Widodo. This remarkable accomplishment stands as a testament to her steadfast commitment to the cause. Currently, she fulfills the role of Local Engagement Coordinator for the TechGirls Programme, operating within the Legacy International organization, dedicated to empowering women in STEM fields across numerous countries and territories globally. Samintang obtained her bachelor's degree in Economics and Business from Hasanuddin University, securing dual scholarships from both the Indonesian Government and the ARTAX. She has also been recognized by the U.S. Department of State, who selected her to study Climate Change and the Environment at University of Nevada in Reno under the Study of the United States Institutes for Global Student Leaders Programme. Furthermore, she was honored with a prestigious SUSI Mini Grant Alumni award. She has garnered notable accolades, including being recognized as the Most Outstanding Accounting Student of Indonesia, earning a Silver Medal in the world's largest aviation, aerospace, and technology festival known as TEKNOFEST, serving as a G7 Ambassador for Australia and Oceania, acting as a Theirworld Global Youth Ambassador, and holding leadership and advisory roles in various local and international NGOs. Additionally, she made history as the first Indonesian to participate in and win the 2023 Project Green Challenge Finale held in San Francisco, California. Samintang aims to become an expert in Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), a leader in the public sector, and a specialist in CSR-Sustainability, with a fervent commitment to disrupting inequitable systems and advocating for environmental and social justice.
Samintang
2024
Write for Climate
"With each stroke of the pen, we etch our commitment into the annals of time, inscribing the narrative of our responsibility to safeguard the sanctity of our planet – for in writing for climate, we script the legacy of tomorrow."
Speak for Climate
“In the silence of our conscience, let our voices resonate as echoes of nature's plea, for in speaking for climate, we amplify the whispers of generations yet unborn.”
Act for Climate
"As actors on this global stage, our every gesture becomes a scene in the drama of survival. Let us not merely recite our lines but embody the role of stewards, for in acting for climate, we enact the profound script of humanity's resilience and redemption."
She works with local partners and communities to promote environmental education, sustainable practices, and social movements.
Speaking Engagements
Speaking about Climate Catalysts Indonesia projects and climate action (both online and on-site) in Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Turkiye, Thailand, and the United States for environmental conferences - all of which were fully funded.
Speaking Engagements
Indonesia Development Forum
Bali, Indonesia
Project Green Challenge
California, United States
Study of the United States Institutes
Nevada, United States
TEKNOFEST
Istanbul, Turkiye
Web3 Fusion: Embracing AI and Beyond
(Bangkok, Thailand)
A groundbreaking conference where the future of technology meets practical application. This three-day hybrid event, set in the heart of innovation, will serve as your gateway to the latest trends and transformative discussions in AI, Blockchain, IoT, AR/VR, and their collective impact on the information space.
“Web3 Fusion: Embracing AI and Beyond” is more than a conference; it's a journey into the heart of digital transformation. Whether you're interested or involved in the impact of new digital technologies on legacy and new media, civil society and social movements and digital education, this is where your digital odyssey begins. Join us to explore, learn, and shape the future of technology.
Indonesia Development Forum - Bali, Indonesia
Plenary Hall - The Government Listens
The Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas Republic of Indonesia granted Samintang the opportunity to address the audience as the youngest speaker, focusing on edible bioplastic innovation and the industrialization paradigm. Samintang presented directly to President Joko Widodo and Minister Suharso Monoarfa. This event marked one of two occasions where Samintang took the podium during the conference.
During his engagements, Samintang had the honor of meeting with distinguished figures such as President of the Republic of Indonesia, Muhammad Chatib Basri; Senior Economist and former Minister of Finance of Indonesia (2013 - 2014), Ricardo Hausmann (Director of The Growth Lab Center for International Development, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, and former Minister of Development of Venezuela (1992 - 1993)); Amalia Adininggar Widiyasanti, Deputy for Economic Affairs at Bappenas (Ministry of National Development Planning); Suharso Monoarfa, Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas; Erick Tohir, Minister of State-Owned Enterprises of Indonesia; Reini Djuhraeni Wirahadikusumah, Rector of ITB (Institut Teknologi Bandung); Gita Amperiawan, President Director of PTDI (PT Dirgantara Indonesia); Ida Bagus Nama Rupa, Director of PT Bali Coklat; Ngurah Wirawan, Director of KIT Batang and so many more. These interactions facilitated insightful discussions across various fields, contributing to broader dialogues on national and international development agendas.
Indonesia Development Forum - Bali, Indonesia
Ideas and Innovations Marketplace
Samintang delivered a compelling presentation to an extensive audience of over 10,000 individuals, both present at the venue and tuning in via live streaming. Her focus was on showcasing the innovative possibilities of edible bioplastic derived from Amorphophallus muelleri Blum, a plant renowned for its distinctive properties. This plant holds immense promise as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics, offering biodegradability and reduced environmental impact. Through her presentation, she aimed to emphasize the versatility and eco-friendliness of this bioplastic solution, urging the audience to adopt environmentally conscious practices in material production. By doing so, she sought to inspire and educate, igniting discussions and fostering greater awareness about the role of bioplastics in mitigating plastic pollution and advancing toward a more sustainable future.
Project Green Challenge - California, the United States
Samintang took the stage in the vibrant setting of the San Francisco Bay Area, delivering an impassioned speech centered around the theme of "Climate Catalysts" as part of the Project Green Challenge hosted by Turning Green. With an audience eager to engage with environmental issues, Samintang seized the opportunity to inspire action and ignite change. Through compelling storytelling and insightful analysis, she shed light on the pivotal role individuals and communities can play in catalyzing positive environmental transformation. By emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change and highlighting innovative solutions, Samintang encouraged participants to become active agents of change in their own lives and beyond, fostering a sense of empowerment and collective responsibility towards building a more sustainable future.
SUSI on Climate Change & the Environment - Nevada, USA
As an awardee of a full scholarship for the Study of the United States Institutes for Global Student Leaders (SUSI GSL CCE), sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and managed by the Meridian International Center, Samintang had the privilege of participating in a discussion about youth and climate action. This opportunity brought her together with 19 other fellows and was also attended by the Northern Nevada International Center. In this setting, she shared insights, perspectives, and experiences related to the vital role of youth in addressing climate change and driving sustainable initiatives forward. Through collaborative dialogue and exchange of ideas, she contributed to fostering greater awareness and mobilizing collective action towards environmental stewardship and climate resilience.
Teknofest & Istanbul International Invention Fair - Turkiye
Samintang took the stage at TEKNOFEST, the world's largest aviation, aerospace, and technology festival, to deliver a compelling speech on the intersection of augmented reality and inclusive education. In front of a diverse audience of enthusiasts, innovators, and industry leaders, she shared insights into how augmented reality technologies can revolutionize education, making it more accessible and inclusive for learners of all backgrounds and abilities. By harnessing the immersive and interactive capabilities of augmented reality, she showcased how educational content can be presented in engaging and personalized ways, catering to different learning styles and preferences. She emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to break down barriers to education and create an inclusive learning environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. Her speech sparked discussions and inspired attendees to explore the transformative potential of augmented reality in shaping the future of education on a global scale.
She firmly believes in the collective dissemination of environmental education to vulnerable groups, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and solidarity. Her vision calls for unified efforts to empower marginalized communities with the knowledge and resources needed to address environmental challenges effectively.
~ San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA (November, 2023)
Recent Awards & Recognitions
- Project Green Challenge Champion, Acure Green Award (2024)
- Awardee UPG Sustainability Leadership Programme (2024)
- Awardee Awareness 360 Fellowship Programme (2024)
- Awardee Web3 Fusion: Embracing AI and Beyond in Thailand (2024)
- TheirWorld Global Youth Ambassador Programme, United Kingdom (2024)
- 1st Winner Project Green Challenge in California, USA (2023)
- Awardee SUSI on Climate Change and the Environment by the U.S. Department of State in Nevada, USA (2023)
- SUSI Alumni Support Grant Recipient (2023)
- Silver Medalist in the World's Largest Aviation, Aerospace, and Technology Festival known as TEKNOFEST in Turkiye (2023)
- Invited Speaker Istanbul International Invention Fair (2023)
- Invited Presenter at Academy of Global Business Advancement/AGBA Conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (2023)
- ARTAX Scholarship Grantee (2023)
- 2nd Winner Policy Brief Competition by the RDI and CEGF (2023)
- 1st Winner National Aspiring Professional Accountant Award (2022)
- Gold Medalist World Youth Invention and Innovation Award (2022)
Learn more: https://projectgreenchallenge.com/finals/
Samintang is a full-time climate activist with sustainability
at her heart.
Environmental Education Projects
Climate Catalysts
Project Green Challenge
Empowered Mataran
SDGs Center for Eastern Indonesia
mission
success and impact
Climate Catalysts is dedicated to empowering young people particularly Makassarians through impactful peer-to-peer programs, equipping them with the necessary tools to become transformative climate leaders by environmental education (EE) and Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) implementation.
Our program includes various activities such as climate courses, case studies, discussions, campaigns, and climate action initiatives, offering insights and practical approaches to address climate issues at different levels, from grassroots to global paradigms.
- 30 volunteers actively participated.
- Over 70 fellows aged 18-25 were directly impacted.
- More than 600 individuals from various countries were indirectly engaged.
- 11 climate-focused classes were conducted.
- 3 newsletters and a 23-page handbook curriculum were published and distributed to 16 faculties in person and online.
- 30 innovative capstone projects and products were developed.
- The initiative gained 550 followers on Instagram.
- 3 Green Weekly Talks were produced, reaching over 500 listeners.
- Over 50 submissions were received for an upcoming climate book.
- Climate Catalysts formed over 20 national and international partnerships with ABCGM entities.
- 100 trees were planted in the Unhas forest.
Overall, the initiatives of Climate Catalysts directly and indirectly impacted over 1,740 individuals.
CLIMATE CATALYSTS
Empowering Tomorrow’s Advocates
community challenges
- The 2014 UN Habitat assessment highlighted Makassar's vulnerability to climate change, with projections indicating a 56 cm rise in sea levels by 2050 due to global warming.
- Insufficient environmental education in Makassar poses a risk to citizens' resilience, especially among young people.
- Our research, supported by recent literature, reveals that many Gen Z individuals in urban areas like Makassar suffer from climate anxiety, ecological grief, and solastalgia.
future goals
- The Climate Catalysts Fellowship Programme will expand to Batch 2, 3, and beyond, opening its doors to applicants from all provinces in Indonesia and internationally.
- Our curriculum and book will be adaptable for various institutions, particularly at the high school and university levels.
- To ensure sustainability, we will actively seek grant opportunities associated with the climate education movement.
Samintang (Indonesia)
SUSI for Global Student Leaders
On Climate Change and the Environment 2023
Features
Recent Volunteering Activities
- UPG Champion (2024)
- Participated in a Beach Clean-Up organized by the League to Save Lake Tahoe in Sierra Nevada (2023)
- Managed supply inventory and sorted donations at Eddy House in Northern Nevada (2023)
- Took part in Adopt-A-Spot and Neighborhood Clean-Up initiatives with Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful in (2023)
- Provided resources and services to Black and under-served communities through Black Wall Street Reno (2023)
- Assisted in packing meal supply boxes and sorting non-perishable food items with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada (2023)
- Prepared a fresh-cooked dinner while educating children at Edible Schoolyard Berkeley about educational gardens aligned with Alice Waters’ philosophy (2023)
- National Chartered Accountant Ambassador to promote IFRS S1 General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information and IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures (2022)
- Served as Pertamina Foundation Volunteer (2021).
Samintang and Susan Chandler, 78, a former UNR professor at the School of Social Work, who took part in protests against the war in Vietnam and the civil rights movement, is back at it again, speaking out against corporations such as JPMorgan Chase funding coal, oil and gas firms. (Nevada, USA, 2023)
Samintang and Prof. Mardiasmo, Chairman of the National Board of the Indonesian Institute of Accountants (DPN IAI) from 2010 to 2022. (Jakarta Convention Center, 2022)
Samintang and Jon Wellinghoff, National Leader in Sustainable Energy. Wellinghoff's work in energy-related fields has included renewable integration, plug-in electric vehicles, and the modernization of the American electric grid. (Nevada, USA, 2023)
Samintang and Raul Camacho, Factory Tour Associate at Tesla. She visited Tesla to gain insights into electric vehicles and the lithium-ion batteries being developed by Tesla Motors at the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center (TRIC) in Storey County. (Tesla Gigafactory Nevada, USA, 2023)
Samintang and Dr. Sudeep Chandra, A Professor of Limnology in the Biology Department at the University of Nevada, Reno (USA), Sudeep Chandra serves as Director of the University’s Global Water Center: Solutions for Sustainability and the former Co-Director for the Lake Tahoe Science Advisory Council. (University of Nevada, Reno, USA, 2023)
Samintang and Kevin Caillouet, Director at St. Tammany Parish Mosquito Abatement, engaged in a discussion about the utilization of mobile software and laboratory testing equipment to safeguard residents from diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. (New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, 2023)
Samintang and Dr. Adam Csank, a paleoclimatologist & paleoecologist with expertise in stable isotope geochemistry and dendrochronology. They explored the application of stable isotope dendrochronology, a method used to reconstruct past climates and understand the effects of climate change on trees throughout various time periods, spanning from the Pliocene era to the present day. (Sierra Nevada, USA, 2023)
Samintang and Shelbey Ashley Keegan, Program Officer for the Meridian Center for Global Leadership, facilitating the U.S. Department of State’s Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Global Student Leaders. (UNR, Nevada, 2023)
Samintang participated alongside the coordinator of Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful, engaging in Adopt-A-Spot and Neighborhood Clean-Up initiatives, where she gained valuable learning experiences and dedicated her time as a volunteer.(Reno, Nevada, USA, 2023)
Her 2019-2024
in Numbers
700+
International and domestic events.
$70,000+
Climate action roject grants and scholarships.
100+
Social and the environmental movements.
200,000+
Directly and indirectly influencing individuals.
She has partnered with and empowered
500+
abcgm stakeholders
Academicians, Businesses, Communities, Governments, and Medias
She has spoken on a wide range of topics as a speaker in both domestic and international forums.
700+ Events
Featured as an Ambassador to Oceania/Australia in Times Square, New York, United States of America.
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Small acts, big impact. Together, we have the potential to rewrite the story of our planet!