Marlistya Citraningrum better known as Citra once found herself unable to get through more than a few paragraphs without her brain staging a quiet rebellion. That moment of frustration sparked a deeper realization: the creeping plague of “brain rot” isn’t just a meme; it’s real, and it’s everywhere. In this sharp and engaging reflection, Citra unpacks how constant digital noise and the addictive pull of social media are eroding our capacity for deep thought; not just among the youth, but across all generations. It’s not just Gen Z scrolling into oblivion; it’s all of us, swiping through life and slowly trading clarity for chaos. Drawing on her own experiences as a writer, reader, and reluctant doom-scroller, Citra makes a compelling case for reclaiming our attention, reawakening our critical thinking, and resisting the slow erosion of thought in the digital age. For Marlistya Citraningrum (Citra), reading and writing are not hobbies, but rather ways to stay thinking. In addition to working in energy and climate policy, Citra actively writes for media outlets such as The Jakarta Post, The Conversation Indonesia, and Nikkei Asia, and shares reading material on social media. Her reasoning is simple: to encourage readers to think more deeply and cultivate reason as a small form of resistance in a noisy era. Amidst data, policies, and the demands of the professional world, she chooses to remain a believer in the power of stories and narratives. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Bimo Kusumo Yudo comes from a family where voice runs in the blood from his father, Hari Laksono, a broadcasting veteran, to his daughter, Mireya, a rising national voiceover talent. But when his own child experienced speech delay, Bimo discovered that even a family immersed in sound and storytelling faced unforeseen challenges. Turning to the power of stories and fairy tales, Bimo and his family used narrative as therapy, showing how imagination, voice, and human connection can help overcome obstacles. In this talk, he shares a deeply personal journey about the transformative power of storytelling, the voices we inherit, and how creativity can heal and unite generations. Bimo Kusumo Yudo comes from a family where voice runs in the blood from his father, Hari Laksono, a broadcasting veteran, to his daughter, Mireya, a rising national voiceover talent. But when his own child experienced speech delay, Bimo discovered that even a family immersed in sound and storytelling faced unforeseen challenges. Turning to the power of stories and fairy tales, Bimo and his family used narrative therapy, demonstrating how imagination, voice, and human connection can help overcome obstacles. In this talk, he shares a deeply personal journey about the transformative power of storytelling, the voices we inherit, and how creativity can heal and unite generations. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

What does it mean for a nation when its brightest talents decide to leave to study or work abroad? For Primawan Satrio, it’s not a loss, rather he sees it as an opportunity. As a tech entrepreneur, recruiter, and advocate for Indonesia’s greatest talents, he argues that intellectual diaspora experiences can strengthen industries, spark innovation, and build resilience at home. In this talk, he will explore how encouraging Indonesians to pursue education and careers overseas can actually expand the nation’s global perspective while creating new bridges for collaboration and growth. Primawan Satrio is an Indonesian tech entrepreneur and recruiter with a background in software engineering and product management. As the founder of Satrio Consulting and several tech ventures, he focuses on connecting Indonesian professional talents with global opportunities while building scalable recruitment and education solutions. His everyday work involves bridging cultures—scouting candidates and clients across borders, negotiating contracts, and ensuring talent mobility.Having studied, worked, and collaborated internationally, Primawan believes that Indonesia’s intellectual diaspora plays a crucial role in strengthening the nation’s global perspective. As an influencer of the #KaburAjaDulu social movement, he would like to push for more Indonesians to pursue education and careers overseas, arguing that diaspora experiences abroad can empower domestic industries, foster innovation between countries, and build resilience at home in an increasingly interconnected world. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Many people think that working as a visual artist is purely a passion. But for Isha Hening, it has also been an escape from the uncomfortable feelings she has carried throughout her life. How did she eventually find meaning in creating sophisticated motion graphics—the backbone of major stage performances and concerts, including representing Indonesia on the global stage? In this talk, alongside stunning visuals, Isha takes us behind the scenes of stadium concerts and the Indonesian Pavilion at the World Expo, and into the personal space of a creator. Isha Hening has been shaping Indonesia’s visual scene through motion graphics, live visuals, and immersive stage design. As a visual artist and VJ, her work has illuminated the country’s biggest music festivals and art spaces, blending technology, music, and visual language into unforgettable experiences. Through her art, she explores the X of visual storytelling, how images speak when words fall short, and how creative expression connects us beyond the surface. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

For most Indonesians, sushi has always meant salmon an imported fish flown in from faraway waterswhile local species from Indonesia’s rich oceans were dismissed as “too cheap” or “not premium enough.” Sandy, the founder of Kai Jin in Jakarta, set out to challenge this perception by asking a bold question: Why not us? In the Indian Ocean, he discovered vibrant fish varieties that could stand proudly on any sushi plate, rivaling global imports in freshness and flavor. But the real challenge was never the fish it was the system. By training fishermen in proper handling and building the logistics needed to deliver catches with world-class quality, Sandy began transforming “local fish” into premium sashimi. His mission at Kai Jin is more than serving sushi it is about reshaping how Indonesians value their own seas, empowering coastal communities, and proving that the future of fine dining could begin right here at home. Sandy Budimansyah is a Jakarta-based culinary entrepreneur who is transforming how Indonesians experience sushi and seafood. As the founder of Kai Jin and three other innovative brands with eight outlets across Jakarta, he connects local fishermen directly to the table, turning overlooked Indonesian fish into world-class sashimi. Sandy combines hands-on experience with a global perspective, offering insights on sustainable sourcing, supply chain innovation, and how tradition and creativity can come together to reshape a nation’s culinary identity. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Microplastics have silently invaded Indonesia’s waters, threatening marine ecosystems and even the food we eat. At the same time, aquaculture is rapidly expanding to meet the world’s growing demand, raising tough questions about sustainability and environmental impact. In this talk, Ega explores the hidden dangers of microplastic pollution, the challenges of balancing food production with ecological responsibility, and how we as a society can mitigate the risk both in the present and future. Born in Jakarta on August 16, 1993, Ega Adhi Wicaksono is a permanent lecturer in the Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, Gadjah Mada University. Ega has a track record of research in the field of water pollution, particularly related to heavy metals and plastics. Several of his studies have focused on the crucial issue of microplastics in Indonesian waters, particularly in Eastern Indonesia.With a strong background in water pollution, Ega is now also applying his expertise to aquaculture. His research focuses on developing aquaculture production systems that are not only efficient but also environmentally responsible. Through this interdisciplinary approach, Ega is committed to shaping a future where food production needs can align with efforts to maintain the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx