The Words We Lose: Why Preserving Language is Preserving Identity | Andovi Da Lopez | TEDxUNDIP
Growing up across continents as a diplomat’s son, Andovi Janis grappled with a sense of cultural dissonance thinking in English while knowing in his heart he is fully Indonesian. In this talk, he explores how preserving language and culture is not just about tradition but about identity itself, especially in a hyper-globalized digital era. Through innovative projects like Pentas Swara Indonesia and Polarisasi Musikal, he demonstrates how art can breathe new life into local languages, music, and stories, proving that creative expression is a powerful way for young Indonesians to reclaim and celebrate who they are. Andovi da Lopez is a storyteller at heart, someone who’s always found ways to speak up, spark conversations, and move people through the things he creates. From his early years on YouTube with SkinnyIndonesian24, to projects like PENSI (Pentas Swara Indonesia) that gave space for young voices to be heard, Kak Dov has always believed in using media not just for content, but for purpose.Recently, he brought that same spirit to the stage through Polarisasi Musikal, a bold musical project that turned the nation’s most pressing conversations into a story-driven performance full of meaning, nuance, and heart.His work has shown how creative expression, done with intention, can carry culture, challenge perspectives, and become a form of legacy in itself. 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
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