Although I lived and studied in Perth, Australia for a long time, I still vividly remember the days when I attended TK Kristen Petra Pucang. Besides enjoying the company of good school friends, I loved the playground so much that I wished to be picked up late just to play a little longer.

I also recall some teachers, like my English teacher at SD Kristen Petra Pucang. Oh, she was very strict, making me feel bored during her classes back then. But when I moved to Perth, oh dear, I felt panicked and wondered whom to ask for help. It was then that I truly realized how valuable her teachings were. There were also unexpected teachers, like Mrs. Evelyn, the teacher of class V-A. Because of her somewhat intimidating demeanor, I was scared before anything even happened, even though she was actually very kind. Overall, behind those memories, I can say that the education I received at PPPK Petra was excellent. From an early age, we were taught discipline, both academically and spiritually, supported by high-quality teachers. Well, I can say Petra is one of the best Christian schools in Surabaya.

I had the opportunity to be selected in the Miss Indonesia 2008 pageant. It was an honor to introduce Indonesia’s achievements and culture to the international stage. As an alumna, I truly hope that extraordinary figures from Petra’s alumni will emerge in the future. Whether they become leaders, politicians, bankers, lawyers, artists, or figures in other fields, they should contribute positively to Indonesian society. Achieving this goal requires collaboration from various parties. This is where the networking done by IKAPETRA will play a significant role in facilitating Petra’s alumni to continue nurturing and developing relationships in various fields.

This is unity for a better life.

I began my journey into the world of badminton when I was in junior high school at Petra Christian School Embong Wungu, precisely in 1982. Moving into 1983, during my high school years at Petra 2 Christian High School, I started winning championships up to the provincial level. With numerous tournaments held outside the school, I had to seek permission several times. Despite maintaining discipline in my studies and achieving good grades, I am grateful that both the school and teachers never made it difficult for me; in fact, they supported me in achieving success.

After graduating from high school in 1986, I joined the national training center (pelatnas) to fully immerse myself in the world of badminton. One could say that my life journey has been filled with this beloved sport. Thank God, during the 2000 Sydney Olympics, I successfully won a silver medal in the mixed doubles category with Tri Kusharyanto. Currently, I am coaching young children in the Philippines in playing badminton.

In January 2012, it was a valuable experience to visit several Petra Christian School branches together with the IKAPETRA management during a character-building activity. Witnessing the immense enthusiasm from the children during the character education was remarkable. It was a good opportunity to share experiences and motivation with Petra’s students. Actually, character education is equally important as cognitive education, as it builds the mental and spiritual aspects of students. Just for information, education holds the top priority in the Philippines.

Furthermore, I hope that in the future, IKAPETRA can use alumni as motivation for younger children, encouraging them to progress and develop further. Joining IKAPETRA is not only for gatherings and reunions but also to support each other for our collective future and for the young minds, the future of our nation.

As an alumna, I acknowledge that the quality of education at PPPK Petra School is outstanding. This became evident when I pursued my studies at IPB. While many students struggled to adapt to the curriculum and learning patterns in higher education, I found it easy to follow lectures. Most students who excelled in their studies came from reputable schools in Jakarta or other major cities, and Petra was one of them.

Apart from the educational quality, attending Petra allowed me to meet inspiring educators, among them were Mrs. Ary Mulat and Mr. Budi. Both of these teachers took the initiative to appoint me to represent the school in the Teenage Scientific Work Competition. Behind the victory I achieved at that time, they were the ones who were truly remarkable, as they were teachers with the initiative to develop the potential of their students. Currently, I work as a servant of God and the school director at IPEKA in Jakarta. Meanwhile, my exemplary leadership figure is derived from my school principal, Mr. Michael Utomo. One day, I openly expressed a difference of opinion to him in front of teachers and students.

I myself was amazed and frightened recalling my courage at that time. However, the next day, when he called me to his office, his reaction was beyond my expectations. He welcomed me warmly, shook my hand, and said, “Petroes, there are few young people like you. Daring to express opinions and truths. I highly appreciate it. That’s extraordinary.” Until now, he remains a role model in my leadership.

If you want to see the results of education at Petra, look at its alumni, who are representations and testimonials of its final educational outcomes. Therefore, I support the formation of IKAPETRA, as it can be a platform to continue the legacy of PPPK Petra School. As its tagline says, “Unity for better life,” there are numerous potentials and benefits that we can obtain with the alumni numbering in the tens of thousands, whether in the form of educational funds, the exemplary conduct of alumni that can inspire PPPK Petra students, or synergy to become a blessing for the surrounding community and the nation of Indonesia.