8 Portraits of Meutya Hafid, Minister of Communication and Digital in the Red and White Cabinet, Former Accomplished Journalist - Graduate of the University of New South Wales, Australia

Meutya Viada Hafid, born on May 3, 1978, in Bandung, West Java, is a highly influential Indonesian journalist and politician. She has a solid educational background, holding a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) degree from the University of New South Wales, Australia, and a Master of International Politics (M.I.P.) from the University of Indonesia.

Meutya started her career as a journalist at Metro TV in 2001. During that time, she gathered valuable experience that helped prepare her for a later political career. One of the most memorable moments in her journalistic career was when she and her photographer colleague, Budiyanto, were taken hostage by Mujahidin forces in Iraq during the 2005 elections. They were freed after 168 hours of captivity, a highly traumatic but also inspirational experience.

The hostage experience not only made Meutya's name known nationally, but also influenced her views on politics and foreign policy. The result of this experience was documented in the book "168 Hours in Captivity", which became one of the most important works in the history of Indonesian journalism. This book also received international recognition, including the Elizabeth O’Neil Award from the Australian government.

In 2009 marked the beginning of Meutya's transition into the political world. She joined the Golongan Karya Party and became a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the North Sumatra I electoral district. Entering parliament was not a coincidence; she built a strong network during her journalism career. In the Indonesian House of Representatives, Meutya is active in Commission XI, which focuses on finance and macroeconomics, as well as Commission I, which deals with foreign affairs, defense, communication, and information.

In Commission I, Meutya demonstrated her leadership capacity by visiting Gaza in 2012 to provide assistance to the Palestinian people. This visit connected her with important global figures, such as Ismail Haniyeh and Mahmoud Abbas, which enhanced her international network. Her achievements in Commission I include organizing the Asia Africa Parliamentary Conference in 2015, which created a special forum for parliaments from the two regions.

The peak of Meutya's political career occurred during the 2019-2024 period when she was re-elected as a Legislative Member and became the Chair of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives. Additionally, she served as the Deputy Chair of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKSAP) from 2014 to 2016. Her activities in parliament were not limited to formal positions; she also made significant contributions in bridging international issues and advocating for the rights of the community.

As a female politician, Meutya Hafid plays an important role in promoting women's representation in parliament and advocating for gender issues. She has become one of the leading voices in fighting for the rights of women and children, as well as encouraging a greater role for women in various sectors, including politics. The results of her dedication are reflected in various awards she has received, such as the Democracy Award 2019 from Moeslim Choice Magazine.

Currently, Meutya Viada Hafid serves as the Minister of Communication and Digital in the cabinet of the President of the Republic of Indonesia. This position further enhances her relevance and influence in determining public policy direction in this country. The name Meutya Hafid has become an inspiration for many people, especially women, who wish to enter the fields of politics and media. Her long and winding career journey has demonstrated her resilience and dedication in serving the nation.