Magnus Ramstad Dahl
Grew up in Norway, but was underperforming in university, so when a “semester-abroad” program came up in Singapore, his advisor recommended him for the role. He later found she recommended him as a way of getting rid of him. But he went to Singapore and thrived, opening his mind to possibilities, and meeting so many fellow studends from around the world. He came back again to SE Asia twice, which is why he’s still here now for 6+ years. He loves Jakarta and the people here.
Indonesians are gentle. When we talked about India he contrasted saying that if someone in Indonesia is being pushy, something is seriously wrong.
Kevin O’Rourke at reformasi.info has been doing a weekly newsletter on Indonesia since the 90s. Sometimes things here thrive, and sometimes they wane, but it’s good to be long-term committed the gradual improvements.
Magnus founded NordCham Indonesia to help the Nordic Indonesian business community.