Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto has officially named his cabinet for the 2024-2029 term, with the appointment of ministers and deputy ministers drawing widespread attention. Among the most notable selections is Stella Christie, which appointed as a deputy minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (MendiktiSaintek) .
Christie first met Prabowo at his residence on Jalan Kertanegara during the initial discussions about filling ministerial positions. Introducing herself as an academic and professor at Tsinghua University in China, her background immediately stood out.
Following her selection as a deputy minister, Christie shared her motivations for answering Prabowo’s call to join his administration. Speaking after attending a preparatory session for prospective deputy ministers at Prabowo’s residence in Hambalang, West Java, she expressed her commitment to serving the nation.
“As a daughter of this country, I am ready to contribute to the nation,” said Christie, who hails from Medan. She expressed admiration for the vision set forth by Prabowo and his vice president-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, describing it as clear and systematically designed.
“He [Prabowo] provided us with knowledge, not just from himself but from very credible sources, on how we can help realize his vision to build the prosperity of our country,” Christie stated on Thursday, October 17, 2024.
Stella Christie Career and Wealth, From Academia to Indonesia’s Deputy Minister
The 45-year-old academic also reflected on the opportunities the nation has afforded her throughout her life, explaining that she had greatly benefited from the Indonesian education system. “I shared my experience of studying and working abroad, but I am a product of this nation’s education system. I grew up here. From kindergarten to my first year of high school, I was educated in Jakarta.”
Having received a scholarship to Harvard University, Christie emphasized her sense of duty to give back to the country. “I was granted a scholarship to study at Harvard, so the education I received was thanks to this nation. It is only fitting that I now give back what I have gained,” she added.
Stella Christie appointment as Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology has been met with widespread interest due to her unique background and international academic experience, adding a global perspective to Prabowo’s incoming administration.
(Raidi/Agung)