Jakarta, 3 August 2024 – Mensa Indonesia hosted the “Friends of Mensa Indonesia” (FoMI) event in Jakarta, celebrating individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to their fields through intelligence and innovation. The event underscores Mensa Indonesia’s core belief in “Diversity in Intelligence,” which highlights the various ways intelligence can be expressed and leveraged for societal benefit. The Friends of Mensa Indonesia initiative was established in 2023 to recognize and appreciate those who exemplify this diversity of intellect and positive impact.
During the event, Mensa Indonesia welcomed Dr. Jacky Mussry, CEO of MarkPlus, as the newest Friend of Mensa Indonesia. Dr. Jacky, known for his expertise in marketing and his unique ability to balance analytical and creative thinking, has made significant contributions to both the academic and business communities. His diverse talents, including a stint as a disc jockey, highlight the multidimensional nature of intelligence—a core value embraced by Mensa Indonesia.
Dr. Jacky expressed his happiness at being accepted into the Mensa community. He emphasized his concern about the need to elevate Indonesian intelligence, not just in terms of raw intellect but also in fostering a consciousness to do good. He further highlighted the importance of leveraging resources into competence, stating, “Without competence, we won’t be able to compete.” Reflecting on the shift from “I think therefore I am” to the post-truth mindset of “I believe therefore I’m right,” Jacky warned of the dangers this poses. He stressed the strategic role Mensa plays in shaping a better Indonesia and expressed hope that, together with Mensa, he can contribute to this goal.
The event also celebrated the renewed partnership with Mischka and Devon, the first recipients of the Friends of Mensa Indonesia accolade. These extraordinary siblings have won over 100 medals in national and international mathematics and science Olympiads, exemplifying the high intellectual standards and potential of Indonesia’s youth. Over the past year, Mensa Indonesia has collaborated with Mischka and Devon in various activities aimed at inspiring and educating the younger generation about the importance of intellectual contribution.
They expressed how inspired they are by Mensa Indonesia to continue creating social impact. They hope to inspire the youth to contribute positively to society and emphasized the importance of using their intellectual gifts to make a difference.
Budi Handoko, Director of Strategic Partnership of Mensa Indonesia said: “These figures are a true example of Mensa Indonesia’s belief in “Diversity in Intelligence,” which is the tagline of Mensa Indonesia. Mensa Indonesia believes that intelligence and achievement are not determined by a single intellectual parameter alone, but also by dedication, commitment, and continuous effort in one’s field.”.
While Satriadi Gunawan, Mensa Indonesia Chairman adding that “Members of Mensa Indonesia themselves come from various backgrounds and professions, ranging from teachers, doctors, athletes, entrepreneurs, and even artists, each contributing unique perspectives and contributions to the community dynamics. This diversity enriches the Mensa Indonesia community and demonstrates that intelligence can be expressed in various forms.”
Radita Sonix, a member of Mensa Indonesia and currently serving as the Strategic Partnership Committee in Mensa Indonesia, as well as the founder of IQ DEVPRO®, played a role in this event as the Master of Ceremony. Sonix expressed his enthusiasm for the event, highlighting how it perfectly aligned with Mensa Indonesia’s mission of honoring intelligence in its many forms—a vision that resonates deeply with the values of IQ DEVPRO®. He emphasized that the celebration of diverse intellectual contributions is a core principle shared by both Mensa Indonesia and IQ DEVPRO®, which has consistently supported initiatives that foster intellectual growth and development.
Among the notable attendees was Bryna Meivitawanli, one of Mensa’s Achievers, who holds the MURI record as the youngest Ph.D. graduate from a Chinese university. Bryna, who has been recognized for her outstanding intellectual achievements, also shared her thoughts during the event. She expressed her admiration for the Friends of Mensa Indonesia initiative, stating that it not only honors intellectual accomplishments but also inspires the younger generation to pursue excellence in various fields. Bryna highlighted how such events encourage continued learning and innovation, both of which are essential for personal and professional growth.
In addition to the Friends of Mensa Indonesia program, Mensa Indonesia also established a partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemenpora RI) to support the development of young talent in Indonesia. One form of this collaboration is the organization of a talk show titled “Key Skills for Indonesians in the AI Era” held on 17 July 2024, where IQ DEVPRO® also participated as one of its speaker. This event, along with various other forms of collaboration, aims to open the minds and inspire Indonesian youth to develop and innovate through various activities and initiatives. Together, Mensa Indonesia and Kemenpora RI are committed to equipping the younger generation with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve success in an increasingly complex world.
These collaborations are part of Mensa Indonesia’s commitment to contributing towards Indonesia Emas 2045 (Golden Indonesia 2045), particularly in enhancing intelligence in all fields and supporting the nation’s goal to become a globally competitive force. Mensa Indonesia believes that by supporting various forms of intelligence and fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation, Mensa Indonesia can play an important role in achieving this vision.
