Born: 1958 (Jakarta)
Biography:
Karlina Leksono Supelli, born on January 15, 1958, in Jakarta, is an Indonesian philosopher and astronomer. She holds the distinction of being one of Indonesia’s first female astronomers. With a passion for exploring the mysteries of the universe, Karlina pursued higher education in the field of Astronomy. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Astronomy from the prestigious ITB (Institut Teknologi Bandung) and later pursued a Master of Science degree in Space Science from the University College London.
Driven by her insatiable curiosity and desire to delve deeper into the philosophical aspects of her work, Karlina pursued a doctorate in Philosophy at Universitas Indonesia in 1997. Her interdisciplinary approach allowed her to bridge the gap between the technical knowledge of astronomy and the broader questions of human existence.
While her academic pursuits were commendable, Karlina’s impact extended far beyond the boundaries of the scientific community. She was actively involved in humanitarian activities during Indonesia’s 1998 Reformation, using her voice to shed light on important societal issues and advocate for change. In February 1998, Karlina led a group of concerned mothers in a demonstration in front of the Hotel Indonesia (HI). This demonstration aimed to draw attention to the pressing social issues faced by Indonesian society at the time.
Unfortunately, Karlina’s activism and vocal stance did not come without its share of challenges. She, along with two other women, Gadis Arivia and Wilasih Noviana, was arrested as a result of their peaceful protest. Undeterred by the setback, Karlina continued her efforts to defend the rights of marginalized communities. As a feminist, she played a crucial role in revealing and defending the rights of victims of the Indonesian riots in May 1998, particularly the hundreds of Chinese Indonesian women who were subjected to sexual violence in Jakarta.
Karlina’s activism extended beyond her home country’s borders. She traveled to the United States, advocating for the cessation of weapons export to Indonesia. Her efforts to persuade the US government resulted in death threats, but she remained resolute in her mission to create positive change.
Notably, Karlina also championed the rights of Acehnese and East Timorese women who had suffered sexual violence at the hands of the Indonesian military. Her commitment to justice and equality was unwavering, and she used her platform to shed light on the struggles faced by marginalized communities.
In addition to her activism, Karlina has dedicated her career to educating others. She has lectured on philosophy and astronomy at various Indonesian universities, inspiring students to pursue their passions and make meaningful contributions to society. Her profound insights and expertise have also been published in journals both within Indonesia and abroad.
Today, Karlina Leksono Supelli continues to share her knowledge and wisdom as a lecturer at Sekolah Tinggi Filsafat Driyarkara (Driyarkara High School of Philosophy) in Jakarta. Her tireless dedication to academia, activism, and the pursuit of a more equitable world makes her a true trailblazer and an inspiration to future generations.
Awards:
– [No official awards or recognitions have been listed for Karlina Leksono Supelli.]