Dragon News

Where are they now? Find out what your Dragon classmates are up to in our Fall Edition of Class Notes. Enjoy a decade-by-decade summary of alumni news from our global community, including updates from campus visitors who came from across the globe to relive their JIS days.

For 25 years, Yayasan Emmanuel has been driven by a simple yet inspiring mission: helping people in need. The approach turned out to be powerful enough to turn the dreams of a fresh university graduate into a small, Bogor-based initiative, and slowly but surely, a multifaceted organization that has helped more than 2.8 million families and children.

Ask Kellie Pendoley (Class of 1976) about the substantial impacts of her life’s work as an environmental scientist and biologist, she’ll likely smile and shrug, then chalk it down to a series of fortunate events. What she doesn't tell you is that she has sparked meaningful change in the way industries and governments tackle major environmental issues.

We caught up with Rafael Angouw (Class of 2023) to discuss his experiences at JIS, the challenges and triumphs of leading an NGO at a young age, and his vision for Reeformers. 

For someone who doesn’t consider herself to have a “heart of gold”, Faye Simanjuntak (Class of 2019) is transforming and saving lives through her non-profit foundation, Rumah Faye. 

When Nayla Punjabi (Class of 2022) learned about the alarming reality of stunting in Indonesia, she sought out the perfect tools and platform to shine a much-needed spotlight on the issue while bridging the gap between urban and rural communities.

We were thrilled to reconnect with Class of 2020 Alumna Manuela Penenory, who returned to the Cilandak campus this Fall after four years at Harvard and shared her story on film. Hear how her "lifetime" at JIS has shaped her journey. 

We’re excited to continue our fabulous world tour this year - From London and Boston to San Francisco and Seoul! There is also a wide range of events for our local alumni in Jakarta, and many more organized by alumni in every corner of the globe. There is certainly something for everyone!

We are not even halfway through the school year and we have already notched up three international events and enjoyed seeing our alumni organizing across the globe, too! Enjoy these reports and photos, and get inspired to join an upcoming event or organize your own!

Gerry Heyen (Class of 1980) reflects on his childhood years in a still-rural Jakarta and at the new Jakarta Embassy School (JES). His memories give us a unique, nostalgic glimpse into a time of exciting growth for both Indonesia and our school.

We have an exciting update on our first-ever Dragon Build project! Our deepest thanks goes to Habitat for Humanity for spearheading such an important campaign, and to all the JIS Alumni who contributed to not just building a home for a family, but also changing their lives.

This Fall we were delighted to publish a new JIS Impact Report, honoring our generous donors and the impact that they have on the lives of our students. Included in the report are stories from our Alumni demonstrating our Mission in action as Best for the World. We are immensely grateful to every one of you who has contributed to our school. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the Leadership of JIS, we thank you for making this impact possible.

The second quarter at JIS has been a whirlwind of activity, showcasing the energy and creativity of our students, teachers, and staff. From inspiring academic projects to lively extracurricular events, the past few months have been a celebration of learning, growth, and Dragon Spirit!

Our alumni community spans seven decades and five continents and keeping our Dragons connected is the top priority for our Alumni Program. In 2025 we will be launching a new Alumni Website which will continue to provide the services we have built in recent years. Find out more.

From teen go-karting prodigy to sustainability CEO, when Ivonne Bojoh (Class of 1992) sets her mind on something, she pours 150% of her dedication into the pursuit. For Ivonne, her goal is not just a passion; it becomes her calling.

Class of 1977 Alum Michael Brower describes himself as a bit of an "oddball." But judging by the glint in his eye and the slight smile as he says it, it's clear he's quite proud of the moniker. In fact, this very "oddball" quality has driven him to achieve amazing feats in both his personal life and career.

Our official reunion calendar is almost complete and we are planning a fabulous world tour this year with gatherings, large and small, from Perth, Singapore, London, and Seoul to Boston, Chicago, and San Francisco! Read on to find out more and sign up to reconnect with old friends or make new ones, wherever you are in the world.

As an active member of various alumni organizations, JIS Alumna Nina Tao (Class of 1989) shows us that our connection to the schools we attend endures long after the day we move away or graduate.