Distinguished alumnus Djoko Kusumowidagdo credits his time at Portland State University for the person that he is today and the success that he’s built at Outward Bound Indonesia. Born in Tegal, Central Java, Indonesia in 1948, a young Djoko spent just over a decade in the hometown where he was born, before his father sent him to Ambarawa, a small town about 5 hours away. He graduated from his all-boys Catholic School in Bandung in 1967 and went on to university where he faced racial-discrimination. At the time, Djoko’s uncle who had been residing in Portland, Oregon encouraged him to move and study at PSU.
He started in 1968, citing his appreciation of scholarships in making his time at Portland State possible. “It was hard for my parents to support me,” he explains. “My second year at PSU, I was awarded with a scholarship which helped, because without it, I wouldn’t have been able to finish my degree.” He spent his undergraduate years studying hard, and working multiple jobs to help him stay enrolled. “I worked as a dishwasher, a busboy, a grader in the Mathematics Department and an Assistant Chemist in the Chemistry Department,” he shares. “Working, trying to survive – those were good memories. It opened my eyes to new experiences and new friends, both students and non-students.”
He graduated with his BSc in Chemistry in 1972. Two years later, he returned to Indonesia to marry his wife, Elly Tjahja. Returning to Portland with Elly shortly after, Djoko completed his MBA at PSU in 1975. After finishing his MBA, Djoko and Elly spent 46 days exploring the U.S. and Canada in their Volkswagen Bug, camping along the way. During the trip, while in New York city, Djoko had a job interview with Ogilvy & Mather, the third largest global advertising company at the time. Upon the interview, he was offered a job for a Senior Account Executive position in Jakarta, Indonesia - for which he and Elly left the US and re-expatriated to his home country.
Prior to starting Outward Bound Indonesia (OBI) in 1990, Djoko had worked his way through industry for over a decade, building leadership skills and creating relationships. “Before we could open OBI, we spent about a year and a half to strategize – getting capital, building a good team, finding the perfect location, and creating a marketing plan was the start,” he says. Today, in its 32nd year in Indonesia, Outward Bound has had over 80,000 participants. “We’ve trained students to bankers to everything in between,” he explains, “Furthermore, we make sure to serve the underprivileged communities through OBI, such as people with disabilities, youth at risk, and many others.” Djoko’s passion for helping others is shared with his wife, Elly, who is one of the founders and the Chairperson of the Board at Helping Hands Indonesia.
Thirteen years ago, Djoko wanted to build a campus for Outward Bound Indonesia. The campus opened in 2011, with a 3-story building and a hall that can hold up to 500 people, all made of bamboo. Shortly after opening, the Ministry of Public Works awarded it the best architecture design of 2011.
Alongside his dedication to Outward Bound Indonesia, Djoko has been active in Lions Club since 1976, as well as educational and environmental causes. In 2017, he was nominated to receive the highest award for the environment in Indonesia. He’s also been a leader for philanthropy, contributing to the campaign to build the Karl Miller Center and rallying others to do the same.
Djoko’s love for adventure and travel hasn’t wavered since his time at PSU. In 2017, he hiked the Camino de Santiago from Porto, Portugal to Santiago, Spain, covering over 250 kilometers (150 miles). Just 2 years later and in celebration of his 70th birthday, he returned, starting from Leon, Spain this time, covering over 300 kilometers (186 miles). Djoko has written a book called “Buen Camino: A Mental, Physical and Spiritual Journey” that chronicles his Camino trek. Now, as he’s just turned 73, Djoko shares his life experiences and wisdom with others. “I want to motivate young people to take adventures and learn from them,” he affirms, “We need to inspire a sense of wonder and courage in the young generation.”