Bertha Samponu

DTP alumna Bertha Samponu is an Indonesian Indigenous Tanimbarese woman and Asia-Pacific Coordinator of the International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS/MIEC) Pax Romana. In this role, Bertha focuses on supporting young people/students by building their capacity through leadership training and human rights advocacy. She is based in Manila, Philippines.

Bertha said that growing up in the Tanimbar islands of Indonesia’s Maluku province provided her with a unique perspective to life as she saw conflicts, stigmatisation of marginalised people and the impacts of climate change on the land and people. This motivated her to join human rights movements when she went to university.

Bertha’s predecessors as regional coordinators for IMCS/Pax Romana suggested she participate in DTP’s annual program for human rights defenders and recommended her to DTP.

Bertha said participating in DTP’s 2023 annual program in Timor-Leste was particularly impactful as she learnt about the history of Indonesian occupation of Timor-Leste.

“I was in tears when I heard about the history of the Indonesian occupation of Timor-Leste in DTP’s training. We visited some historic torture sites used to be run by the Indonesian military. As a young Indonesian, I did not know much about that part of the history. I was feeling guilty but thanks to DTP I learned about that uncomfortable part of the Indonesian history and it made me humble and respectful to peoples’ resilience for freedom.”

Bertha is highly appreciative of DTP’s training methodology:

“I found DTP’s training highly impactful as it was more than just lectures. There was a great combination of theory and practice. This training method made my experience meaningful and impactful. The DTP training continues to influence my work every day. It broadens my perspective on the significance on international advocacy by helping me to understand the importance of solidarity, and how we can work together across different cultures and backgrounds to advocate for human rights and justice.”

In addition to her role with Pax Romana, Bertha has contributed to other organisations. She founded the Beta English Course in Ambon, aimed at improving English language skills among local youths. Previously, she served as a Master Trainer for Dampak Sosial Indonesia, where Bertha played a key role in training young professionals in data science under the Data Science Explorer program by the ASEAN Foundation.

Her engagement with Pemimpin Indonesia, Gerakan Turun Tangan Indonesia and Perhimpunan Mahasiswa Katolik Republik Indonesia (PMKRI) played crucial roles in building her leadership skills.

Bertha is fluent in multiple languages, including local languages, Bahasa Indonesia, English, with basic understandings in Spanish. Her multilingual skills positions her well to engage with diverse communities across the region and underpins her competence as an effective communicator and a leader.

In future, Bertha wants to go back to her community in Tanimbar and raise awareness among the youths about fundamental human rights.