Every month Page 4 asks a member of TU Delft’s foreign legion to share their thoughts with us. This week, we begin with Soehardi Hartono, 27, a first-year MSc student studying Architecture, is from Medan, Indonesia.
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Why did you choose TU Delft over MIT? The Faculty’s modules attracted me; they’re extremely relevant to the situation in Indonesia, focusing on social processes in renewing and redesigning urban areas. I hope to return to Indonesia and help improve urban areas.
What social/cultural differences have you noticed between your country and Holland? The Dutch are more punctual and orderly. But people here are too direct, often lacking in tact. Indonesians are more careful not to offend.
Is there an Indonesian you especially admire? Kwik Kian Gie, Indonesia’s former minister for economics and industry. He’s my role model and, like me, is an ethnic Chinese Indonesian. As Hitler did to Jews in Europe, ex-Dictator Suharto used Chinese Indonesians as scapegoats for the failures of his corrupt economic policies. Consequently, ethnic Chinese Indonesians face much hostility and prejudice. Gie is breaking down walls of prejudice by showing that ethnic Chinese can make positive contributions to Indonesia. I also hope to use my profession to show people that I, an ethnic Chinese, can do something good for the country
What causes you the most anxiety? I fear for my family’s safety. Indonesia is unstable and ethnic Chinese are targeted during civil unrest. Some factions want to create a second Ambon in Medan, my hometown. I also feel anxiety about whether I’ll be a successful architect.
What’s the greatest challenge for mankind in the 21st century? To change attitudes in engineering. Engineers must consider the social, ethical and environmental impact of their inventions. Sustainability is vital; we must find a balance between ethics and profits.
What qualities do you look for in a woman? Intellectual, good looking, personable%I like women who are fun and fearless. And I like Dutch woman, because they’re independent, much more so than Indonesian women, who often depend on men to do things they could do themselves.
What’s your favourite film? I like special-effects type Hollywood films like the Matrix. The technology and sci-fi aspect excites my imagination.
Which book has had the greatest influence on your life? ‘Mushasi’, by Eiji Yoshikawa. It’s about samurai legends. I read it when I was 15 years old. The book taught me important lessons about discipline, honour, dedication to one’s profession lessons that I’m still applying to my own life today.
Where’s your favourite place in Delft? The Grote Markt, because it’s vibrant and dynamic. The space is so multi-functional, one day it’s a marketplace, the next a concert venue, tourist haven or just a quiet empty space.
Would you like to work in Holland after graduating? Yes, I’d love to work here for a while, preferably with a firm involved with projects in Indonesia. I could gain valuable experience and knowledge, and then return home to use it to improve Indonesia.
If you’d like to be next month’s interviewee, send your email address to redactie@delta.tudelft.nl
Every month Page 4 asks a member of TU Delft’s foreign legion to share their thoughts with us. This week, we begin with Soehardi Hartono, 27, a first-year MSc student studying Architecture, is from Medan, Indonesia.
Why did you choose TU Delft over MIT? The Faculty’s modules attracted me; they’re extremely relevant to the situation in Indonesia, focusing on social processes in renewing and redesigning urban areas. I hope to return to Indonesia and help improve urban areas.
What social/cultural differences have you noticed between your country and Holland? The Dutch are more punctual and orderly. But people here are too direct, often lacking in tact. Indonesians are more careful not to offend.
Is there an Indonesian you especially admire? Kwik Kian Gie, Indonesia’s former minister for economics and industry. He’s my role model and, like me, is an ethnic Chinese Indonesian. As Hitler did to Jews in Europe, ex-Dictator Suharto used Chinese Indonesians as scapegoats for the failures of his corrupt economic policies. Consequently, ethnic Chinese Indonesians face much hostility and prejudice. Gie is breaking down walls of prejudice by showing that ethnic Chinese can make positive contributions to Indonesia. I also hope to use my profession to show people that I, an ethnic Chinese, can do something good for the country
What causes you the most anxiety? I fear for my family’s safety. Indonesia is unstable and ethnic Chinese are targeted during civil unrest. Some factions want to create a second Ambon in Medan, my hometown. I also feel anxiety about whether I’ll be a successful architect.
What’s the greatest challenge for mankind in the 21st century? To change attitudes in engineering. Engineers must consider the social, ethical and environmental impact of their inventions. Sustainability is vital; we must find a balance between ethics and profits.
What qualities do you look for in a woman? Intellectual, good looking, personable%I like women who are fun and fearless. And I like Dutch woman, because they’re independent, much more so than Indonesian women, who often depend on men to do things they could do themselves.
What’s your favourite film? I like special-effects type Hollywood films like the Matrix. The technology and sci-fi aspect excites my imagination.
Which book has had the greatest influence on your life? ‘Mushasi’, by Eiji Yoshikawa. It’s about samurai legends. I read it when I was 15 years old. The book taught me important lessons about discipline, honour, dedication to one’s profession lessons that I’m still applying to my own life today.
Where’s your favourite place in Delft? The Grote Markt, because it’s vibrant and dynamic. The space is so multi-functional, one day it’s a marketplace, the next a concert venue, tourist haven or just a quiet empty space.
Would you like to work in Holland after graduating? Yes, I’d love to work here for a while, preferably with a firm involved with projects in Indonesia. I could gain valuable experience and knowledge, and then return home to use it to improve Indonesia.
If you’d like to be next month’s interviewee, send your email address to redactie@delta.tudelft.nl
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