Many young Indonesians living abroad quickly realise that life overseas isn’t always as ideal as it seems — especially when your degree and career path no longer feel like the right fit.

Adelina Novanty, or Dela, moved to Perth from Jakarta after finishing high school. Initially spurred by family, she began her degree in dental nursing. But over time, she discovered that her true interests lay in the business and creative space. Now, while continuing to work at a clinic, she’s pursuing a degree in management and exploring new opportunities — from health-sector marketing to running her own photography business.

In this episode, Dela joins Billy Adison Aditijanto on The Perantau Podcast to talk about homesickness, the challenge of finding community in Perth, and the value of self-exploration. She shares her journey from working in dental care to building her own side hustle, and what it’s been like navigating work and life across cultures.

Season 2 Episode 14 – The Perantau Podcast.

This episode is predominantly delivered in Bahasa Indonesia.

The views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, the podcast or any organisations they are affiliated with or mentioned.