Nety Riana Sari
JAN: It’s so good to talk to you today, Nety!
NETY: Likewise, Jan. I wish we could be speaking in person. Indonesia is just a bit too far from the United States!
JAN: Has Indonesia always been home for you? What has it been like growing up there?
NETY: I was born in a rural area of a small town in Sumatra, Indonesia. My house was always surrounded by trees, from fruit trees to rubber trees. We even had thickets, which resemble young, regenerated forest a lot, with trees and undergrowth. So, I’ve always felt most comfortable in an area with trees and wide-open spaces. I’m now living in my childhood home. Though, a lot has changed to its surroundings. The thickets and rubber plantations have been replaced by housing developments. However, the fruit trees in my yard are still there!