IDEA-USA

Born in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia - Oscar moved to the USA to continue his study in Mechanical Engineering at University of Pittsburgh after completing his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Bandung Institute of Technology.

He then moved to Washington DC area to pursue a career in IT consulting, where he has been working lately as Solutions Architect, modernizing his clients' applications or migrating them to cloud. Since moving to DC area, Oscar has been involved in the Indonesian community. He served in IMAAM as Board Member and President from 2004-2013, during which he helped IMAAM accomplished its long-time goal of obtaining a place of worship, the current IMAAM Center. After that he served in IAA (Indonesian American Association) in different capacities (Board Member, President, Chairman), and lead IAA during the Covid-19 pandemic. He also started the IAA Business Resources Group, where he helped many local small businesses obtain ServSafe Food Manager certifications so they can sell food publicly.

Outside his busy work and activism, he still finds time to play badminton, cycling with local group, ride a motorcycle, hikes with friends, and teaches KeepFit to his students.

Rachmad Poetranto is a respected figure within the Indonesian diaspora in the United States, bringing over three decades of leadership across diplomacy, international trade, and diaspora-driven business ecosystems. His distinguished career at the Embassy of Indonesia in Washington, D.C., since 1989 spans key roles in transportation diplomacy, agricultural trade, consular affairs, and strategic relations, positioning him as a trusted bridge between Indonesia and the United States.

Currently, Rachmad serves as Co-Founder and Vice President of Finance & Investment at IDEA-USA and as Chair of Strategic Investment & Global Trade Affairs, where he leads efforts to mobilize partnerships, investments, and export strategies through diaspora networks and AI-driven platforms. He is also the President Commissioner of PT Dua Benua Perkasa, focusing on seafood and seaweed exports to the U.S. Additionally, he serves as Chairman of the KADIN Indonesia Trading House USA Chapter and Chairman of the Global CEO Indonesia USA Chapter.

Rachmad plays a key role in advancing institutional collaborations between Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and MIT Open Learning, developing AI and blockchain-based trade solutions for Indonesia–U.S. economic corridors.

His guiding belief is clear:
“Indonesia does not simply export products; Indonesia exports trust, resilience, and the future.”

Originally from West Sumatra, Djaya went to Bandung Institute of Technology to earn his bachelor's degree in engineering physics. He then worked for several years before going to the US to continue his study in Business Management.

After deciding to reside in Montgomery County MD and working a few jobs, Djaya decided to start his own business in HVAC, where he studied it before. He grew his business from residential to commercial and have several employees. He is also actively involved in the Indonesian community in the DMV area through IAA (Indonesian American Association) and RWP (Rumpun Wargi Pasundan).

Djaya and his family lives in Silver Spring MD with his wife, who runs a home-boarding business for Indonesian students in the area. He also started a coffee business to help promote Indonesian coffee.

1. Brama International Virginia This enterprise focuses on international trade and cultural exchange, serving as firstly, an International Event Organizer platform for fostering fashion and business relations between different regions or promoting Indonesian products and services in the U.S. market. Brama International was the first company US- Indonesian Diaspora based, which initiated and brought many Indonesian designers into NY Fashion Week and Dubai Fashion Week in 2015 and 2016. It also helped many Indonesian businesses ventured out into the US market.

2. House of Indonesia This venture is aimed at promoting Indonesian culture, craftsmanship, and products. It involves showcasing Indonesian art and fashion offerings, enhancing cultural appreciation and business opportunities for Indonesian businesses. It was materialized into a small boutique part of Painted Tree Gallery, Sterling, Virginia, USA.

3. House of Modesty This business caters to the modest fashion market, reflecting a growing trend towards stylish yet modest clothing options. It is involves curating and selling fashion that aligns with modesty principles, appealing to a wide audience interested in this niche.

Emil Ranakusuma is a seasoned entrepreneur and business strategist with over two decades of experience in marketing, retail operations, and franchise development. Currently a board member of the Indonesian Diaspora Entrepreneurs Association (IDEA), Emil brings a proven track record of revenue growth, customer engagement, and community-building in both the U.S. and Indonesia. His early background includes an MBA in Marketing from Cleveland State University and a BBA from the University of Indonesia, complemented by hands-on experience in market research, advertising, and consulting for major clients such as Unilever, McDonald's, and UNICEF.

As the owner and operator of multiple food franchise businesses including Subway Sandwiches and Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken & Wings, Emil has demonstrated exceptional capability in brand promotion, customer loyalty, and operational excellence. Under his leadership, his Subway store saw a 70% increase in sales and earned numerous awards, including Subway HQ's High Sales Award and local recognition for outstanding grassroots marketing. His success is not only measured by profitability, but also by the community impact, exemplified by awards from local chambers of commerce and the implementation of programs that strengthened customer retention and engagement.

Emil’s involvement with IDEA is a natural extension of his passion for empowering the Indonesian business community in America. As an incorporator and active volunteer, he brings strategic insight, a robust professional network, and firsthand experience with the challenges and opportunities faced by diaspora entrepreneurs. His leadership is instrumental in shaping IDEA's mission to foster inclusive growth, expand access to U.S. markets, and build a supportive ecosystem for Indonesian-owned enterprises across the country

Born in Ponorogo, East Java, Indonesia - Joko moved to the USA in 2000 to expand his business.

He lived in Maryland to start his forwarding business to help the Indonesian community send their packages in two ways, from USA to Indonesia and from Indonesia to the USA, using sea freight and air freight. We strive to promote handmade Indonesian crafts, foods, and goods to the international market. Since moving to Maryland, Joko has been active in social culture, helping to introduce Indonesian culture to the public.

Outside of his busy work, doing his forwarding and transportation businesses, he is involved in many organizations to help promote and expand Indonesian culture to the world.