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Ferry Sambudi was born on February 20, 1972, at Bandar Lampung, Indonesia. His parents named him "Ferry" because they frequently traveled by ferry due to his father’s job. At the time, Indonesia was under Suharto’s New Order regime, which focused on economic growth and political stability.

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Ferry played basketball and volleyball a lot when he was a middle schooler. He attend SMP Budi Bakti Persit. His Father owned a mechanic shop, where Ferry developed an interest in repairing cars. He learned about different types of oils and tools, sparking his early curiosity about mechanics.

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👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻 Picture of Ferry and his girlfriend Reny 

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Ferry initially wanted to study Mechanical Engineering, but he was not accepted into the program. Instead, he pursued Finance at Perbanas (Persatuan Bank Nasional) following his father’s advice, as Indonesia’s financial sector was rapidly expanding. However, he did not feel passionate about the subject.

Ferry transferred to STEKPI to continue studying Finance, where he met his future wife, Reny. However, he still felt unfulfilled and questioned his career path.

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💊 Illustration of the cause of drug abuse 

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By the mid 1990s, drug use in Indonesia was becoming a serious problem. More people were using illegal drugs like meth and ecstasy, and drug trafficking was getting worse. Later on, the government responded by enforcing Law No. 5 of 1997 on Psychotropic Substances, which regulated the production, distribution, and use of drugs. They also introduced Law No. 22 of 1997 on Narcotics, which imposed harsh penalties, including long prison sentences and even the death penalty for major drug traffickers. Anti-drug campaigns were launched to raise awareness, and law enforcement efforts were increased to reduce illegal distribution. Ferry’s girlfriend, Reny, worried about his future and encouraged him to study abroad to stay away from bad influences and find better opportunities.

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As Asia ramps up its war on drugs, women are being jailed for low-level crime

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🖼️ Ferry's charcoal drawing from one of his classes at the Academy of Art

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In 1996, Ferry started studying Motion Picture and Television at the Academy of Art University. He really enjoyed the program because it allowed him to explore his creativity and learn about filmmaking. The school had students from many different countries and backgrounds, and everyone worked together without worrying about differences in gender, race, or nationality. The environment was welcoming, and people were helpful, especially to international students like Ferry. Being in such a diverse and open minded community made it easier for him to adjust to life in the U.S. and feel more comfortable in his new surroundings.

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🎓 Friends and Family at Ferry's Graduation

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After years of long distance, Ferry and Reny got married in 2000 and started their life together in the U.S. Reny moved to the U.S. to be with Ferry as he finished his studies. In 2001, Ferry graduated from the Academy of Art University with a degree in Motion Picture & Television. Over the years, they built a family together and had four children.

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On September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four planes, crashing two into the World Trade Center in New York and one into the Pentagon. The fourth, United Flight 93, crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers fought back. Nearly 3,000 people died, making it one of the deadliest attacks in U.S. history.

In response, the U.S. tightened security and immigration laws, making travel and job opportunities harder for international students like Ferry, who had just graduated. The attacks also led to the War on Terror and long term global security changes.

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After graduating, Ferry went back to Indonesia and began working in the film industry, traveling to different locations for various projects. His work took him to places like China, Italy, Australia, Rome, and Bangkok, Thailand, allowing him to gain international experience. Being part of global productions helped him develop his skills and expand his professional network. This period marked the start of his long term career in motion picture and television production.

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Ferry started high school at SMA Xaverius Lampung but had to transfer to SMA 66 Jakarta when his father was relocated for work. Moving to a new city was difficult, and at first, he struggled to make friends. However, after joining the basketball team, he built strong friendships and became more social.

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In 1995, Ferry moved to the United States to study English at EF (English First) in Oakland. A few months after arriving, he remembers hearing Gangsta’s Paradise by Coolio, a song that was hugely popular at the time. Inspired by Stevie Wonder’s Pastime Paradise, the song explores themes of struggle, crime, and the harsh realities of life in disadvantaged communities. It became one of the most influential rap songs of the decade, reflecting the social challenges many faced during that time. This period marked the beginning of Ferry’s journey in a new country.

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That same year, Tupac Shakur, one of the most famous and influential rappers of the time, was shot in a drive by shooting in Las Vegas. He passed away on September 13, 1996, at just 25 years old. His music often spoke about struggles, social issues, and life in tough neighborhoods, making him a major voice in hip-hop. His death was a huge moment in music history, deeply impacting fans around the world.

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In 1998, mass protests and student riots forced President Suharto to resign after 32 years in power. The country was struggling with a severe economic crisis, corruption, and unemployment, leading to nationwide unrest. University students led large demonstrations, and in May 1998, security forces killed four students at Trisakti University, sparking violent riots across Indonesia. With growing pressure, Suharto stepped down on May 21, 1998, marking the start of the Reformation Era (Reformasi), which brought democratic reforms and economic changes.

At the time, Ferry was in the U.S. but closely followed the news. Many Indonesians, worried about instability, looked for better opportunities abroad.

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Ferry attended SD Negeri 2 Teladan Lampung, where he enjoyed eating kemplang at the canteen. He sang his first English song by Rod Stewart and built furniture from Coca Cola crates for a school project. His teacher was initially skeptical, but the work impressed many. One day, he got lost on his way home and cried in front of a stranger’s house.