Kate Dirga
Student, Research Scientist, and Entrepreneur
​I’m Kate Dirga, a student from Jakarta with a passion for biotechnology, chemistry, and entrepreneurship. At thirteen, I founded Dirga Nursery, a tropical plant export venture that expanded internationally and funded the creation of my own biotechnology lab. There, I conducted tissue culture research and published a paper on plant micropropagation. Beyond the lab, I collaborate with local farmers and lead community initiatives that enhance literacy, health, and livelihoods, using science as a bridge between innovation, Indonesia’s rich biodiversity, and its people.
About Me
Certification & Awards
March 2025
Top in the World: Mathematics IGCSE​​
8 Distinctions IGCSE
August 2025
Award of Merit from the Government Department of Libraries and Archives of Banten Province for founding a community reading house and leading literacy initiatives for the indigenous Baduy Community
November 2024
Top 12 Finalists of Academy of Pop to perform in front of Simon Fuller, founder of American Idol and Spice Girls
Top Student Award (Grade 2 - 11)
Top 10 Finalists of Indonesia Bertalenta Singing Competition, held by Yovie Widianto, to seek young musicians & talent
Top 15 Finalists of Rising Star Competition during Aquathlon & Fun Fair 2025
Distinction Award in Social Impact Society (2023-2025) - highest rank, 2 years in a row
Merit Award in Hydroponics (2023-2025) - highest rank, 2 years in a row
1st place Water Polo Girls, House Competition
2nd place Mini-Olympics Athletics Relay, House Competition
Nominated for the Diana Award by the Executive Principal (Dr. Lee Khen Seng), Dean of Academics (Mr. Giovanni D'Cunha) and Teacher in Charge of Social Impact Society (Mr. Ferdinand Borromeo Laya) - results will be announced in June 2026
Founded tropical plant export venture supporting low-income farmers by connecting 51 nurseries across West Java with global collectors. Partnered with Gardeneur Marketplace in California to expand exports to clients in the U.S., U.K., Spain, Singapore, and Europe. Secured Phytosanitary Certificates, ensured compliance with international regulations, and created eco-friendly packaging using sphagnum moss and moisture-retention methods. Increased farmer income while promoting Indonesia’s biodiversity in global markets.
Dirga Nursery
Founder of Company & Research Leader
Dirga Lab
An extension of Dirga Nursery
Founded Dirga Lab using profits from an international plant export venture, shifting from commerce to biotechnology. Established a self-funded tissue culture lab under Prof. Dewi Sukma (IPB University), inspired by the potential of micropropagation to enhance food security and biodiversity. Supervised two interns while managing lab operations, finances, and procurement. Developed expertise in micropropagation, bioreactors, and contamination control. Secured early clients including HaloFresh Indonesia for banana propagation and initiated collaboration with PT Noorys Sentosa Bersama to commercialize yellow dragon fruit.
Research Paper Publication
Author of a published research paper titled “Optimizing Tissue Culture for Yellow Dragon Fruit (Selenicereus megalanthus) Propagation: Enhancing Shoot and Root Induction,” published in the International Journal of Tropical Crop Science. Conducted experiments on media formulation, explant sterilization, and plant growth regulator optimization to improve in vitro propagation efficiency and identify optimal cytokinin–auxin ratios for balanced shoot and root induction.
Roots of Baduy
Co-Founder, General Manager, Project Leader
Led an initiative connecting urban youth with the Baduy Indigenous community of 12,000 people across 65 villages through cultural exchange and sustainable development. Managed strategy, fundraising, and partnerships for programs in education, health, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation. Secured over USD 5,000 in CSR funding to conduct health check-ups, build toilets and “Gubuk Pintar” learning gazebos, and introduce poultry farming for better nutrition. Promoted economic empowerment by marketing artisan crafts through online marketplaces and strengthened cultural identity through youth workshops and traditional games. Earned media coverage and a Government Merit Award for advancing literacy and community impact.
Our Sponsors
& Partners
Founded the first student-led NGO at ACS Jakarta to support the mental and physical well-being of senior citizens across Indonesia. Partnered with KADIN (Indonesian Chamber of Commerce & Industry) to provide free health checks, chronic illness support, and distribute medicines, vitamins, and care packages. Mobilized 157 student volunteers for intergenerational activities, outreach events, and cultural celebrations. Impacted over 725 seniors through 1,454 balanced meal deliveries and raised USD 3,900 through sustainable fundraising to fund elderly care and essential needs programs.
Social Impact Society
Founder & Captain
Revived and restructured the school’s Hydroponics Club, transforming it into a sustainable, student-led initiative after near closure. Partnered with Playhouse Academy to deliver 20 weeks of hydroponic workshops annually for 47 early childhood students and designed germination lessons for 231 primary students. Raised USD 1,894 through juice and produce sales, mini kits, and merchandise to fund club operations. Upgraded greenhouse infrastructure, implemented a rainwater harvesting system, and promoted at-home gardening through educational kits and termly produce sales.
Email: katedirga848@gmail.com
Directed the launch and growth of the club’s Instagram platform to expand public engagement in science communication. Delivered school-wide presentations at ACS Jakarta assemblies, increasing visibility and membership by 300%. Led nationwide recruitment to include members beyond the school community and managed editorial schedules, quality control, and member features for consistent output. Published accessible, research-based articles on biotechnology and environmental science, including Seed Banks: A Home for Seeds, Tissue Culture: A Bright Future for Plant Technology, and Mangrove Reforestation: Making a Difference.
Semantics of Science
Captain
Email: katedirga848@gmail.com