UNAIR NEWS – Fryda Lucyana, a 1992 graduate of the Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) Faculty of Law, has built an impressive career in public service. In 2024, she was officially appointed Inspector General of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia.
Lucyana began her career in government in 1998 as a civil-servant candidate at the Cabinet Secretariat of the State Secretariat. After becoming a full civil servant, she went on to hold several roles, including Assistant Deputy for Documentation and Information Dissemination at the Office of the Vice President (2011), Head of the Public Relations and Strategic Leadership Support Bureau at the National Food and Drug Agency (2019), and Inspector General of the Ministry of Culture (2024).
Notably, despite her demanding work in government, Lucyana has remained active in the arts as a singer and presenter. She is well known in the music world for two songs: “Rindu,” composed by Erros Djarot, and “S’gala Rasa Cinta,” which she co-wrote with Dorie Kalmas.
“For me, the worlds of bureaucracy and the arts are not in conflict, but rather two complementary avenues of service—spaces where values and culture can be shaped for the public good,” Lucyana said.
Contributions to ministry
Lucyana’s commitment as Inspector General is reflected in several initiatives she has spearheaded. These include strengthening the auditor workforce through national and international training, promoting anti-corruption awareness within the Ministry of Culture, and introducing an application designed to detect fraud in goods and services procurement.
In her time at the ministry, she has faced the challenge of restructuring the organization amid limited resources. The Ministry of Culture is a newly established institution under President Prabowo’s administration, requiring extensive adjustments and system development.
One of her most critical tasks has been determining human resources. “The Inspectorate General received 21 auditors from the ministry’s predecessor. Among the available personnel, we needed to quickly and carefully select the right individuals for key structural positions. In a new environment where I did not yet know everyone, finding the right person for the right job required careful strategy,” she said.
As a leader, Lucyana recognizes that challenges will always accompany her work. For that reason, she views these obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow into a better leader.
Determination to create impact
Lucyana credits her academic and organizational experiences at UNAIR with shaping her character, strengthening her leadership, and instilling a spirit of service. She hopes to continue nurturing these values so she can keep contributing to the communities around her.
“I believe one of the most impactful aspects of my career has been the perseverance I demonstrate and share with those around me. At every step, I try to set an example that nothing is impossible as long as we are willing to try, to learn, and not give up easily,” she concluded.
Author: Selly Imeldha
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
