Kudus, January 30, 2025 – Khaidar, a talented young artist from West Sumbawa, is gaining recognition for his contributions to the animated film Nyla, which captivated audiences at the 9th JAFF Jogja Film Festival in Yogyakarta in December 2024. In 2022, Khaidar, from Taliwang, West Sumbawa (KSB), was selected as an AMMAN Scholar, a prestigious program sponsored by PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara, the operator of the Batu Hijau copper mine in KSB. He was part of the second cohort of KSB youth sent to the renowned SMK Raden Umar Said (RUS) in Kudus, Central Java. This opportunity allowed him to work on Nyla, a film about a young girl from Sumba, East Indonesia, who dreams of becoming a professional footballer while working at a traditional handloom.
Khaidar, who has been passionate about drawing since childhood, successfully passed the rigorous selection process to become a background artist for Nyla. He underwent six months of intensive training, honing his skills in the techniques and tools necessary to create visually stunning backgrounds composed and lit to meet international standards.
Overcoming Challenges and Gaining Valuable Experience
The filmmaking process presented challenges for Khaidar, including adapting to new software and different artistic styles. However, his resilience and the support from his colleagues and instructors helped him persevere. Working on Nyla provided him with valuable soft skills essential for future success, including teamwork, time management, and technical development. He also gained confidence in his abilities and feels prepared to tackle future projects.
"Initially, I felt insecure about my skills," Khaidar admitted. "But thanks to the guidance from mentors, teachers at SMK RUS, and the AMMAN team, I proved I could contribute to such a significant project. Animation is my passion, and I'm eager to continue learning and creating, hoping to inspire other young people to pursue their dreams."
The AMMAN Scholars Vocational Scholarship Program: Nurturing Talent
Priyo Pramono, Vice President of Social Impact at AMMAN, expressed his pride in Khaidar's accomplishments. "AMMAN Scholars are gifted students from KSB who receive scholarships to pursue their education at top vocational schools in Indonesia," he explained. "These scholarships offer incredible opportunities for local youth like Khaidar to cultivate their talents and reach their full potential."
"Khaidar's journey inspires the younger generation to embrace opportunities and continuously develop their skills and talents," Priyo added. "With hard work, dedication, and a commitment to learning, any dream is attainable."
The AMMAN Scholars program goes beyond technical training, providing recipients with valuable industry-relevant experience. In addition to the standard curriculum, scholars can choose specialized training in fields like digital technology, hospitality, or heavy equipment mechanics, based on their individual interests and aptitudes.
The Success of Nyla and Future Aspirations
Following its enthusiastic reception at JAFF Jogja,
Nyla premiered on YouTube
Nyla on January 18, 2025, quickly amassing over 300,000 views. The film is slated for submission to national and international film festivals, showcasing the immense potential of young Indonesian animators and their ability to produce work comparable to international standards.
Three other AMMAN Scholars, Miftahul Zahra, Muhammad Febrilian Pratama, and Sastha Mobila Utari, also made significant contributions to Nyla.
"The AMMAN Scholars program has opened doors to countless new opportunities and experiences," Khaidar shared. "I am incredibly grateful for this chance. This program not only equips us with knowledge and skills but also helps us build a strong network within the animation industry. We hope this program continues to empower more talented young people across Indonesia."