Berlian (who only has one name/mononym like many Indonesians) was born on September 30, 1995, in Ciguguk, a village near Cimahi in West Java, Indonesia. Berlian is of Javanese descent. She is the middle child and only daughter of Sutoyo and Tini. Sutoyo worked as a rice farmer, while Tini was a homemaker. Raised in a modest household, Berlian grew up with her four brothers and developed a tomboyish nature, often engaging in activities like playing soccer. From an early age, she developed an interest in aviation, largely due to her childhood home's proximity to an airport, and she dreamed of becoming a pilot.
Although Berlian's family was the only Predator-Carnivore family in the village, they were well-treated by their neighbors. This was largely due to her father's role as a rice farmer who supplied the village's herbivores, as well as the fact that Islam prohibits speciesism. In fact, the teachings of Islam emphasized equality among all species, and this view extended to how individuals were treated within the community. Berlian’s father, a devout Muslim, ensured that their family's actions aligned with these values, fostering goodwill among their neighbors and creating an environment where tolerance and cooperation prevailed.
Indonesia, like most countries, has a society where herbivores outnumber carnivores by about ten to one, a ratio that often leads to underlying tensions. Despite this numerical imbalance, carnivores like Berlian's family were generally accepted, especially in rural areas where agricultural communities depended on the diverse roles of each member, regardless of species. Carnivores, particularly those involved in farming or fishing, contributed to the community's well-being in ways that herbivores could not always replicate. Berlian’s father, by cultivating rice and selling it at market, not only provided food for herbivores but also helped to maintain the village's economy, which ensured his family’s positive standing in the community.
However, this harmony was not always a given, as anti-carnivore sentiments could sometimes surface in subtle ways. While the intensity of such feelings in Indonesia was far less extreme compared to other regions of the world—particularly in the United States, where carnivores might face overt discrimination—there remained pockets of prejudice. These biases were often rooted in fear and misunderstanding, as well as a deep-seated cultural perception that carnivores were inherently more dangerous or unpredictable than their herbivorous counterparts. In larger cities or among more cosmopolitan populations, these attitudes could be more pronounced, though they often took the form of social exclusion rather than violent acts.
Despite these challenges, Indonesia’s predominantly Muslim population helped mitigate some of the discrimination through the widespread practice of gotong-royong—a communal spirit that encouraged people of all species to work together for mutual benefit. In villages like the one where Berlian’s family lived, there was an implicit understanding that cooperation and shared resources were key to survival, which helped bridge the gap between herbivores and carnivores. For Berlian, growing up in this environment meant that she saw the best and worst of both worlds: the unity of a close-knit community and the subtle prejudices that still lingered beneath the surface.
At school, Berlian was often a bridge between her classmates, some of whom had internalized these negative stereotypes about carnivores. While some of her herbivore peers were initially hesitant to interact with her, time and mutual respect gradually softened these attitudes. Teachers, who were usually aware of the social dynamics in the classroom, worked hard to encourage inclusion and respect. The fact that Berlian's father was seen as an upstanding member of the community also helped dispel many of the doubts surrounding carnivores, especially when Berlian excelled academically and socially, showing that species was not a determinant of character or capability.
Nonetheless, while Berlian’s family was fortunate to live in a place where tolerance was more common than prejudice, it was clear that broader societal issues still remained. Anti-carnivore sentiments were often passed down through generations, and there were factions within society that resisted the progressive changes that had taken root in places like Berlian’s village. In urban centers, carnivores were more likely to face discrimination in employment and education, with some employers or institutions reluctant to hire them based on deeply ingrained biases. The challenge, as Berlian’s family understood, was not just to promote tolerance within their own community, but to contribute to the wider movement toward equality for all species.
During her childhood, Berlian would often climb to the roof of her family's small house to watch planes taking off and landing at the nearby airport. Her older brothers, Raja and Satria, would sometimes join her, making paper airplanes and sharing her fascination with flight. Her younger twin brothers, Teguh and Gagah, were too young to participate in these adventures. The family lived in a traditional wooden house with a tin roof, and though they weren't wealthy, Berlian's parents ensured all their children received proper education and moral values rooted in their Muslim faith, although Berlian became more secular and eventually non-practicing as she grew up.
Her parents, however, disapproved of this career choice, believing aviation was not a suitable profession for females. Berlian, determined to prove them wrong, pursued her passion despite their objections. Throughout elementary, junior, and senior high school, she excelled in math and science, which earned her a scholarship to a prestigious state university in Bandung, West Java, where she earned a degree in aeronautics, graduating in 2017. Berlian became the first in her family to attend college. Proud of her accomplishments, her parents eventually supported her decision to pursue a flying career, even selling some of their belongings to help finance her pilot training.
During her university years, Berlian worked part-time as an English tutor and airport information desk staff to supplement her scholarship money. She lived in a cramped boarding house with five other female students, sharing a tiny kitchen and bathroom. Despite the challenging living conditions, she maintained excellent grades and participated in the university's aerospace club, where she helped organize aviation seminars and field trips to aircraft maintenance facilities. Her undergraduate thesis on fuel efficiency optimization in commercial aviation received special recognition from the faculty.
At pilot school, Berlian was one of the few females, but her classmates respected her, and some were inspired by her story of overcoming financial hardships. She graduated in 2022 with a private pilot license, commercial pilot license, and airline transport pilot license. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted her training schedule, forcing her to take a six-month break in 2020. During this period, she returned to her village and helped establish an online study group for local children struggling with remote learning, teaching them mathematics and basic English.
In January 2023, Berlian joined Trans Indonesia Airlines (TIA) as the country began lifting COVID-19 restrictions. She relocated to Kalideres in West Jakarta, renting an apartment near Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, the airline's main hub. Now, after two and a half years with TIA, Berlian has accumulated 2,000 flight hours and is qualified to fly the Boeing 737-800, ATR 72-600, and COMAC C919 as a first officer/co-pilot. Her ultimate ambition is to pilot the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, TIA's long-haul aircraft.
As one of TIA's most promising young pilots, Berlian has been featured in several aviation industry magazines and serves as a mentor in the airline's cadet pilot program. She frequently visits high schools across Java to speak about careers in aviation, particularly encouraging young females to consider becoming pilots. Her success has inspired two other young females from her village to pursue careers in aviation – one as an air traffic controller and another as an aircraft maintenance technician.
She is 175 cm (5 ft 9 in) tall and weighs 65 kilogram (143 lbs). In her free time, Berlian enjoys reading, binge-watching Netflix series, working out at the gym and local park, and practicing amateur photography. Her favorite foods include gado-gado, sayur asem, nasi uduk, and ketoprak. Fluent in Indonesian and English, she also speaks conversational Javanese and Sundanese. Single and attracted to some male pilots at TIA, Berlian has no desire to have children, feeling they would be a burden. Berlian is heterosexual. Her current goal is to continue advancing at TIA, eventually becoming a captain, and to earn enough to support her parents in their retirement.
Her photography hobby has evolved into a semi-professional pursuit, with her aviation-themed photographs being featured in several regional exhibitions. She maintains a popular Instagram account where she shares both her aviation journey and artistic photographs, accumulating over 50,000 followers. Through social media, she has connected with female pilots worldwide, forming a support network that helps address the challenges females face in the aviation industry.
Looking ahead, Berlian plans to pursue a master's degree in aviation management through a part-time program, believing that additional academic credentials will help her advance into airline management positions later in her career. She has already started saving money for this goal, while also contributing monthly to her parents' retirement fund and helping to finance her youngest brothers' university education. Despite her busy schedule, she makes time to visit her family in Ciguguk at least once every two months.
The influence of her older brothers played a significant role in shaping her early years. Raja, who worked as a motorcycle mechanic, taught her the basics of machinery and engineering, sparking her interest in how things work. Satria, a high school mathematics teacher, helped nurture her analytical skills and problem-solving abilities. The twins, Teguh and Gagah, now studying computer science at different universities in Jakarta, share her drive for academic excellence and often consult her for career advice.
Her mother Tini's initial resistance to her aviation career stemmed from personal experience – Tini had abandoned her own dreams of becoming a teacher due to family pressure and financial constraints. This made her eventual support of Berlian's ambitions even more meaningful. Sutoyo, despite his traditional mindset, proved to be more adaptable than expected, proud to tell his fellow farmers about his daughter's achievements and defending her choices to conservative relatives who questioned them.
Growing up in Ciguguk shaped Berlian's worldview in unexpected ways. The village's location near the airport exposed her to both traditional agricultural life and modern aviation technology, creating a unique perspective that she often references in her public speaking engagements. She credits this dual exposure for her ability to bridge different worlds – the rural and urban, the traditional and modern, the local and global.
During her university years, Berlian developed a keen interest in environmental issues, particularly the impact of aviation on climate change. This concern influences her flying style, as she consistently implements fuel-saving techniques and advocates for sustainable aviation practices within TIA. She has initiated a waste reduction program in the airline's crew facilities and frequently writes articles about green aviation for the company newsletter.
Berlian's apartment in Kalideres reflects her personality – a mix of aviation memorabilia, photography equipment, and traditional Sundanese artifacts. She maintains a small herb garden on her balcony, growing ingredients for traditional Indonesian dishes, a hobby she inherited from her mother. Her home has become a gathering place for young female pilots and aviation enthusiasts, where she hosts monthly discussions about career development and industry trends.
Recent recognition of her achievements includes being named one of Indonesia's "30 Under 30" by a prominent business magazine and receiving the "Rising Star in Aviation" award from the Indonesian Pilots Association. These accolades have brought increased visibility to gender issues in aviation, leading to her appointment to several industry committees focused on diversity and inclusion.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Berlian has developed a passion for promoting STEM education in rural areas. She regularly organizes workshops in villages around Cimahi, bringing together aviation professionals to inspire the next generation. Her initiative has caught the attention of several educational NGOs, who have approached her about expanding the program nationwide.
Despite her growing public profile, Berlian maintains close ties with her childhood friends in Ciguguk. She has helped establish a community library in the village, stocking it with books about aviation, science, and technology. The library has become a popular spot for local children to dream about their futures, just as she once did while watching planes from her rooftop.
In terms of personal development, Berlian has recently taken up meditation and yoga to help manage the stress of her demanding career. She believes in maintaining a balanced lifestyle, often sharing her wellness journey on social media to show aspiring pilots the importance of physical and mental health in aviation. Her morning routine, which includes a pre-dawn run around her neighborhood before early flights, has inspired many of her followers to adopt healthier lifestyles.
Looking toward the future, Berlian hopes to eventually establish a scholarship foundation for young females from rural areas who wish to pursue careers in aviation. She envisions the foundation providing not just financial support but also mentorship and networking opportunities. This dream is inspired by her own journey and the many obstacles she had to overcome to achieve her goals.
Her commitment to environmental sustainability extends beyond her professional life. In her apartment complex, she has spearheaded several green initiatives, including a composting program for the herb garden and a recycling awareness campaign. She often collaborates with local environmental groups to organize cleanup drives around the airport perimeter, believing that aviation professionals have a special responsibility to protect the environment they work in.
Berlian's relationship with technology extends beyond aviation. She has developed a keen interest in drone photography, often using drones to capture unique perspectives of Indonesian landscapes when she's not flying commercial aircraft. This hobby has led to collaborations with National Geographic Indonesia and several tourism boards, helping to showcase the country's natural beauty from above while adhering to strict aviation safety regulations.
The cultural diversity she encounters in her profession has deepened her appreciation for Indonesia's multicultural heritage. She has become particularly interested in documenting the various traditional ceremonies and customs she observes during her travels across the archipelago. This interest has led her to start working on a photo book project that combines her aviation experiences with cultural documentation, tentatively titled "Wings Over Indonesia: A Pilot's Cultural Journey."
As her career progresses, Berlian increasingly sees herself as a bridge between different worlds – not just between the ground and the sky, but between generations, cultures, and ways of thinking. Her story has become a powerful narrative about the changing face of Indonesian society, particularly regarding females's roles in traditionally male-dominated fields. Through her various initiatives and public speaking engagements, she continues to challenge stereotypes while remaining deeply connected to her roots in Ciguguk.
———
In light of recent and upcoming events in the United States, I've decided to create a new original character based in my home country, Indonesia. Meet Berlian (she goes by a single name, just like me). Berlian is a 30-year-old dhole who works as an airline pilot. You can read her biography above. If the situation in the U.S. continues to deteriorate, I might make Berlian my main OC, replacing Judy Reinard. And, I feel that Indonesia is underrepresented in the furry fandom, so I hope Berlian can help bring more visibility to it.
———
Character: Berlian @
judyjudith
Art by:
tony07734123/KangWolf
Although Berlian's family was the only Predator-Carnivore family in the village, they were well-treated by their neighbors. This was largely due to her father's role as a rice farmer who supplied the village's herbivores, as well as the fact that Islam prohibits speciesism. In fact, the teachings of Islam emphasized equality among all species, and this view extended to how individuals were treated within the community. Berlian’s father, a devout Muslim, ensured that their family's actions aligned with these values, fostering goodwill among their neighbors and creating an environment where tolerance and cooperation prevailed.
Indonesia, like most countries, has a society where herbivores outnumber carnivores by about ten to one, a ratio that often leads to underlying tensions. Despite this numerical imbalance, carnivores like Berlian's family were generally accepted, especially in rural areas where agricultural communities depended on the diverse roles of each member, regardless of species. Carnivores, particularly those involved in farming or fishing, contributed to the community's well-being in ways that herbivores could not always replicate. Berlian’s father, by cultivating rice and selling it at market, not only provided food for herbivores but also helped to maintain the village's economy, which ensured his family’s positive standing in the community.
However, this harmony was not always a given, as anti-carnivore sentiments could sometimes surface in subtle ways. While the intensity of such feelings in Indonesia was far less extreme compared to other regions of the world—particularly in the United States, where carnivores might face overt discrimination—there remained pockets of prejudice. These biases were often rooted in fear and misunderstanding, as well as a deep-seated cultural perception that carnivores were inherently more dangerous or unpredictable than their herbivorous counterparts. In larger cities or among more cosmopolitan populations, these attitudes could be more pronounced, though they often took the form of social exclusion rather than violent acts.
Despite these challenges, Indonesia’s predominantly Muslim population helped mitigate some of the discrimination through the widespread practice of gotong-royong—a communal spirit that encouraged people of all species to work together for mutual benefit. In villages like the one where Berlian’s family lived, there was an implicit understanding that cooperation and shared resources were key to survival, which helped bridge the gap between herbivores and carnivores. For Berlian, growing up in this environment meant that she saw the best and worst of both worlds: the unity of a close-knit community and the subtle prejudices that still lingered beneath the surface.
At school, Berlian was often a bridge between her classmates, some of whom had internalized these negative stereotypes about carnivores. While some of her herbivore peers were initially hesitant to interact with her, time and mutual respect gradually softened these attitudes. Teachers, who were usually aware of the social dynamics in the classroom, worked hard to encourage inclusion and respect. The fact that Berlian's father was seen as an upstanding member of the community also helped dispel many of the doubts surrounding carnivores, especially when Berlian excelled academically and socially, showing that species was not a determinant of character or capability.
Nonetheless, while Berlian’s family was fortunate to live in a place where tolerance was more common than prejudice, it was clear that broader societal issues still remained. Anti-carnivore sentiments were often passed down through generations, and there were factions within society that resisted the progressive changes that had taken root in places like Berlian’s village. In urban centers, carnivores were more likely to face discrimination in employment and education, with some employers or institutions reluctant to hire them based on deeply ingrained biases. The challenge, as Berlian’s family understood, was not just to promote tolerance within their own community, but to contribute to the wider movement toward equality for all species.
During her childhood, Berlian would often climb to the roof of her family's small house to watch planes taking off and landing at the nearby airport. Her older brothers, Raja and Satria, would sometimes join her, making paper airplanes and sharing her fascination with flight. Her younger twin brothers, Teguh and Gagah, were too young to participate in these adventures. The family lived in a traditional wooden house with a tin roof, and though they weren't wealthy, Berlian's parents ensured all their children received proper education and moral values rooted in their Muslim faith, although Berlian became more secular and eventually non-practicing as she grew up.
Her parents, however, disapproved of this career choice, believing aviation was not a suitable profession for females. Berlian, determined to prove them wrong, pursued her passion despite their objections. Throughout elementary, junior, and senior high school, she excelled in math and science, which earned her a scholarship to a prestigious state university in Bandung, West Java, where she earned a degree in aeronautics, graduating in 2017. Berlian became the first in her family to attend college. Proud of her accomplishments, her parents eventually supported her decision to pursue a flying career, even selling some of their belongings to help finance her pilot training.
During her university years, Berlian worked part-time as an English tutor and airport information desk staff to supplement her scholarship money. She lived in a cramped boarding house with five other female students, sharing a tiny kitchen and bathroom. Despite the challenging living conditions, she maintained excellent grades and participated in the university's aerospace club, where she helped organize aviation seminars and field trips to aircraft maintenance facilities. Her undergraduate thesis on fuel efficiency optimization in commercial aviation received special recognition from the faculty.
At pilot school, Berlian was one of the few females, but her classmates respected her, and some were inspired by her story of overcoming financial hardships. She graduated in 2022 with a private pilot license, commercial pilot license, and airline transport pilot license. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted her training schedule, forcing her to take a six-month break in 2020. During this period, she returned to her village and helped establish an online study group for local children struggling with remote learning, teaching them mathematics and basic English.
In January 2023, Berlian joined Trans Indonesia Airlines (TIA) as the country began lifting COVID-19 restrictions. She relocated to Kalideres in West Jakarta, renting an apartment near Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, the airline's main hub. Now, after two and a half years with TIA, Berlian has accumulated 2,000 flight hours and is qualified to fly the Boeing 737-800, ATR 72-600, and COMAC C919 as a first officer/co-pilot. Her ultimate ambition is to pilot the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, TIA's long-haul aircraft.
As one of TIA's most promising young pilots, Berlian has been featured in several aviation industry magazines and serves as a mentor in the airline's cadet pilot program. She frequently visits high schools across Java to speak about careers in aviation, particularly encouraging young females to consider becoming pilots. Her success has inspired two other young females from her village to pursue careers in aviation – one as an air traffic controller and another as an aircraft maintenance technician.
She is 175 cm (5 ft 9 in) tall and weighs 65 kilogram (143 lbs). In her free time, Berlian enjoys reading, binge-watching Netflix series, working out at the gym and local park, and practicing amateur photography. Her favorite foods include gado-gado, sayur asem, nasi uduk, and ketoprak. Fluent in Indonesian and English, she also speaks conversational Javanese and Sundanese. Single and attracted to some male pilots at TIA, Berlian has no desire to have children, feeling they would be a burden. Berlian is heterosexual. Her current goal is to continue advancing at TIA, eventually becoming a captain, and to earn enough to support her parents in their retirement.
Her photography hobby has evolved into a semi-professional pursuit, with her aviation-themed photographs being featured in several regional exhibitions. She maintains a popular Instagram account where she shares both her aviation journey and artistic photographs, accumulating over 50,000 followers. Through social media, she has connected with female pilots worldwide, forming a support network that helps address the challenges females face in the aviation industry.
Looking ahead, Berlian plans to pursue a master's degree in aviation management through a part-time program, believing that additional academic credentials will help her advance into airline management positions later in her career. She has already started saving money for this goal, while also contributing monthly to her parents' retirement fund and helping to finance her youngest brothers' university education. Despite her busy schedule, she makes time to visit her family in Ciguguk at least once every two months.
The influence of her older brothers played a significant role in shaping her early years. Raja, who worked as a motorcycle mechanic, taught her the basics of machinery and engineering, sparking her interest in how things work. Satria, a high school mathematics teacher, helped nurture her analytical skills and problem-solving abilities. The twins, Teguh and Gagah, now studying computer science at different universities in Jakarta, share her drive for academic excellence and often consult her for career advice.
Her mother Tini's initial resistance to her aviation career stemmed from personal experience – Tini had abandoned her own dreams of becoming a teacher due to family pressure and financial constraints. This made her eventual support of Berlian's ambitions even more meaningful. Sutoyo, despite his traditional mindset, proved to be more adaptable than expected, proud to tell his fellow farmers about his daughter's achievements and defending her choices to conservative relatives who questioned them.
Growing up in Ciguguk shaped Berlian's worldview in unexpected ways. The village's location near the airport exposed her to both traditional agricultural life and modern aviation technology, creating a unique perspective that she often references in her public speaking engagements. She credits this dual exposure for her ability to bridge different worlds – the rural and urban, the traditional and modern, the local and global.
During her university years, Berlian developed a keen interest in environmental issues, particularly the impact of aviation on climate change. This concern influences her flying style, as she consistently implements fuel-saving techniques and advocates for sustainable aviation practices within TIA. She has initiated a waste reduction program in the airline's crew facilities and frequently writes articles about green aviation for the company newsletter.
Berlian's apartment in Kalideres reflects her personality – a mix of aviation memorabilia, photography equipment, and traditional Sundanese artifacts. She maintains a small herb garden on her balcony, growing ingredients for traditional Indonesian dishes, a hobby she inherited from her mother. Her home has become a gathering place for young female pilots and aviation enthusiasts, where she hosts monthly discussions about career development and industry trends.
Recent recognition of her achievements includes being named one of Indonesia's "30 Under 30" by a prominent business magazine and receiving the "Rising Star in Aviation" award from the Indonesian Pilots Association. These accolades have brought increased visibility to gender issues in aviation, leading to her appointment to several industry committees focused on diversity and inclusion.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Berlian has developed a passion for promoting STEM education in rural areas. She regularly organizes workshops in villages around Cimahi, bringing together aviation professionals to inspire the next generation. Her initiative has caught the attention of several educational NGOs, who have approached her about expanding the program nationwide.
Despite her growing public profile, Berlian maintains close ties with her childhood friends in Ciguguk. She has helped establish a community library in the village, stocking it with books about aviation, science, and technology. The library has become a popular spot for local children to dream about their futures, just as she once did while watching planes from her rooftop.
In terms of personal development, Berlian has recently taken up meditation and yoga to help manage the stress of her demanding career. She believes in maintaining a balanced lifestyle, often sharing her wellness journey on social media to show aspiring pilots the importance of physical and mental health in aviation. Her morning routine, which includes a pre-dawn run around her neighborhood before early flights, has inspired many of her followers to adopt healthier lifestyles.
Looking toward the future, Berlian hopes to eventually establish a scholarship foundation for young females from rural areas who wish to pursue careers in aviation. She envisions the foundation providing not just financial support but also mentorship and networking opportunities. This dream is inspired by her own journey and the many obstacles she had to overcome to achieve her goals.
Her commitment to environmental sustainability extends beyond her professional life. In her apartment complex, she has spearheaded several green initiatives, including a composting program for the herb garden and a recycling awareness campaign. She often collaborates with local environmental groups to organize cleanup drives around the airport perimeter, believing that aviation professionals have a special responsibility to protect the environment they work in.
Berlian's relationship with technology extends beyond aviation. She has developed a keen interest in drone photography, often using drones to capture unique perspectives of Indonesian landscapes when she's not flying commercial aircraft. This hobby has led to collaborations with National Geographic Indonesia and several tourism boards, helping to showcase the country's natural beauty from above while adhering to strict aviation safety regulations.
The cultural diversity she encounters in her profession has deepened her appreciation for Indonesia's multicultural heritage. She has become particularly interested in documenting the various traditional ceremonies and customs she observes during her travels across the archipelago. This interest has led her to start working on a photo book project that combines her aviation experiences with cultural documentation, tentatively titled "Wings Over Indonesia: A Pilot's Cultural Journey."
As her career progresses, Berlian increasingly sees herself as a bridge between different worlds – not just between the ground and the sky, but between generations, cultures, and ways of thinking. Her story has become a powerful narrative about the changing face of Indonesian society, particularly regarding females's roles in traditionally male-dominated fields. Through her various initiatives and public speaking engagements, she continues to challenge stereotypes while remaining deeply connected to her roots in Ciguguk.
———
In light of recent and upcoming events in the United States, I've decided to create a new original character based in my home country, Indonesia. Meet Berlian (she goes by a single name, just like me). Berlian is a 30-year-old dhole who works as an airline pilot. You can read her biography above. If the situation in the U.S. continues to deteriorate, I might make Berlian my main OC, replacing Judy Reinard. And, I feel that Indonesia is underrepresented in the furry fandom, so I hope Berlian can help bring more visibility to it.
———
Character: Berlian @
judyjudithArt by:
tony07734123/KangWolf
Category Story / Portraits
Species Dhole
Size 2146 x 1717px
File Size 2.37 MB
FA+

Comments