Ara Kusuma began her changemaking journey at age 10 with Moo’s Project, a social initiative empowering 150 farmers in Boyolali, Indonesia, to adopt sustainable practices. Her work earned her recognition as a Young Changemaker by Ashoka and a feature on Kompas as a Young Pioneer in 2008.

Guided by her vision of Mulya Sesarengan ("for the welfare of all"), Ara founded initiatives to inspire teenagers to collaborate with social innovators and create their own impactful solutions. As Youth Years Manager for Ashoka Indonesia, she championed the Everyone A Changemaker movement, encouraging young people to practice empathy and realize their potential. She partnered with leading educational networks such as Muhammadiyah, Nahdlatul Ulama, and the Ministry of Education, integrating changemaking principles into over 350 schools across Indonesia.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Ara launched the Aha! Project to provide quality education for underprivileged children. The initiative reached more than 4,500 children in 64 villages across 18 provinces, ensuring access to learning in challenging times.

For her commitment to social innovation and education, Ara was honored as a National Geographic Young Explorer in 2020, continuing her dedication to empowering youth and fostering meaningful change.