David Tinambunan

David Tinambunan is a Fulbright Scholar, part of the U.S. government's international exchange program. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Communication and Development Studies at Ohio University’s Scripps College of Communication, with a research focus on how public communication can enhance understanding of development issues, build public trust, and ultimately encourage active citizen participation in the development process.

This degree supports his Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from University of Indonesia and over a decade-long career at Indonesia’s Ministry of National Development Planning, where he aims to simplify public communication to foster inclusive development and empower citizens to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.

In 2020, David became the youngest Public Relations Coordinator at the Ministry, overseeing internal and external communications for both the institution and the Minister. His portfolio includes managing communications for major national and international events, including the G20 Summit and the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York. Prior to his Fulbright journey, he led a 50-member communications team, ranging from speechwriter to drone pilot.

Hailing from Indonesia, a nation of over 17,000 islands, 630 languages, and 285 million people, David embraces diversity as his core value. He finds peace in nature, on beaches and in the mountains. 

His lifelong goal is simple: to grow with others and to make every single day worth living.