He invited participants to explore what it means to become “a great person” through real-life stories from his own journey. One key message he shared was that learning has no geographical boundaries—because it can be done anytime and anywhere.

Fuadi began his career as a journalist before eventually becoming a novelist. He is the author of the mega-bestseller Negeri 5 Menara and has written 23 books, with more than 500,000 copies printed. The novel was adapted into a feature film and became one of the highest-grossing Indonesian films in 2012.

According to him, writing is not merely the act of putting words on a page—it has the power to influence the human subconscious.

He shared that he was born in a small village on the edge of Lake Maninjau, where access to the outside world once felt extremely limited. However, with the support of a family that valued literacy—especially his mother, who was also a teacher—he learned early on the importance of honesty and hard work.

He also recalled that he was “raised by postcards.” When his uncle received a scholarship to Sweden, Fuadi would receive postcards at every change of season. They opened the eyes of his younger self to how vast the world is—and that it is within reach. This became the starting point of his dream to break beyond boundaries.

While studying at an Islamic boarding school in East Java, he discovered a new meaning of greatness. One message from his kyai taught him that great people are not those with great wealth or power, but those willing to go beneath a bridge to sincerely teach a letter or two. Giving, he said, can be done in simple ways—by giving a smile, giving care, and giving time.

He also emphasized the importance of wholehearted perseverance in pursuing dreams. His story of becoming a broadcaster at Voice of America in Washington, D.C., began with a small dream: listening to foreign radio broadcasts from his boarding school—then turning that dream into reality through hard work and prayer.

“Never underestimate our dreams, because no matter how high they are, for God they are not high; for God, they are easy,” he said.

As a writer, he believes words carry greater power than bullets. Writing can inspire, uplift, and reach thousands of minds without limits of space. Through writing, one can spread ideas and values widely.

To become a great person, he added, is not something that can be done alone. It takes fellow companions in struggle, well-maintained mental health, and a spirit to leave a good legacy for others.