If you were to TEDxUbud or TEDxMakassar, chances are you saw Mila busy in action. Born in Australia of US and Australian parents, Mila grew up in Ubud from two months and has spent most of his life in Indonesia. She talks about her work at TED, Indonesia East Exchange knowledge (Bakti) and his life as a "third culture kid".
Are you Balinese woman in a US / Australian organization or an American / Australian woman in a Balinese body?
My heart belongs here, for sure. I do not think I could ever pass the "test" of being Balinese, especially a woman Balinese - it's like having a doctorate by the time you're 20, and proficiency in three languages
what challenges you face the identity of being a third culture kid and how it made you the woman you are today?
When I was younger, it was a fight. Physically, I so wanted to watch Balinese and integrate then I was always terribly homesick every time I had to leave the island. I felt like a stranger in the "outside world". He left me mixed up, but if you give me a "not" I would not change anything. I got to see and experience such amazing things and I am happy to be able to understand the gray areas of life, community and identity. My least favorite question, however, is "where are you?" -., Even after all these years, my frozen brain and see a blank creep look in my eyes
How long have -you spent living in Makassar and how would you describe life in this city?
I spent four years full-time in Makassar and a few more years to live part -time. I loved living there. Bali is Indonesia, so this was a immersion in Indonesia for me. Makassar has changed so much; it is a city now. Thank you for my time there when he was still a little quieter.
Makassar is all about food, port, Chinatown and the people.
Tell us about your work at Bakti Makassar and what lessons this experience has taught you.
Bakti, or the exchange of knowledge eastern Indonesia, is a development support center set up to explore how knowledge management can support better development in 12 the poorest provinces in eastern Indonesia. Bakti my time was the best thing that could have happened to me. The people I worked with were in the area and really embodied and confirmed the principles of local ownership and community development. I am eternally grateful that I learned the ropes; not in an office in Jakarta or outside of Indonesia. I remain passionate to explore how knowledge and communication can change communities through my time with Bakti.
In 2010, you founded TEDx Makassar. What inspired you to do this?
I was inspired TEDxBali in 2009. I really wanted to bring the experience and spirit of ideas worth sharing "in Makassar and it really fit with the Bakti was working, especially under Indonesia East champion and Makassar voice. We ran TEDxMakassar in order to not put people of Makassar and region on the scene, to help inspire and Makassar proud of what people were doing in their own communities.
What are the main objectives TED talks?
TED is all about ideas worth spreading "in the fields of technology, entertainment and design. The best part of TED talks is that they have a great formula and break down the most complex problems and ideas, so that the average person can understand them too.
For the last two years, you have been co-production TEDxUbud, an annual event of inspiration that takes place on May 28, 2016 . Tell us about your vision for TEDx Ubud.
I joined the team TEDxUbud as co-curator and co-producer in 2013. TEDxUbud really tried to bring international thinkers and creative people in Ubud and to celebrate the ideas of home. The next event is our fifth and we really want to continue to inspire and grow our audience members to think bigger and aim higher than they do already, which is a huge task.
Tell us about your new upcoming project that you are working.
With the founder of TEDxUbud Daniela Burr, I'm setting up a new company called Elami & Co. Daniela and I worked so well together during TEDxUbud process, we decided to set up a company focused on design events, experiences and communications for businesses and Bali in the world. We are so happy to put this together and considering very interesting projects once we prepare properly!
extreme changes You must have seen take place in Ubud and Bali in general, since your childhood. What positive changes have you noticed?
My neighbors and friends now have electricity and running water, and money to go to school, build good houses or see a doctor. And that's all because of the money that comes from tourism and development of Ubud. I just fear that they (or their children) will not see a fair share in the future. They lose control to people who have more money and no sense. And the direction of Ubud seems to be missing in action.
What message do you have for spiritual tourists who decide to make Ubud their home?
Once you go over to a visitor and want to say, "I live in Ubud," then it's time to do an intensive course in the Indonesian language and take the time to read About where you live. preferably before determining the best way to make money, while congratulating you how smart are you to have moved at such a cheap place with excellent climate . and definitely before you start complaining about the locals, the environment, traffic, and things that are not like the West!
How do you think that tradition and culture could live hand in hand with progress?
Bali is hung fairly strongly to their culture, especially in Ubud. what is a problem is the lack of voice the Balinese have in the development of their island and how investors' are completely uncontrolled. The economy of the local environment and is seriously threatened. The account Bali: How much is too much? is a scary page to follow. Saying that, the Tolak Reklamasi and Save the Sawah movements give me hope -. It seems that people are finally feel strong enough to stand up and have a voice
I know you like diving in your spare time. Where was the place of the most memorable diving for you in Indonesia?
Bangka Island in North Sulawesi, right between Bunaken and Lembeh has a great macro life to keep my camera happy, not huge crowds, warm water and beautiful coral. And I am very pleased that, after years of struggle against a mine looking to set up in the middle of this submarine haven, environmentalists and residents seem to have won! 
What are the topics of discussion ignite the passion in you?
Any Indonesia and Bali linked, guaranteed.
Thank you, Mila!
For contact, please email: mila@tedxubud.com