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The Deco 5209 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90036 USA
Our Team.
Behind every great community is a group of passionate individuals who bring it to life—and we’re so excited to introduce
you to ours!
From event planners and storytellers to cultural advocates and creative minds, each member of our team is dedicated to celebrating and empowering the Indonesian community in Southern California.
President and Founder
Michael Passage
Michael’s diverse heritage bridges eastern and western cultures, with a career spanning roles at Surveyor Indonesia, Hard Rock Cafe Antwerp, and SBE in Los Angeles.
Formerly a Sales Executive for FCA, Mercedes-Benz, and Land Rover, he now leads an automotive consultancy from the Deco Building, leveraging his extensive industry expertise.
Treasurer
Ed Van Heel
Edward “Ed” van Heel, a proud first-generation Dutch-Indonesian American born in Southern California, serves as Treasurer for SoCal Indo, dedicated to supporting Indos and Indonesians in need worldwide.
With over 30 years of leadership experience, Ed’s diverse career includes roles as a police officer, Federal Express manager, and General Manager for Greyhound Bus Lines and San Diego Transit. Inspired by his hardworking parents and strong family values, Ed is passionate about giving back and looks forward to your support in making a difference.
Secretary
Kia Knoester
Los Angeles-based “soulwriter” KIA, a Dutch singer, is making waves in the music scene with her compelling blend of Alternative R&B and soul.
She holds a Master’s in Commercial Music from California State University Los Angeles and teaches at AMDA College of the Performing Arts while also working for the Society of Composers and Lyricists.
Her latest EP, Retrospect, showcases her artistry, following recent recognition from winning the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and The Howard Rosen Promotion Talent Search, which earned her a Times Square billboard. KIA also opened the 2024 Hollywood Independent Music Awards with a sizzling performance and contributed to a Grammy-nominated album, cementing her place among the industry’s most promising talents.
Director of Operations
Mo Holil Smith
Holil, a native Javanese who migrated to the U.S. at 19 to pursue higher education and the American dream, brings a wealth of global experience to SoCal Indo as a Board Member and Operations Officer.
Trained as an economist and diplomat at prestigious institutions like USC and the University of Denver, his career spans roles at the World Wildlife Fund, Relief International, and the UN, as well as leadership positions in multinational corporations supporting development in countries like Indonesia, Kenya, and Haiti.
Now serving as Supply Chain Director of Governance and Compliance at Mercury Systems, Holil is dedicated
to leveraging his diverse expertise
and passion for bridging differences
to establish efficient operations for
SoCal Indo.
Director of Community Engagement
Jessica Chairez
Jessica J. Chairez, a public health professional and community organizer based in Ontario, California, is dedicated to promoting social, environmental, and health justice across the Inland Valley.
With a BA in Political Science from Pitzer College and an MPH from Loma Linda University, she brings both academic expertise and hands-on experience to her role as Assistant Director of Community Engagement at Pitzer College.
Jessica focuses on creating impactful service opportunities, fostering strong community partnerships, and empowering students and community members to become leaders and agents of change in addressing critical public health challenges.
Director of Media and Entertainment
Kosey Baskin
Kosey Baskin, born and raised in Belgium to a Dutch mother and American father, discovered his passion for Capoeira, gymnastics, and performance at a young age.
By his mid-teens, he was already showcasing his talents in concerts, videos, and films. Inspired by top Hollywood stuntmen during a visit to the U.S., Kosey combined his skills to pursue a career as a stunt performer.
Now based in Los Angeles, he has worked on major productions like *Star Trek: Picard*, *Westworld*, and the *Call of Duty* franchise, with recent credits in Zack Snyder’s *Rebel Moon* and Marvel’s *Daredevil: Born Again*.
Director of Trade and
International Affairs
Rolf Holwerda
Rolf Bacas, founder of the IndoMe Podcast, is dedicated to celebrating and preserving Indonesian culture and language. With his mother hailing from Jakarta, Rolf has a deep connection to Indonesia’s heritage.
Collaborating with the Indonesian Embassy in the Netherlands, he promotes cultural awareness through initiatives like the IndoMe Taal- en Cultuurcursus Bahasa Indonesia.
Passionate about fostering global connections, Rolf works to strengthen ties between Indonesia, the Netherlands, and the United States, bridging cultures through education, commerce, and collaboration while celebrating Indonesia’s rich heritage.
Director of Operations in Indonesia
Beni
Beni, born and raised in Solo, a city rich in Javanese history and culture, has a deep passion for art, tradition, and historical study.
Discovering his Dutch-Indo ancestry through his grandmother sparked his interest in exploring the history and heritage of the Dutch East Indies.
Dedicated to raising awareness about this “missing link” in Indonesian history, Beni works to reconnect with the cultural and generational ties often overlooked.
As SoCal Indo’s representative in Indonesia, he invites you to join in reviving historical relations with a renewed spirit of understanding
and peace.
Members
These are our active members and soon to expand.
EM
Michael L
Mega
Joey
SoCal Indo is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions to SoCal Indo are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. (EIN/ tax ID number: 99-4326673)
– All rights reserved to their respective photographers –