If you’re on Instagram or into podcasts about personal growth, chances are you’ve come across Salsa Erwina Hutagalung. With more than 568,000 followers on her Instagram (@salsaer) and as the voice behind the hit podcast “Jadi Dewasa 101” (JDW 101), Salsa isn’t just creating content—she’s building a movement. Her platform talks about the things every young adult struggles with: self-awareness, financial management, and figuring out what the heck it means to “grow up.”

But behind the podcast mic and inspiring posts lies a story of academic excellence, international achievements, and a career path that proves passion and persistence can take you across the globe.

 
From Yogyakarta to the World Stage
Salsa started her journey at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), one of Indonesia’s most prestigious universities. Graduating in 2014 with a degree in International Relations, she didn’t just scrape by—she smashed it with a 3.80 GPA and earned the title of Best Graduate in her program. The same year, she also made it to the list of the Top 10 National Outstanding Students, a recognition by the Ministry of Education.

Instead of staying in her comfort zone, Salsa took a leap. She began her career in Malaysia at iprice group, working her way up from Content Marketing Executive to Head of Business Development in just 4.5 years. Talk about climbing the ladder fast.

 
Taking Denmark by Storm
Since 2022, Salsa has been based in Aarhus, Denmark, working at Vestas, one of the world’s leading renewable energy companies. Her role as an Agile Portfolio Specialist positions her right in the middle of global sustainability efforts. Not bad for someone who started out making relatable content about adulting struggles.

And here’s the twist—despite her busy life abroad, Salsa remains engaged with issues back home in Indonesia, never shying away from sharing her thoughts on current debates, including political controversies like DPR allowances.

 
More Than Just Content—It’s a Mission
For her fans, Salsa isn’t just another influencer. She’s someone who has walked the talk—balancing education, career, and self-growth, while staying grounded and connected to her roots. Through Jadi Dewasa 101 and her online presence, she’s helping young people realize that “adulting” doesn’t have to be something you face alone.

Her story is proof that you don’t need to follow a conventional path to make an impact. Sometimes, the combination of academic grit, career boldness, and the courage to speak up is what sets you apart