Andika “John” Manggala doesn’t merely walk through life—he moves it. Known for his dynamic energy and an unwavering drive to ignite change, John defines himself as a mover: someone who seeks to uplift others and craft meaningful impact, whether through art, education, or civic initiatives.
The name “John” has been with him since his teenage days at vocational high school, where his casual “Jon” greetings to friends turned into a signature identity. Today, the moniker blends seamlessly into the persona of a man driven by vision and purpose.
At present, John balances his focus across three spheres: education, business, and politics. When asked where his heart truly lies, he answers without hesitation—teaching. “Sharing knowledge fuels me,” he says. “It’s my source of energy.” He teaches photography and videography at a vocational high school in Magelang, while also lecturing in Communication Studies at Universitas Muhammadiyah Magelang.
Still, while teaching may be his passion, photography and videography remain his professional core. In 2017, he founded WEARE & Co, a production house that has since become a platform for his creative expression and craftsmanship in visual storytelling.
John’s involvement in politics is equally intentional. As Head of Division 8 at HIPMI (Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association) Magelang Chapter, he embraces the political stage as an avenue to contribute to Indonesia Emas 2045—a vision of a progressive, empowered Indonesia. He envisions politics not as a game of power, but as a tool to shape socially aware, hard-working youth with a deep respect for education and civic values.
Beyond the boardroom and the classroom, John wears another hat: that of a sociopreneur. He actively mentors small business owners in digital marketing and runs an alternative school for children and teens after regular school hours. Ideas keep him moving—creativity, he believes, is the heartbeat of momentum.
In the midst of his many pursuits, John has learned to master the art of delegation. Since the birth of his first child, family has become his grounding force. “I took three full months off,” he shares, “to be present at home. That period reshaped how I see balance and purpose.”
When asked what message he would offer the younger generation, John speaks with conviction. “Don’t dismiss politics just because of the selfish acts of a few. Politics, at its core, is about impact. It’s about designing programs that matter and serve the greater good.”
And perhaps that’s John’s truest power: not just moving through life, but moving others—toward better ideas, brighter paths, and a future that inspires.
