Remembering Herma Amalia, Vice President of PERMIAS

Tears streamed from their eyes and tissues laid crumpled in their hands. Students from Washington State University’s Indonesian Student Association and entomology program talked about how their friend will be missed.

Herma Amalia, a graduate student from WSU, drowned at Waikiki Beach in Hawaii over spring break.

“She enjoyed life and made her friends feel appreciated,” said Tri Komala Sari, a friend of Amalia and member of the Indonesian Student Association in the United States (PERMIAS).

Amalia was vice president of PERMIAS and dedicated countless hours to the organization.

“Everything for her was really fast. She was a hard worker, highly motivated—always motivated—and never complained,” said Eva Erdayani, a friend of Amalia and PERMIAS member.

Amalia was regarded by her colleagues as an incredible supporter and a devoted researcher.

She moved from Indonesia to the United States when she began graduate school in the spring of 2013.

Her graduate program was funded by the USAID program, in which three students were part of WSU’s “Smart Coalition,” which was a partnership between the United States and institutions in Indonesia.

Since then, she pursued her Indonesian-Muslim culture and shared her heritage with friends. Amalia was involved in the Indonesian Muslim Society in America, the Muslim Student Association’s WSU chapter and the Women Muslim Association.

“She left a legacy of having a mutual understanding and appreciation for cultures,” Sari said.

In addition to valuing culture, she pursued options to return to her homeland.

Amalia planned to work at the Bogor Agriculture Institute on Java in Indonesia after she graduated with her doctorate degree, where she could live close to family.

“Dr. Amalia was going to teach insect toxicology and conduct research specifically on the brown plant hopper,” said Laura Lavine, Amalia’s graduate school adviser. Sari said Amalia was dedicated to the education of Indonesia.

“She is a woman devoted to the development of science and technology, especially about plant protection in Indonesia and academic communities. She is the person who has her opinions but never judge or criticize others,” said Samantha The, a friend and fellow member of PERMIAS. Amalia’s friends said she was always busy, but never seemed to show her stress. “She taught me a lot about hard work,” said Courtney Grula, a fellow entomology student. “If I took a nap, she would ask me if I was okay.”

Amalia’s graduate advisers, Doug Walsh and Lavine, said they admired Amalia for her work ethic and compassion. Walsh wrote a request to award her the posthumous degree, which is currently being reviewed by the dean of Washington State University’s graduate school. Not only was Amalia respected for her diligence with academics, but also for her selfless nature.

“My first semester here, I would always forget to bring my lunch. She never had much, but she would always share hers with me,” said Alix Whitener, a fellow entomology student. Friends of Amalia spoke highly of her generosity. “She was also one of my very best friends here in Pullman,” The said. “She gave me my 24th birthday cake several days after I arrived here when we barely knew each other.”

Amalia’s friends said sharing stories will help them remember her.

“The last time I talked with her, she said she felt that she was loved, accepted and appreciated for who she was,” Sari said.