FERRY IRWANDI: THE YOUTUBER-TURNED-EDUCATOR WHO’S TAKING ON POLITICS, STOICISM, AND SOCIAL CHANGE
From STAN graduate to Malaka Project founder, Ferry Irwandi proves that content creation can be more than entertainment—it can be a movement.

If you’ve scrolled through YouTube or Instagram lately, chances are you’ve stumbled upon Ferry Irwandi. With over 1.14 million subscribers and videos that dissect politics, social issues, education, and even stoicism, Ferry has become one of Indonesia’s most influential digital voices. But unlike most YouTubers, his mission goes far beyond views and clicks.
From Civil Servant to Digital Educator
Born in Jambi in 1980, Ferry graduated from STAN (State College of Accountancy) before landing a job as a videographer at the Ministry of Finance. But even then, his heart wasn’t in bureaucracy—it was in storytelling.
By 2010, he left the “safe path” of being a PNS to build something riskier: a YouTube channel. His content wasn’t about pranks or daily vlogs—it was about educating the public on politics, financial literacy, and the art of stoic living. That unique angle set him apart, and audiences noticed.
The Rise of Malaka Project
In October 2023, Ferry launched the Malaka Project, an initiative aimed at making education accessible, critical, and empathetic. The launch event at Djakarta Theater brought together big names like Jerome Polin, Fathia Izzati, Coki Pardede, Cania Citta, and Aurelia Vizal.
His vision? A smarter, more critical generation ready for Indonesia Emas 2045. As Ferry himself puts it, Malaka is about empowering young people to lead with intellect and compassion.
Going Viral and Going Global
Ferry’s big break came when he appeared on Deddy Corbuzier’s Close The Door podcast in April 2022. That exposure catapulted his channel into the mainstream, but his message has remained consistent: don’t just consume, think.
His videos tackling everything from shady NFT schemes to online gambling promotions have sparked conversations (and controversies), especially when he called out fellow influencers for unethical behavior. One of his critical videos even hit 3.2 million views.
Stoicism Meets Street Politics
What makes Ferry different is his mix of philosophy and activism. Since 2017, he’s been studying stoicism—a mindset focused on self-control and inner peace. But when protests broke out across Indonesia in August 2025, Ferry wasn’t silent.
On iNews’ Rakyat Bersuara, he broke down why demonstrations turned violent:
“If we talk about causes, there are two: the actions of security forces and the behavior of certain groups within the masses. Both need to be read carefully.”
He condemned reckless police actions—like firing tear gas into Bandung campuses—calling it unacceptable. Yet he also urged nuance: not all demonstrators were anarchists. Many were students with clear, legitimate demands.
“If the government misreads the root of the problem, the solutions will go off track. This is about public trust—and human lives,” he warned.
Beyond the Screen
Ferry’s life off-camera is just as grounded. Married to Muthia Nadhira since 2015 and father to two children, including daughter Kirana Kala Senja, he balances family life with content creation. Fun fact? Despite his million-plus subscribers, Ferry still edits most of his videos himself.
And while his estimated YouTube income (up to Rp4.7 billion a year) might raise eyebrows, Ferry continues to position himself less as an influencer and more as an educator, motivator, and watchdog.
The Takeaway
Ferry Irwandi isn’t your average YouTuber. He’s the kind of creator who believes in critical thinking over clickbait—even if his videos end up going viral anyway.
By blending philosophy, politics, and grassroots activism, he’s carving out a new role for influencers in Indonesia: not just to entertain, but to educate, question, and inspire change.
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