Selfi H. Nange: From Public Service to Strategic Leadership in East Nusa Tenggara
Selfi H. Nange has spent more than three decades working to advance public administration and economic development in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). From serving in a conflict-affected border region of East Timor early in her career to leading strategic economic programs for the NTT Provincial Government today, her journey has been shaped by resilience, continuous learning and a strong commitment to public service.
Currently serving as Head of the Bureau of Economy and Development Administration at the Regional Secretariat of NTT Province, Selfi brings together evidence, collaboration and practical problem-solving to address complex regional challenges.
Building Resilience Through Public Service
Selfi began her career in government in 1995, when she was appointed as a civil servant during her second semester at the Domestic Government College (STPDN) in Jatinangor. After graduating in 1998, she was assigned to Gleno Regency in East Timor, far from her family in Kupang.
At the time, East Timor was experiencing significant political and social tensions ahead of the 1999 referendum. Working in such an environment at a young age required her to become independent, adaptable and composed under pressure.
‘Far from the crowds and during the pre-independence era, this situation made me more independent because I was far from my family in Kupang, NTT, and faced challenges in a conflict zone where most people chose to separate from the Republic of Indonesia,’ Selfi recalled.
As Head of Section at the Government Department of Gleno Regency, she continued to deliver public services until the 1999 referendum, when East Timor voted for independence from Indonesia. The experience became an important foundation for her leadership, strengthening her ability to navigate uncertainty while remaining focused on the community's needs.
From Experience to Strategic Leadership
After returning to Kupang in 1999, Selfi was assigned to the Finance Bureau at the NTT Governor’s Office. She subsequently spent around five years at the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), where she served as Head of the Sub-division of Data and Head of the Sub-division of Government Program Control.
Her career progressed through several strategic positions, including Head of the Regional Autonomy Division at the Bureau of Governance and Head of the Planning Division at the Regional Secretariat of NTT Province. She also served as Head of the Executive Material and Communication Division for five years.
In 2025, after completing a highly competitive selection process for a Senior Executive Position, Selfi was appointed Head of the Bureau of Economy and Development Administration.
‘Finally, after participating in the highly competitive selection test, at the age of 49, I assumed a very strategic position, Head of the Bureau of Economy and Development Administration at the Regional Secretariat of NTT Province from 2025 to the present,’ she said.
How Australia Shaped Her Leadership
Selfi’s experience in Australia further shaped the way she approaches public policy and leadership. In 2010, she undertook a Masters of Public Policy, specialising in Social Policy, at The Australian National University (ANU) through an Australia Awards Scholarship.
‘Studying in Australia built my independent thinking, cross-sectoral collaboration skills, and a transparent communication culture. This strongly influenced a leadership style that is more inclusive, evidence-based and open to feedback,’ Selfi explained.
These lessons continue to influence her work. Before making strategic decisions, Selfi actively listens to different perspectives and encourages open discussion. She approaches complex issues through structured analysis, research and data, while remaining focused on practical solutions.
She also places importance on developing the people around her by creating opportunities for team members to contribute ideas, learn and grow. For Selfi, effective leadership means not only achieving targets but also building trust and enabling others to contribute.
Her time in Australia also became a meaningful chapter for the family. She was supported by her husband, Paulus Liu, a fellow Australia Awards alumnus who also completed a PhD in Resources Management and Development at ANU. Their son, Keyvin Anthonio Camberra Liu, was born during their time in Canberra.
Connecting People and Ideas Through NTT Incorporated
As Head of the Bureau of Economy and Development Administration, Selfi is responsible for supporting strategic economic policies, including inflation control through the Regional Inflation Control Team (TPID) and initiatives to strengthen regional economic growth.
A major focus of her work is promoting inclusive economic development by supporting the people's economy and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The provincial government acts as an intermediary between financial institutions and MSMEs to improve access to capital through the Micro Business Credit (KUR) program.
Selfi also oversees four regional government-owned enterprises: PT Bank NTT, PT Jamkrida, PT Kawasan Industri Bolok and PT Flobamor. She works to improve their performance and governance while increasing their contribution to Regional Original Revenue (PAD).
Recognising that complex economic challenges cannot be addressed by government alone, Selfi established the ‘NTT Incorporated’ ecosystem. The initiative brings together provincial and local governments, academics, banks, MSMEs, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), businesses and the media.
‘I built a good ecosystem to support my coordination work by establishing NTT Incorporated, where all stakeholders are involved,’ she said.
Through monthly economic review meetings, stakeholders examine emerging challenges, including fuel and LPG supply, inflation and the effects of geopolitical developments on the regional economy. Discussions are translated into actionable recommendations, and where appropriate, followed by Governor's Circulars or regulations.
For Selfi, collaboration is not simply about bringing people together. It is about combining diverse expertise and perspectives to develop solutions that address the realities communities face.
Turning Policy into Regional Impact
Selfi’s evidence-based and collaborative approach has contributed to several achievements for NTT. In 2025, the province received national recognition through the BPH MIGAS Appreciation and the TP2DD Championship 2025-NTT, where it was recognised as the best Regional Digitalisation Acceleration and Expansion Team.
In 2026, NTT was recognised as the Best Province in Inflation Control and received a regional incentive award of IDR 3 billion from the central government.
Selfi believes these achievements represent more than institutional recognition. They demonstrate the importance of coordinated action, informed decision-making and a sustained commitment to improving people’s welfare.
A Lifelong Commitment to Service
Reflecting on her career, Selfi sees independence as closely connected to responsibility and service.
‘The meaning of independence is freedom from colonisation and the right of a nation to self-determination, free from all forms of oppression and foreign domination, as well as the opportunity for every citizen to advance without discriminatory barriers,’ Selfi stated.
For Selfi, public service is connected to the meaning of independence. She believes that serving the nation means making a tangible contribution to Indonesia's welfare, unity, and progress, while reinforcing national identity and respecting the country’s ethnic and cultural diversity.
Looking ahead, Selfi hopes the younger generation will continue to contribute to national and regional development in their respective fields. Her message is simple: remain united, develop knowledge, innovate positively and support local products.
From a young civil servant navigating a complex border environment to a senior policymaker working across government, business, academia and communities, Selfi continues to turn experience into action, and action into opportunities for East Nusa Tenggara.
