Luna Maya, Actress and Models, from Indonesia

Luna Maya is one of Indonesia’s most popular actresses – as well as one of its most successful models. She is also committed to helping her fellow Indonesians through charity and social work.

Born in Denpasar, Bali on August 26, 1983, Luna began her career as professional model in 1999 – at the age of just 16. She instantly made a name for herself and soon became one of the most sought after models in Indonesia.

By 2002, she was modelling full time – appearing in runway shows, and on the cover of a host of high-profile magazines, including Bazaar and Cosmopolitan.

However, Luna was determined to branch out into acting and in 2003 she appeared for the first time on television – in shows produced by MD Entertainment, such as Kau dan Aku. She also worked as a TV presenter on RCTI, Indonesia’s largest TV station.

Soon she moved from the small to the silver screen – acting in a number of very popular teen movies, including her two biggest hits so far – Bangsal 13 and the recently released Cinta Silver. Her latest film – Ruha – has not yet been released but it marks yet another leap forward in Luna’s career since she is also an assistant producer on the film. She is currently also the star of one of Indonesia’s top-rated television shows, Rahasiaku.

But Luna is determined to pursue her passion for charity and social work – as well as her increasingly successful acting and modelling careers. In fact, before joining the acting world, her ambition had been to work for the United Nations – the reason why she took International Relations as her major at Paramadina University in Jakarta.

She has been involved in a number of social and humanitarian activities. She has worked with WALHI – Indonesia’s leading environmental NGO – to highlight the importance of Earth Day, as well as appearing at fundraising events for victims of the tsunami in Aceh.

Luna has played a crucial role in the last three Walk the World events. At Walk the World 2006, Luna attracted many famous local celebrities who participated in a large scale charity concert after the walk. The event had more than 5,000 participants and raised more than US$75,000. Luna’s participation as always helped focus the media’s attention on the event.

As a Friend of WFP in Indonesia, Luna is now helping with this years Walk the World and is always available to appear at Press conferences to highlight the continued plight – and needs – of vulnerable people in Indonesia.