This article was written in Indonesian. Click here for Indonesian version.

Article by Claudia Wijaya – AIYA National President
Edited by Tri Nurmalina Pambudi – AIYA Communication Coordinator
Translated by Alexandra Lyons – AIYA Translator Team

Over the past few years, AIYA has hosted annual Strategic Planning Days online, and annual conferences in Australia and Indonesia separately. Our Australian-based chapter presidents and board of directors would meet in Sydney or Melbourne, while the Indonesian counterparts gathered in Jakarta. But 2025 marked a game changing moment: our first ever, fully in-person AIYA Kongres! For the first time, Chapter Presidents and Board of Directors from across Australia and Indonesia came together in one place, to collaborate, connect, and strengthen AIYA’s future.

Held from 20-24th February 2025, AIYA Kongres was convened in Bali, Indonesia. For five days, AIYA’s Board of Directors, 12 chapter representatives, and committee volunteers met to engage in strategic discussions, leadership training, and cultural exchanges, all aimed at strengthening bilateral connections and advancing AIYA’s mission!

Day 1 – Thursday 20th February 2025

We kicked off Kongres with an Opening Session led by Claudia Wijaya, AIYA National President, who introduced the team and outlined key objectives for the days ahead. The excitement was palpable as everyone met face-to-face, some for the first time! 

The evening saw us diving straight into the AIYA Business and Entrepreneur Networking Night, which provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to engage with professionals and industry leaders working across Australia and Indonesia. The event facilitated meaningful conversations on economic and entrepreneurial opportunities, forging new connections and potential collaborations, it was the perfect way to start Kongres!

Day 2 – Friday 21st February 2025

The day commenced at the Indonesia Australia Language Foundation (IALF), where we explored what the future of the Australia-Indonesia relationship could look like. Through interactive leadership and visioning workshops, participants shared bold ideas and strategies to strengthen AIYA’s impact while exploring new ways in fostering deeper engagement among young professionals of both countries.

We also attended NAILA (National Australia Indonesia Language Awards) Workshop, led by NAILA Director, Jade Lee. This session highlighted just how vital language learning is in cross-cultural collaboration and career opportunities

Later that evening, we were honored to attend the AIYA Kongres Reception, hosted by Jo Stevens from the Australian Consulate General in Bali. The unwavering support of the Australian Embassy in Jakarta played a crucial role in enabling this collaboration, marking an exciting milestone for AIYA. This event also provided an opportunity to connect with key potential partners, paving the way for future initiatives and projects, such as an AIYA Bali Chapter!

Day 3 – Saturday 22nd February 2025

Saturday was all about Operations Workshops! We dived into AIYA’s new membership system and brainstormed ways to improve collaboration across chapters. This session provided crucial insights for chapters to effectively manage memberships, resolve issues, and enhance their members’ engagement.

The afternoon took us to Puri Pemecutan Badung Palace, where Kultura hosted an immersive cultural workshop, offering hands-on experiences in gamelan and batik workshops. Participants were immersed in Indonesia’s artistic heritage, gaining a deeper appreciation for traditional crafts and music. 

“During the Gamelan workshop, I was in a trance.” – Angus (Victoria Chapter President)

Day 4 – Sunday 23rd February 2025

Sunday morning started with a bang at the Unity in Diversity (UID) x AIYA workshop on Storytelling and Social Media, emceed by Rosie Murphy, AIYA Director of Communications. With insight from two amazing guest speakers, the interactive session enhanced participants’ communication skills, helping them leverage storytelling and social media for greater engagement. 

The UID campus was a beautiful place to hold the event, situated on Kura-Kura Island. UID is an education forum that works with universities, think tanks, and other partners.

In the afternoon, we took part in an AFL Workshop hosted by the Bali Geckos, including coaching clinics, training drills and games introducing the basic techniques of Australian rules football on the beach. 

As the sun set over Melasti Beach, we gathered for a breathtaking Tari Kecak performance. Featuring rhythmic chanting, dynamic movements, and the legendary story of Ramayana, all of us were spellbound over the show! We concluded our night with a makan tengah seafood dinner at Jimbaran, celebrating the friendships and connections forged over the past days.

Day 5 – Monday 24th February 2025

The final day featured an AIYA Policies and Conflict Resolution workshop, equipping chapter representatives with the necessary tools to address challenges and ensure smooth operations within their chapters. It was an invaluable session, preparing AIYA leaders to navigate potential difficulties effectively and foster a supportive community.

As we wrapped up AIYA Kongres 2025, the energy and enthusiasm in the room was electric. The friendship formed, ideas exchanged, and the collaborations sparked over these five days reaffirmed AIYA’s mission to connect, inform, and inspire the next generation of Australia-Indonesia leaders.

A Heartfelt Thank You

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to our sponsors and partners for their unwavering support in strengthening the Australia-Indonesia relationship through youth engagement. A special thank you goes to my Kongres Team and Board of Directors for their dedication in planning, organising, and executing AIYA’s first-ever combined Kongres. This historic moment, bringing together international directors and chapter presidents in person for the first time, would not have been possible without your hard work and commitment.

This is just the beginning. Let’s build on this momentum and make the next Kongres even bigger and better! Sampai jumpa di Kongres 2026!

By Claudia Wijaya

National President