This media release was written in Indonesian. Click here for the Indonesian version.

The Australia-Indonesia Youth Association (AIYA) has formally urged the University of Tasmania (UTAS) to reconsider its proposal to discontinue the Indonesian Language Program, which has been flagged for closure due to low enrolment and internal restructuring.

In a formal letter addressed to the UTAS Vice-Chancellor, AIYA National President Claudia Wijaya outlines the program’s strategic importance to Australia’s regional engagement, citing its alignment with national policy directions and its impact on youth diplomacy, community connection, and educational partnerships. She presents several key arguments:

1. Proven Strategic Partnership through the UniGo Program

AIYA has maintained a strong partnership with UTAS through programs like UniGo, which offer UTAS students immersive educational and cultural experiences in Indonesia. These programs have fostered long-lasting friendships, cultural understanding, and people-to-people ties that extend beyond the classroom. A particularly successful example occurred in January 2024, when AIYA South Sulawesi partnered with UTAS and Australian Volunteers International to host the CulturalVerse program in Makassar, where UTAS students engaged in Bugis-Makassar culture through performances, cuisine, and cultural activities supported by the Australian Consulate.

2. Strategic Misalignment with National Policy

The proposal to close the Indonesian program directly contradicts the Australian Government’s policy direction. Specifically, the Plan of Action for the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2025–2029) emphasises the importance of educational and cultural connections. Pillar 2 of the plan explicitly highlights the role of youth organizations like AIYA in strengthening bilateral ties.

3. Critical Infrastructure for Regional Engagement

The Indonesian program is more than an academic course, it is part of Australia’s critical national infrastructure for meaningful engagement with Southeast Asia. As noted by the Australian Consortium for ‘In-Country’ Indonesian Studies (ACICIS), only 13 universities in Australia still offer Indonesian, a steep decline from 22 in the 1990s. Closing the program at UTAS would further weaken national capacity for regional literacy.

4. Meaningful Youth Engagement and Community Impact

AIYA’s own programs continue to attract strong participation from young Australians interested in Indonesia. UTAS students have actively engaged in Indonesian language and cultural initiatives, showing a clear appetite for deeper bilateral understanding where an untapped potential could be expanded with better support.

Claudia concludes that this closure represents more than the loss of an academic offering, it symbolises a retreat from Australia’s regional engagement at a time when that engagement should be growing. AIYA stands ready to collaborate with UTAS to explore alternative solutions that preserve this vital program while responding to the university’s structural challenges.

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

Article by Dinda Ichsani – AIYA National Blog Editor
Translated by Thomas Shears – AIYA National Translation Team

For the last few months, the hashtag #KaburAjaDulu (roughly translating to ‘just run away/escape first’) has gone viral on Indonesian social media. The trend has become a symbol of frustration, aspirations and even humour for Indonesians – particularly among younger generations. On platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, users have openly shared personal stories and aspirational content depicting their desire to escape from their current situations. The popularity of the trend reflects deeper social issues and a collective desire for change among Indonesian youth.

#KaburAjaDulu has emerged in response to various domestic challenges, including limited job opportunities, low wages and mass layoffs, which have contributed to economic frustration among Indonesian society. As a result, many young Indonesians are increasingly interested in working or studying overseas. This moment has also created an opportunity for migration agencies to promote work and study programs in various countries, such as Australia’s Work and Holiday Visa (WHV), Germany’s Ausbildung program and Japan’s Tokutei Ginou or Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa. These programs attract Indonesian youth with promises of higher wages, global experience, better quality of life and access to world-class education. Countries like Australia, Malaysia, the United States, Japan and the United Kingdom are among the most popular destinations for those wishing to undertake further study.

While #KaburAjaDulu offers various benefits, it also comes with significant challenges. On the positive side, those who go overseas gain exposure to new cultures, opportunities to improve their language skills and the potential for skill development. This experience broadens the perspectives of the Indonesian diaspora and expands their global networks. 

They can also earn higher salaries and access better career opportunities. Indonesian migrant workers typically earn 4–6 times more than they would in Indonesia. Additionally, money sent from Indonesian workers overseas play a crucial role in Indonesia’s national economy. Bank Indonesia (BI) reported that in 2023, remittances from Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) reached IDR 227.52 trillion (AU$21.71 billion) – equivalent to 1% of Indonesia’s total GDP. It is therefore no surprise that migrant workers are often referred to as ‘Foreign Exchange Heroes’.

However, migration overseas also raises concerns, ranging from individual impacts to national consequences. First, there are financial risks associated with migration, including high relocation and living costs. Second, family separation and cultural isolation can take an emotional toll on individuals. Further, there is a risk of exploitation, particularly for those entering low-skilled labour markets in other countries. On a national scale, the long-term impact of this migration phenomenon raises concerns about ‘brain drain’ – the loss of skilled talent, which could hinder Indonesia’s development potential.

As someone who has lived in Australia for two years on a WHV, I have personally experienced both the benefits and challenges of this journey. Some of the advantages include adequate income, good air quality, an efficient public transportation system and well-functioning governance. Life in Australia also highly values work-life balance, allowing me to spend free time enjoying music performances, exercising or relaxing in parks with friends. Australia’s diverse society has introduced me not only to locals but also to many friends from countries such as South Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines, India and beyond. As an Indonesian, the experience of living in the Land Down Under has been incredibly valuable!

Despite its many benefits, living in a foreign country comes with its own set of challenges. I often feel lonely due to living away from my family and close friends in Indonesia. While technology enables us to stay connected through phone calls and messages, the lack of direct interaction with loved ones remains difficult. Additionally, the high cost of living, particularly for accommodation and ready-to-eat meals, poses a financial challenge that requires careful budgeting and financial management.

The #KaburAjaDulu experience highlights both the positive and negative aspects of life overseas. While it offers better living standards and personal growth opportunities, living in another country requires adaptability and strong management skills.

At its core, the #KaburAjaDulu trend is a call for systemic change and a temporary escape. It challenges Indonesians to weigh the pros and cons of seeking opportunities overseas versus staying in Indonesia. This phenomenon also serves as a wake-up call for the Indonesian Government to improve quality of life, support youth initiatives and create more job opportunities.

Ultimately, Indonesians want their country to be a more conducive place for growth while also having the option to explore opportunities overseas. Achieving this balance would allow personal growth and national development to go hand in hand, creating a stronger and more prosperous Indonesia – one where young people feel inspired to stay and contribute, rather than merely seeking an escape. The government and private sector must work together to create more job opportunities, enhance education and training programs, as well as foster an environment that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship.

So, before deciding to ‘escape’, it’s crucial to carefully consider and prepare for the journey ahead.

Artikel ini ditulis dalam Bahasa Inggris. Klik di sini untuk versi Bahasa Inggris.

Artikel oleh Dinda Ichsani – AIYA National Blog Editor

Dalam beberapa bulan terakhir, media sosial Indonesia diramaikan dengan tagar #KaburAjaDulu. Tren ini telah menjadi simbol dari rasa frustasi, aspirasi, dan bahkan humor di kalangan masyarakat Indonesia, khususnya kaum muda. Di berbagai platform seperti X (sebelumnya Twitter) dan Instagram, pengguna tidak segan berbagi kisah pribadi dan konten aspiratif yang menggambarkan keinginan untuk melarikan diri dari situasi terkini. Popularitas #KaburAjaDulu mencerminkan masalah sosial yang lebih dalam dan keinginan kolektif akan perubahan di kalangan generasi muda Indonesia.

Tren #KaburAjaDulu muncul sebagai respon terhadap berbagai tantangan di dalam negeri, seperti kurangnya peluang kerja, gaji yang rendah, dan badai PHK berkontribusi terhadap frustasi ekonomi di kalangan masyarakat Indonesia. Akibatnya, banyak anak muda Indonesia tertarik untuk bekerja dan studi di luar negeri. Momen ini juga menjadi peluang bagi agen-agen migrasi untuk mempromosikan program kerja dan kuliah di berbagai negara, seperti Work and Holiday Visa Australia, program Ausbildung Jerman, dan visa Tokutei Ginou atau Pekerja Terampil Spesifik (SSW) Jepang. Program-program ini menarik minat anak muda Indonesia dengan janji upah yang lebih tinggi, pengalaman global, kualitas hidup yang lebih baik, dan akses ke sistem pendidikan kelas dunia. Negara-negara seperti Australia, Malaysia, Amerika Serikat, Jepang, dan Inggris adalah tujuan populer bagi mereka yang ingin melanjutkan studi.

Meskipun tren #KaburAjaDulu menawarkan berbagai manfaat, tren ini juga disertai dengan tantangan yang signifikan. Di sisi positifnya, mereka yang pergi ke luar negeri memiliki paparan terhadap budaya baru, kesempatan meningkatkan kemampuan bahasa, dan juga potensi pengembangan keterampilan. Pengalaman ini membuat diaspora Indonesia memiliki pandangan lebih luas dan koneksi global. Mereka juga bisa dapat gaji lebih besar dan peluang karir yang lebih baik. Pekerja migran Indonesia biasanya memperoleh penghasilan 4-6 kali lebih banyak daripada yang mereka peroleh di Indonesia. Selain itu, uang yang dikirim pekerja Indonesia di luar negeri turut berperan dalam perekonomian negara. Bank Indonesia (BI) mengungkapkan sumbangan devisa dari Pekerja Migran Indonesia (PMI) pada tahun 2023 mencapai Rp227,52 triliun (US$14,22 miliar), setara dengan 1% dari total PDB Indonesia. Maka, tak heran apabila istilah “Pahlawan Devisa” disematkan kepada para pekerja imigran.

Namun, tren migrasi ke luar negeri ini juga memicu berbagai keresahan, mulai dari dampak terhadap individu hingga konsekuensi bagi negara secara keseluruhan. Pertama, risiko finansial yang terkait dengan migrasi, termasuk tingginya biaya relokasi dan biaya hidup di luar negeri. Kedua, perpisahan keluarga dan keterasingan budaya juga merupakan biaya emosional yang dapat berdampak buruk pada individu. Lebih jauh lagi, terdapat risiko eksploitasi terutama bagi mereka yang memasuki pasar tenaga kerja berketerampilan rendah di luar negeri. Selain itu, di skala nasional, dampak jangka panjang dari fenomena perpindahan ini dikhawatirkan akan menciptakan brain drain, di mana hilangnya bakat terampil yang akan mempengaruhi potensi berkembangnya Indonesia.

Sebagai seseorang yang telah menjalani kehidupan di Australia selama dua tahun menggunakan Working Holiday Visa (WHV), penulis merasakan langsung manfaat dan tantangan dari pengalaman ini.Beberapa keuntungan yang dirasakan penulis meliputi pendapatan yang memadai, lingkungan dengan kualitas udara yang baik, sistem transportasi publik yang efisien, dan pemerintahan yang berjalan dengan baik. Kehidupan di Australia juga sangat menghargai konsep keseimbangan antara pekerjaan dan kehidupan pribadi. Waktu luang penulis dapat dimanfaatkan untuk berbagai aktivitas, seperti menikmati pertunjukan musik, berolahraga, atau bersantai di taman bersama teman-teman. Australia yang secara sosial sangat beragam, tidak hanya mempertemukan penulis dengan masyarakat lokal, namun juga banyak teman dari berbagai negara, seperti Korea Selatan, Vietnam, Filipina, India, dan lainnya. Sebagai seorang warga negara Indonesia, pengalaman tinggal di negeri kanguru ini sangat berharga!

Di samping berbagai manfaatnya, hidup di negara asing tidak lepas dari berbagai tantangan. Penulis kerap dilanda perasaan sepi akibat jarak yang memisahkan dari keluarga dan sahabat di Indonesia. Walaupun teknologi komunikasi modern memungkinkan untuk tetap terhubung melalui panggilan telepon dan pesan singkat, tidak adanya interaksi langsung dengan orang-orang terdekat tetap terasa berat. Kemudian, tingginya biaya hidup, khususnya untuk akomodasi dan makanan siap saji, menjadi hambatan yang harus dihadapi. Kondisi ini mengharuskan penulis untuk lebih cermat dalam mengatur pengeluaran dan mengelola kebutuhan pribadinya secara mandiri.

Pengalaman #KaburAjaDulu penulis mencerminkan realitas hidup di Australia yang memiliki sisi positif dan negatif. Meskipun menawarkan kualitas hidup yang lebih baik dan peluang pengembangan diri, tinggal di luar negeri juga memerlukan penyesuaian dan keterampilan manajemen yang baik. 

Tren #KaburAjaDulu merupakan seruan untuk perubahan sistemik dan pencarian pelarian sementara. Tren ini menantang masyarakat Indonesia untuk mempertimbangkan pro dan kontra mencari peluang di luar negeri dibandingkan tetap tinggal di Indonesia. Fenomena ini juga menjadi peringatan bagi pemerintah Indonesia untuk meningkatkan kualitas hidup, mendukung inisiatif pemuda, dan menciptakan lapangan kerja. 

Pada akhirnya, masyarakat Indonesia menginginkan negara menjadi tempat yang lebih nyaman untuk berkembang, sekaligus dapat memperluas kesempatan pergi ke luar negeri. Keseimbangan ini akan memungkinkan pertumbuhan pribadi dan pembangunan nasional berjalan beriringan, menciptakan Indonesia yang lebih kuat dan lebih sejahtera, tempat kaum muda merasa terinspirasi untuk bertahan dan berkontribusi, daripada sekadar mencari pelarian. Pemerintah dan sektor swasta harus bekerja sama untuk menciptakan lebih banyak peluang kerja, meningkatkan program pendidikan dan pelatihan, serta menumbuhkan lingkungan yang mendorong inovasi dan kewirausahaan di semua kalangan. Jadi, sebelum memutuskan untuk ‘kabur’, penting bagi kita untuk memikirkan matang-matang dan mempersiapkan semuanya dengan baik.

Artikel ini ditulis dalam Bahasa Inggris. Klik disini untuk versi Bahasa Inggris

Artikel oleh Claudia Wijaya – AIYA National President
Disunting oleh Tri Nurmalina Pambudi – AIYA Communication Coordinator
Ditranslasi oleh Alexandra Lyons – AIYA Translator Team

Dalam beberapa tahun terakhir, AIYA telah mengadakan Hari Perencanaan Strategis tahunan secara daring serta konferensi tahunan yang terpisah di Australia dan Indonesia. Biasanya, para dewan direksi bersama presiden chapter yang berbasis di Australia berkumpul di Sydney atau Melbourne, sementara tim di Indonesia bertemu di Jakarta. Namun, tahun 2025 menjadi momen yang sangat spesial bagi kami: AIYA menggelar Kongres sepenuhnya secara langsung! Untuk pertama kalinya, presiden chapter dan dewan direksi dari seluruh Australia dan Indonesia berkumpul di satu tempat untuk berkolaborasi, membangun koneksi, dan memperkuat masa depan AIYA.

Kongres AIYA dilakukan pada 20-24 Februari 2025, dimana dewan direksi AIYA, perwakilan dari 12 chapter, serta relawan komite berkumpul di Bali, Indonesia. Selama lima hari acara tersebut, para peserta terlibat dalam diskusi strategis, pelatihan kepemimpinan, dan pertukaran budaya, semuanya bertujuan untuk mempererat hubungan bilateral dan mendukung misi AIYA!

Hari Pertama – Kamis, 20 Februari 2025

Kami memulai Kongres dengan Sesi Pembukaan yang dipimpin oleh Claudia Wijaya, Presiden Nasional AIYA, yang memperkenalkan tim dan menjelaskan tujuan utama dari acara ini. Antusiasme terasa sangat jelas saat semua peserta bertemu secara langsung. Bagi beberapa orang, ini adalah pertemuan pertama mereka!

Malam harinya, Kongres langsung menghadirkan AIYA Business and Entrepreneur Networking Night! Acara ini adalah kesempatan emas bagi peserta untuk berinteraksi dengan para  profesional dan pemimpin industri yang bergerak di bidang kerja sama Australia-Indonesia. Berbagai diskusi bermakna berlangsung mengenai peluang ekonomi dan kewirausahaan, membangun koneksi baru, serta merintis potensi kolaborasi. Sungguh cara yang sempurna untuk mengawali Kongres!

Hari Kedua – Jumat, 21 Februari 2025

Acara di hari kedua dimulai di Indonesia Australia Language Foundation (IALF), di mana kami mengeksplorasi masa depan hubungan Australia-Indonesia. Melalui lokakarya kepemimpinan interaktif dan perencanaan visi, para peserta berbagi ide-ide inovatif dan strategi untuk memperkuat dampak AIYA serta menemukan cara baru untuk mempererat keterlibatan anak muda di kedua negara.

Kami juga menghadiri Workshop NAILA (National Australia Indonesia Language Awards) yang dipimpin oleh Direktur NAILA, Jade Lee. Sesi ini menyoroti betapa pentingnya pembelajaran bahasa dalam kolaborasi lintas budaya dan pengembangan karier.

Malam harinya, kami mendapat kehormatan untuk menghadiri AIYA Kongres Reception, yang dipandu oleh Jo Stevens dari Konsulat Jenderal Australia di Bali. Dukungan penuh dari Kedutaan Besar Australia di Jakarta sangat berperan dalam mewujudkan kolaborasi ini, menjadi momen bersejarah bagi AIYA. Selain itu, acara ini juga membuka peluang untuk menjalin kemitraan strategis dan membuka jalan bagi inisiatif dan proyek AIYA di masa depan – termasuk kemungkinan pembentukan AIYA Bali Chapter!

Hari Ketiga – Sabtu, 22 Februari 2025

Hari Sabtu kami didedikasikan untuk Workshop Operasional AIYA! Pada kesempatan ini, kami membahas sistem keanggotaan baru AIYA dan merancang strategi untuk meningkatkan kolaborasi antar-chapter. Sesi ini penuh dengan ide-ide brilian, diskusi yang mendalam dan solusi inovatif terkait manajemen keanggotaan, mengatasi tantangan, dan meningkatkan keterlibatan anggota.

Di sore hari, kami mengunjungi Puri Pemecutan Badung, di mana Kultura menyelenggarakan lokakarya budaya yang interaktif. Para peserta mendapatkan pengalaman langsung dalam workshop gamelan dan batik, meningkatkan apresiasi terhadap warisan seni tradisional Indonesia.

“Saat mengikuti lokakarya gamelan, saya merasa seperti terhipnotis!” – Angus (Presiden Chapter Victoria)

Hari Keempat – Minggu, 23 Februari 2025

Pagi hari dimulai dengan penuh semangat melalui Workshop Storytelling dan Media Sosial UID x AIYA, yang dipandu oleh Rosie Murphy, Direktur Komunikasi AIYA. Dengan wawasan dari dua pembicara tamu inspiratif, sesi ini mengasah keterampilan komunikasi peserta dan membekali mereka dengan teknik storytelling serta strategi media sosial untuk meningkatkan keterlibatan publik.

Workshop ini berlangsung di Kampus UID yang indah di Pulau Kura-Kura. UID adalah forum pendidikan yang bekerja sama dengan universitas, lembaga pemikir, dan mitra lainnya.

Sore harinya, kami menuju pantai untuk mengikuti Workshop AFL yang diselenggarakan oleh Bali Geckos! Kami mendapat kesempatan untuk belajar teknik dasar Australian Rules Football melalui pelatihan, permainan, dan bimbingan singkat di pantai.

Saat matahari terbenam di Pantai Melasti, kami menikmati pertunjukan Tari Kecak yang memukau. Dengan lantunan nyanyian ritmis, gerakan dinamis, dan kisah epik Ramayana, dimana seluruh peserta terpesona oleh pertunjukan tersebut! Malam kami ditutup dengan makan tengah seafood di Jimbaran, merayakan persahabatan dan koneksi yang telah terjalin selama beberapa hari terakhir.

Hari Kelima – Senin, 24 Februari 2025

Hari terakhir Kongres diisi dengan Workshop Kebijakan AIYA dan Resolusi Konflik, membekali perwakilan chapter dengan keterampilan penting dalam mengatasi tantangan dan memastikan kelancaran operasional di komunitas mereka. Sesi ini menjadi pengalaman berharga, mempersiapkan para pemimpin AIYA dalam menghadapi berbagai tantangan dan membangun lingkungan yang suportif.

Saat Kongres AIYA 2025 berakhir, suasana dipenuhi dengan semangat dan optimisme yang tinggi! Persahabatan yang terbentuk, ide-ide yang dipertukarkan, serta kolaborasi yang tercipta selama lima hari ini semakin menguatkan misi AIYA: menghubungkan, menginformasikan, dan menginspirasi generasi pemimpin Australia-Indonesia di masa depan.

Ucapan Terima Kasih yang Tulus

Saya ingin menyampaikan rasa terima kasih yang sebesar-besarnya kepada para sponsor dan mitra yang telah memberikan dukungan penuh dalam memperkuat hubungan Australia-Indonesia melalui keterlibatan pemuda. Secara khusus, saya berterima kasih kepada Tim Kongres dan Dewan Direksi AIYA atas dedikasi mereka dalam merencanakan, mengorganisir, dan menjalankan Kongres gabungan pertama AIYA. Momen bersejarah ini – di mana direktur internasional dan presiden chapter bertemu langsung untuk pertama kalinya – tidak akan terwujud tanpa kerja keras dan komitmen kalian semua!

Namun, ini baru permulaan! Mari kita lanjutkan momentum ini dan buat Kongres selanjutnya lebih besar dan lebih baik lagi! Sampai jumpa di Kongres 2026! 🚀✨

By Claudia Wijaya

National President

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

This article was written in Indonesian by the West Java Communications Officer team. Click here for Indonesian version.

Author: Divya Sanjay (AIYA Chapter Jawa Barat)

Translator: Alexandra Lyons (AIYA National Content Translator)

Badminton is a popular sport in Indonesia, enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to the elderly. This inexpensive sport, which only requires a shuttlecock and a racket, is one of the main reasons for its popularity in Indonesia and other countries, including Australia.

Recently, AIYA West Java held the ‘Sports Day’ event twice, each with different timeframes, locations, participant numbers, and concepts, but still focusing on AIYA’s three core values: connect, inform, and inspire. The various activities organised by AIYA West Java, particularly ‘Sports Day,’ involve both committee members and AIYA members, aiming to build relationships and attract other participants (non-members) to AIYA and its activities.

Our first ‘Sports Day’ took place at GRITS Baltos (Balubur Town Square) on May 11, 2024, followed by ‘Sports Day Chapter 2: Fun Badminton’ at (GOR Badminton Kote 28) on October 12, 2024. The competitive concept, similar to a badminton game, was initially applied in ‘Sports Day Chapter 1.’ However, not all participants understood the rules of badminton, prompting us to shift the concept to ‘Sports Day Chapter 2: Fun Badminton.’

The change to a ‘fun badminton’ concept attracted more participants after reflecting on the previous concept. However, our expectations were not met, and the outcomes were far from what we had anticipated.

We are certain we can further develop AIYA West Java through various other activities, serving as a catalyst and reflection for the future.