AIYEP 2019: A Journey

In early 2017, my friend asked me to go to an info session about an exchange program. I said yes, and there I was in a room filled with people finding out about PPAN (Pertukaran Pemuda Antar Negara), I remembered getting a bookmark as a souvenir.

Bookmark

I also thought to myself that the selection of this program would be challenging, I was insecure, I thought who am I to even apply for this program. Little did I know that two years later I would be a candidate for Australia-Indonesia Youth Exchange Program (AIYEP), one of PPAN programs.

I joined AIYEP because I want to share my culture and learn about another culture. As global citizens, intercultural understanding is important. We live in a world where collaboration and cooperation between nations are creating new opportunities. People to people contact is a way to enhance diplomatic relationship, especially between Australia and Indonesia. I would like to be a part of that.

1. Online Application

It was March 2019 when I sent my online application for AIYEP 2019. My heart was racing, I was excited. I didn’t know what the future hold but I was positive that this would be quite a journey. When I clicked sent, I confessed, I wasn’t ready but I thought to myself, if I continued on not being ready when will I take my first step? I had to start somewhere and so I was determined, if not now I would miss out. I decided that no matter what the results will be, I am going to give 110%.

Two days later I got an email notifying that I passed the administrative selection and the interview selection would be held on 30th of March. I was happy beyond measures, I told my mother and my closest friends. They were supportive and told me to do my best.

What I found most memorable out of all the selection process was the people I met and became friends with. During the selection process from March 25th until 16th April, I met new friends who were creative, funny, supportive and professional. Although we had to finish the assignments given to us in a limited time. We did it, together, it was not easy as we have different personalities, but we’ve made it. Throughout the selection process I learnt more about myself, what my strengths were such as helpful, fast-learner, also my weakness such as worrying.

2. Semifinal

Each participant was given a task based on their expertise and skill. I was given a task to promote the local wisdom of DIY through the use of social media, especially about its tourism. I thought since my skill is video editing I would create a video about a unique course held behind Kraton Ngayogyakarta. This course teaches Nembang and Javanese for anyone who wants to learn it for free. I wanted to upload a short video on Youtube and Instagram to promote this course.

An email notifying that I passed interview selection.

It was memorable because for 5 days straight I went to Sekolah Macapat Kridha Mardhawa to interview the teacher, students and also joined the course. It was hard work because I took my filming equipment with me at all times, but I found out that being in this new environment made me happy. I enjoyed creating contents and learning Nembang.

An idea popped inside my head, since nowadays in social media it’s all about collaboration why not invite a youtuber? And so I did. I contacted Danang Giri Sadewa to be in my video, and he said yes. I was amazed by how this task was forcing me out of my comfort zone, and led me to more possibilities.

3. Final

I passed semifinal, I was again happy but I was scared because now I was going to final. I was scared of the uncertainty, I might not be selected. “It’s incredibly hard but it’s never as scary as it looks,” I thought to myself. Looking back, I’ve made it this far and by joining PPAN selection I had taken an opportunity that not everyone is brave enough to take. Even if I failed I’ve gained new friends, I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and grew as a person.

Finalists of PPAN 2019 Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta

During final selection, we worked in teams for two assignments, a national performance and an exhibition. We were given 5 days to prepare. I met my fellow teammates, Rico, Matthew, Firman, Martiana, Dilla, Haekal, Tikka, Patricia and Rahina. We became close quickly and support each other through the selection process. From them I learnt trusting each other, working together and perseverance.

4. Result Announcement

The day has come to find out representatives of DIY for PPAN 2019. The participants were asked to gather and the result was announced on April 16th at 6.30 pm. I closed my eyes. On the count of three we were asked to open our eyes, I was greatly surprised to find one of the committees stood in front of me which meant I was selected. I was ecstatic but I knew that it was a beginning of a new journey. Moving to Pre-Departure Training.

Result announcement on the web

5. Meeting My Fellow Indonesian Delegates

It was the end of April when I was invited to a group chat with Indonesian delegates for AIYEP 2019. I introduced myself and met my fellow delegates, the group chat was fun as we held SJLD (Satu Jam Lebih Dekat) each week where there was one moderator and one delegate who we could ask questions to and has to answer it quickly. This reminded me of radio program, funny q&a plus we get to know each other on personal level.

Not long after we started our Netcon on Wednesdays at 6.30 pm. It was exciting because we got materials from our seniors regarding AIYEP and each week it was filled with different materials. We usually got our assignment during Netcon, a way for us to find out more about Australia, what our expectations were also preparing ourselves for the program.

Throughout all the preparation process, I could not wait to meet all my fellow Indonesian delegates in person. It’s so weird to feel like I’ve known them but never met them. I’ve only met Tikha in person and she was so cool, friendly and funny. I’m sure it would be a joy to meet everyone on October 1st.

6. Becoming Youth Ambassador

As a representative of Indonesia for AIYEP 2019, I will carry a tremendous responsibility. I have to understand issues in Indonesia and in Australia. I have to prepare myself by monitoring news and being neutral. I understand the importance of being on the same side with the other delegates and we would have to discuss together so there would be no misunderstanding. All in all, in AIYEP 2019 I am ready to be a youth ambassador that is responsible and self-aware.