Students represents Indonesia at AYCF+3

Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has once again taken a strategic step onto the international stage by representing Indonesia as its sole delegate at the 20th ASEAN and 10th ASEAN+3 Youth Cultural Forum (AYCF+3). The forum took place from Sunday, June 22, to Friday, June 27, 2025, in Thailand, hosted across Chulalongkorn University, Mahidol University, and Burapha University. At the event, UNAIR proudly showcased Indonesian culture before a diverse ASEAN audience.

This annual forum, initiated by the ASEAN University Network (AUN), brings together students from ASEAN nations and three key partner countries—Japan, South Korea, and China. With the theme “Cultural Convergence: Embracing Diversity, Empowering Youth,” the forum fostered cultural exchange and encouraged creative collaboration among youth across nations.

UNAIR’s delegation featured four students representing a partnership between the Student Executive Board (BEM UNAIR) and the Inter-Student Activity Unit Forum (FORKOM UKM): Anggun Zifa Anindia (President of BEM UNAIR), Melvin Hermawan (Vice President), Rodesti Florence (Chair of FORKOM), and Trikiranna Purnama (Secretary of FORKOM).

“UNAIR’s decision to participate in this forum reflects our broader mission. We’re not here just to perform, but to build cultural diplomacy as a form of soft power that can be directly experienced. We want UNAIR students to be seen as not only academically strong but also globally minded and culturally aware,” said Anindia, the delegation’s leader and President of BEM UNAIR.

Collective action, meaningful impact

UNAIR delivered a performance titled Indonesia Wonderland during the ASEAN+3 cultural night. The medley fused traditional Indonesian dances including Saman, Piring, Kecak, Legong, and Yospan with modern interpretations. Dressed in traditional attire and accompanied by contemporary ethnic music and a unifying narrative, the five-minute performance captivated the international audience.

“We received a standing ovation from nearly everyone in the room. Delegates from Japan and South Korea even came up to express how deeply impressed they were by the richness of the Indonesian culture we presented,” Anindia recounted.

At the cultural bazaar, UNAIR’s booth drew crowds with its immersive introduction to Indonesian culture. Participants sampled an array of snacks such as various Indomie flavors, brem (fermented rice cake), basreng (fried spicy meatballs), banana chips, and ginger candy. Attendees also explored cultural items like batik, Barong Bali t-shirts, wayang kulit (leather shadow puppets), and musical instruments including rebana and gendang, which they could try firsthand.

“We didn’t just showcase our culture—we brought it to life. Visitors from Laos, Vietnam, even Japan played the rebana, tasted our traditional food, and asked about the meaning behind batik and wayang. We spoke to them through flavor, movement, and sound,” she added.

Global vision through real collaboration

Anindia emphasized that UNAIR’s participation was a product of purposeful planning. Despite only having two weeks to prepare, the delegation presented a thoroughly curated and impactful showcase. “This forum wasn’t just a stage—it was a platform for student movements to voice their messages strategically. The collaboration between BEM and FORKOM UKM was key. We presented a shared narrative, not just individual efforts,” she explained.

Beyond a cultural performance, UNAIR’s presence at AYCF+3 2025 was a reflection of the university’s commitment to internationalization grounded in national identity. With other prominent Indonesian universities like UI, ITB, and UGM absent, UNAIR confidently took the spotlight, showing that its students are ready and capable of representing the country on a global platform.

“We didn’t come in large numbers, but our message was loud and clear. This forum wasn’t just about showcasing culture—it was about who’s willing to speak for their country with pride. UNAIR chose to show up, take the stage, and make its voice heard,” Anindia concluded.