Indonesia Youth Forum 2015, all great moments with 200 Indonesian youths in Bengkulu

Indonesia Youth Forum 2015 was a great chance for me which gathered 200 Indonesian youths in Bengkulu. It was held in May 6th to 11th, 2015 by Indonesia Student & Youth Forum.

The theme was about youth character revolution through empowerment and social entrepreneurship program to face ASEAN community and SDGs. Based on this theme, each participant made their own social project as one of requirements before selected to be Indonesia Youth Forum delegation.

May 6th, 2015

Day 1. We were welcoming to Indonesian Youth Forum 2015 in Santika Hotel Bengkulu. Because Santika Hotel was only providing room for 100 participants, we divided into two groups. Santika and Amaris hotel. I was in Amaris with other participants. But, all main event was held in Santika. So, we were from Amaris always moving every morning and night by bus. No matter, it was fun!

In the same day, at 4 p.m, we had program orientation in Santika. In this section, we were given completely explanation about the program, what we do, where we go in 5 days ahead. About 6 p.m, all Muslim participants were preparing to pray and everyone had break time. After break time, we were gathered again in Focus Group Discussion to discuss our social project. It finished about 11 p.m. Then, Amaris group were moving to get rest in Amaris Hotel.

May 7th, 2015.

Day 2. Amaris, at 7 a.m more some minutes, we had our breakfast while bus was already waiting for us. After breakfast, we were going to Santika. The day was so bright and we were ready for the next agenda!

In Santika. This morning was officially opening ceremony of Indonesia Youth Forum 2015. The vice governor of Bengkulu, the representative of KEMENPORA, the president of Indonesia Student & Youth Forum, and other important people were invited in ceremony. Opening ceremony was like commonly ceremony. But, I really enjoyed traditional dance performance and vocal group that were shown by students from Bengkulu.

After the series of opening ceremony, we listened to materials from the Ministry of cooperatives and SMEs, the ministry of foreign affairs, and the regent of Wakatobi. They were amazing people that shared a lot of knowledge. At that time, I was definitely falling in love with how beautiful Wakatobi. Oh God, You are amazing creator!

Having dinner, tettt! Then taking picture in break time!

We continued the next discussion in world cafe style. We sat in a round table with group.

In this section, there were 3 table movements. Each table, we discussed different topics. It ended almost 12 a.m, and we had to move again to get rest in Amaris. Bus was probably so tired at that long night. So sorry bus.

May 8th, 2015.

Day 3. We moved from Amaris to Santika (again). Now, every participants were getting close. We were laughing, joking, singing together in bus and that is what I miss now! Today's forum was started by Tanoto Foundation which gives scholarship for students in some universities in Indonesia. Tanoto Foundation was inspired us to implement our social project. After that, we got material from National Intelligence Agency. Then, it was continued by YSEALI (Young South-East Asian Leaders Initiative) about the way to get their grant because we could get fee to apply our social project by following their selection. This is madly useful!

After lunch. We had coaching clinic. There were 5 classes and we could choose two of them. I got youth transformation class from British Council and project cycle management class. Look, all mentors in 5 classes below!

After that, we came back to discuss our own social project in a round table based on knowledge that we already learnt. Then, we made sticky notes about our plans. That was the last activity for day 3. We were moving to Amaris and singing together in bus. I remembered that our driver driving our bus through the beach. All participants from other provinces were so excited to see the beach from bus's window. But unfortunately, it was so dark in the middle of night.

May 9th, 2015.

Day 4. After we arrived at Santika. Some buses were waiting for us. Today we were going to Kepahiang regency. It was a long trip and some participants got carsick. After long trip, we visited Sengon factory that belongs to Kepahiang regent. There, we saw the process of producing Sengon and others. Beside taking pictures, I do not really remember what we were doing. It was so tired trip for us especially ones who got carsick.

After having lunch together in Kepahiang, we came back to the city, Bengkulu. But, we had not came back to Santika because we had a social-environment event in the beach. Finally, all participants could enjoy how beautiful Bengkulu beach, named Pantai Panjang.

At night, we got material from Mr. Bahlil Lahadalia,the leader of HIPMI. He was from Papua, Indonesia. So smart, humble and fun.

We continued the next agenda. It was sharing session from two delegations of Indonesia Youth Forum 2013 and 2014. They gave us lot knowledge and inspiration stories about their social project. It was the end of day 4. SO happy-tired-happy ending! We moved again to beloved Amaris.

May 10th, 2015.

Day 5. This morning was like previous morning. We moved first to Santika. But today was litle surprise because we came to PEMDA Bengkulu office. It was extremely important because we would have material from Mr. Luhut B. Pandjaitan. He was the chief staff of the presidency republic Indonesia cabinet Jokowi-JK. We got knowledge about nationalism and character revolution of Indonesian youth. What a nice experience to meet one of important person directly from Indonesian government.

The real city tour came, what we and I already waited since the first day started. I was so excited because this city tour was a chance for me to be a real tour guide. I was leading some participants from Yogyakarta. Yeayy Juno and Warih were the most curious participants in my tour guide section.

We were visiting Marlborough Fort to Soekarno's house to Anggut market which is the place to buy some hand gifts.

Closing Ceremony.

It was a special night because we were wearing our own traditional costume from our own province.

There were some important people invited to our last agenda at that night. We had some speeches from the committee representative of Indonesia Youth Forum 2015, the vice governor of Bengkulu and other speeches from important people. We had litle fun party together. singing and dancing made that night! It was time to say good bye and hug new friends from other corners of Indonesia. So short meeting and meaningful.

May 11th, 2015.

Day 6. We were packing our things and preparing to have last breakfast together in Amaris. We tried to talk everything. We took many pictures because this day was the last day for us. About 12 a.m I saw bus with hands around its window. They were smiling, crying and some still laughing while yelling daaaaaa... see you on top!!

See you on top all. We will stand in very great event and make action for a better Indonesia.

#iyf2015 #indonesiayouthforum2015