When YoungPeople TakeGreenAction:Rootventurefor FutureSustainabilityThe Writer: Fiqar Taufiq HawariIYF Joins Online DesignWorkshop to InspireYoung CreativesIYF Delegates Shine atIndonesia’s LargestScholarship FestivalIYF’s Free OnlineLanguage CourseIYF UpdatesJANUARY 2026 | VOL 5 NO 6
IYFUpdatesPublisherIndonesia Youth FoundationSupervisorAinun Rahimah IskandarJihan Nur Rahmiilah AyuEditor in ChiefDhini Chalista AmelyaDeputy Editor in ChiefDiandra Dwi NavitaNewsletter ManagerAngeli RamadhaniZulfa ZahroContent WriterFarsya SabilaFlorencia Merrie BurhanEditorSecia LieTesalonika KristiantiGraphic DesignerKirana AuliaPublicationMuhamad Nur HanifPahlawan St. No. 34 A, SouthTangerang, Banten, Indonesia15412tindonesiayouthfoundation.orgindonesiayouthfoundation@gmail.com@indonesiayouthfoundationMeet our Team
What’s on IYF? (January Edition) 3The Indonesia Youth Foundation(IYF) is offering a goldenopportunity for lovers ofIndonesian language and cultureworldwide through the IYF FreeIndonesian Language Course2025. This fully online program forBahasa Indonesia bagi PenuturAsing (BIPA) caters to learnersfrom levels A1 to B2. Participantswill gain access to comprehensivelearning materials, an electroniccertificate, and an immersiveintroduction to Indonesian culture.Led by Nasywa Syahra, ProgramDirector and Head of theIndonesian Studies Division, theprogram is designed for nonIndonesian citizens who wish toenhance their language skillsand deepen their understandingof Indonesia’s rich culturalheritage. IYF aims to promoteBahasa Indonesia andIndonesian culture globally,expand access to languageeducation by removing financialbarriers, and foster greaterappreciation of the nation’sdiverse traditions.Registration opens 28 September – 20 October 2025, with the placement test on 25 October 2025.Classes will run until 7 December 2025, all conducted via IYF’s digital platforms, making it easy forparticipants from across the globe to join without any geographical barriers.Learn Indonesian from Anywhere:IYF’s Free Online Language Course
What’s on IYF? (January Edition) 4IYF Delegates Shine at Indonesia’sLargest Scholarship FestivalThe Indonesia Youth Foundation (IYF) marked a remarkable presence at Pesta Beasiswa RakyatIndonesia (Festival Beasiswa Merah Putih) Part-2, Indonesia’s largest national scholarship festival,held on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the Lobby of the DPD RI Building in Senayan, Jakarta.Representing IYF, Helena Yustika and Elricha Nafisa joined a diverse assembly of governmentofficials, education leaders, scholarship providers, and aspiring scholars, all united in the mission tostrengthen Indonesia’s human resource development and support the nation’s vision of IndonesiaEmas 2045.Representing IYF, Helena Yustika and Elricha Nafisajoined a diverse assembly of government officials,education leaders, scholarship providers, andaspiring scholars, all united in the mission tostrengthen Indonesia’s human resource developmentand support the nation’s vision of Indonesia Emas2045.During the festival, the delegates actively engaged ininstitutional presentations, participated in hands-onworkshops, and attended IELTS and TOEFL sessions.They also explored embassy booths, connected withscholarship providers, and took part in Englishtraining and mock tests offered by renownedinstitutions such as IALF, IIEF, Schoters byRuangguru, Kaplan Edupac, ITC, and PUSPENMAKEMENAG RI.Through their participation, Helena andElricha not only represented IYF but alsocontributed to connecting students andeducators with both domestic andinternational scholarship opportunities,fostering a stronger, more preparedgeneration ready to lead Indonesia towarda brighter future.
What’s on IYF? (January Edition) 5IYF Joins Online Design Workshopto Inspire Young CreativesOn December 27, 2025, the Indonesia Youth Foundation (IYF) took part in an engaging online DesignWorkshop hosted by BEM Fakultas Psikologi, Universitas Gunadarma. The workshop, conducted viaZoom, focused on design fundamentals and practical hands-on experience using Canva.Representing IYF, Elricha, Partnership Staff, joined students and young creatives from diversebackgrounds for an interactive learning experience led by Fakhira Az. The workshop aimed tosharpen participants’ design skills, introduce core principles, and foster real-world application throughguided practice and collaborative exercises.Through step-by-step explanations, live demonstrations, practical tips, and hands-on exercises,participants had the opportunity to experiment, collaborate, and receive personalized guidance fromthe speaker, moderator, and project officer. The session offered an immersive platform for youngcreatives to strengthen their design foundations while exploring the endless possibilities of digitalcreativity.
What’s on IYF? (January Edition) 6On January 16, 2026, the Marketing Communication Division of the Indonesia Youth Foundation (IYF)convened its regular department meeting via Zoom to discuss division updates and review ongoingprojects. The meeting brought together representatives from the Content Writer, Design andCreative, and Social Media divisions.Led by Ainun, Vice Head of Marketing Communication, and Jihan, Head of Marketing Communication,the session began with a warm check-in as Ainun shared life updates and welcomed everyone. Themeeting then progressed to performance report presentations: Nazwa presented updates from SocialMedia, Almira shared insights from Design and Creative, and Dhini concluded with highlights from theContent Writer division.The meeting concluded on a celebratory note with the announcement of the three best volunteers fortheir outstanding contributions: Floren from Content Writer, Rara from Social Media, and Kirana fromDesign and Creative. The gathering not only served to track progress and address challenges butalso strengthened teamwork and recognized individual excellence within the division.IYF Marketing CommunicationTeam Holds ProductiveDepartment Meeting
Member Achievements 7Muhammad Gabriel Somoal, active in AlumniRelations, was selected as one of only 20 participantsout of 1,808 applicants for the prestigious AIAmbassador Program organized by the U.S. Embassyin Jakarta in collaboration with Biji-biji Initiative. Thehighly competitive program equips participants withcomprehensive AI knowledge and technical skillsthrough intensive workshops, webinars, andstructured self-learning sessions, emphasizing theethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence.As an AI Ambassador, Gabriel explored practicalsolutions for national challenges while collaboratingwith experts and fellow participants, building a strongprofessional network and fostering meaningfulknowledge exchange. Reflecting on the program, heshares:\"Becoming an AI Ambassador was an eye-openingexperience. It broadened my understanding of how AIcan be applied ethically to solve real societalchallenges, strengthened my technical competencies,and inspired me to contribute to Indonesia’s AIecosystem.\"In addition, he also expanded his expertiseas an Awardee of the Microsoft LearnStudent Ambassadors program. Thisopportunity allowed him to deepen hisunderstanding of information technologyacross multiple fields, including SoftwareDevelopment, Data, Cloud, and ArtificialIntelligence, while further developing hiscritical thinking, collaboration, and leadershipskills within a global technology community.Reflecting on this experience, he shares:\"Becoming an awardee in this program was avery meaningful experience for me. I learnedthat mastering information technology is notonly about focusing on one specific field, butabout understanding the interconnectionbetween technologies and how theirapplication can provide real solutions. I hopethat the knowledge and perspectives I havegained can continue to be developed andshared to create a positive impact in bothacademic and professional environments.\"MEMBER ACHIEVEMENTSMuhammad Gabriel Somoal
Jogi Yosefat Marpaung, active in Alumni Relations, is now a proud recipient of the Demokrat FutureLeaders Scholarship through Bridge Education. This program is designed to empower Indonesianyouth by improving their English proficiency for academic and leadership purposes, while alsoproviding guidance throughout the scholarship application process, including essay writing, interviewpractice, and mentoring.Reflecting on his journey, Jogishares:\"I’m so proud to be an alumna ofIndonesia Youth Foundation! Myexperience with IYF has prepared meto become a young leader braveenough to take real action. I’m trulygrateful to continue this journeythrough the Demokrat FutureLeaders Scholarship, proof that thespirit of learning and contributingnever stops.\"8Jogi Yosefat MarpaungMember Achievements
Yogyakarta, December 16th, 2025 — Circulus Community, in collaboration with the Sehat2inCommunity, organized a trekking and tree-planting activity to commemorate International MountainDay at Tankaman Kaliurang, Sleman, Yogyakarta, on Saturday (December 13th). Theme of the eventwas “Menapak Alam, Menanam Arti”. Aimed to implement the zero-waste concept. Raising awarenessof the importance of protecting ecosystems, the initiative titled “Rootventure For The Future.” Theactivity served as a collaborative platform for young people to reconnect with nature. The purpose isfor promoting the practice of the responsible outdoor tourism and sustainability.9When Young People Take GreenAction: Rootventure for FutureSustainabilityOpinion ArticleEvent BackgroundThe lack of environmental awareness is a main thing that make this event happened. The rapidgrowth of nature-based tourism is often not accompanied by responsible environmental behavior.This condition has led to the accumulation of waste in mountainous areas. Litter left behind by hikerscan causes visual pollution and unpleasant odors. Which contaminates the soil and disrupts thenatural balance of ecosystems.Unhealthy lifestyles among young people nowadays become a growing concern. The need of positiveoutdoor activities is getting bigger. That’s why the event was held to fostering environmentalawareness.,“Seeing these conditions, we were motivated to create a simple activity. Trekking for 5kilometers and planting trees,” said Fiqar Taufiq, Project Manager of Circulus Community.
Opinion Article 10HopeSehat2in, a community that promotes healthy lifestyles through outdoor walking activities, upholds avision of reconnecting people with nature. Not only supports ecosystem sustainability, trekkingcombined with tree planting also provides significant benefits for both physical and mental health.“It is our hope that activities like Rootventure can be held again with more participants. It allows us toreach a wider and more diverse audience. Workshops such as nature meditation could be introduce.Su, the participants can deeply appreciate their love for the environment,” said Bhakti Gusti, arepresentative of Sehat2in. Rootventure For The Future expected to serve as a catalyst for youngpeople. They would become more aware, concerned, and actively involved in preservingenvironmental sustainability.Writer: Fiqar Taufiq HawariEditor: Dhini Chalista AmelyaCollaborationsCollaboration among community groups, government institutions, and private stakeholders became akey factor in the successful implementation of Rootventure For The Future. This event involved 19volunteers. The Sleman Regency Environmental Agency provided support in the form of treeseedlings. Sehat2in Community and Tankaman Kaliurang contributed operational support byproviding the tree-planting location and trekking routes. This collaboration expected to create ashared space for continued collective action. It helps maintaining ecosystem balance and minimizingthe risk of environmental degradation in mountainous areas.The Rootventure For The Future began with a tree-planting session, followed by a trekking activity.Throughout the event, volunteers encouraged to apply zero-waste practices by taking back theirpersonal waste. These efforts intended to maintain environmental cleanliness while fosteringawareness of responsible nature tourism. The activity served as a means of stress relief throughoutdoor engagement. It is psychologically recognized as nature-based stress reduction, whereinteraction with natural environments helps restore mental and emotional well-being.
IYF Awards 11IYF AwardsRecognized for her consistency, thoughtfulness, and strongcommitment to impactful storytelling, Florencia has been awardedBest Volunteer Content Writer. Her contributions have played animportant role in shaping meaningful narratives and strengtheningthe voice of Indonesia Youth Foundation.“I cannot believe it and I did not expect this. Thank you toeveryone for participating and for giving me this opportunity,because it means a lot to me. I am truly grateful for all the supportand trust given to me. This opportunity will always be meaningfulto me.”Best Volunteer Content WriterFlorencia Merrie BurhanBest Volunteer Social MediaRara Sonia ArdeliaAwarded Best Volunteer Social Media, Rara is acknowledged forher dedication in managing IYF’s digital platforms and fosteringmeaningful engagement through consistent and well-craftedcontent. Her work has helped strengthen IYF’s outreach and onlinepresence.“Honestly, I didn’t expect to receive the Best Volunteer award thisyear. Thank you so much for the opportunity, trust, and supportfrom my Marcomm Teams. I’m really happy to be able tocontribute alongside all of you. Hopefully, we can continuecollaborating, grow stronger together, and achieve even betterresults for Indonesia Youth Foundation in the future.”Best Volunteer Design and CreativeKirana AuliaHonored as Best Volunteer Design and Creative, Kirana isrecognized for her creativity, collaborative spirit, and dedication inproducing visual works that enhance IYF’s identity. Hercontributions reflect the supportive and empowering culture withinIndonesia Youth Foundation.“I’m incredibly grateful to receive the Best Volunteer award for theDesign and Creative division. For me, this award reflects theamazing environment we have at IYF. I’ve learned so much frommy teammates. IYF is truly a supportive organization, and I feel solucky to be part of such an empowering community.”
Announcements 12IYF Call for ArticlesGot something the world needs to hear?Indonesia Youth Foundation (IYF) is calling for youngthinkers, dreamers, and change-makers to submitoriginal English opinion articles on diplomacy, tourism,education, youth empowerment, and today’s globalissues.Submit anytime, no deadlineOpen for everyone, wherever you areWrite 500–700 words with 3+ imagesSolo or duo authors welcomePublished articles appear on the IYF website, andwriters who reach 1,000+ readers earn an ECertificate and E-Wallet reward.Your ideas can spark conversations across borders. Ready to make an impact?ROYA 2026A Virtual ASEAN Youth Forum by Indonesia Youth FoundationWhat happens when young minds across ASEAN cometogether?Ideas turn into action.ROYA 2026 is a virtual youth forum that brings togetherchangemakers from across the region to discuss realchallenges — from disinformation and inequality to localconflicts — while building solutions through collaboration.What makes ROYA different?Cross-border youth networkingLeadership & diplomacy skill-buildingInteractive Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)Output-based learning, not just talkEvent Dates: 7–8 February 2026Platform: Zoom (Online)Who can join?High school students, university students, and youth from all backgrounds — no age limit.Although registration has closed, don’t miss the highlights, insights, and impact stories coming soonin the next edition of IYF Update.
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