Indonesia
A student of the Faculty of Cultural Studies (FCS) Universitas Brawijaya (UB) became one of the Indonesian delegates at the Bali Democracy Students Conference (BDSC). He is Stevano Yosua Natalaga, from the English Literature Study Program. Vano is one of three UB representatives participating in BDSC.
BDSC is a part of the “Bali Democracy Forum” held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bali from Thursday to Friday (12/5-6/2019). The event was attended by 73 observing countries and 53 invited countries, including Bulgaria, Tunisia, France, and many others. The total participants were more than 500 people from all over the world.
The event which was opened by Retno Marsudi, L.L.M., Minister of Foreign Affairs, had the theme “Democracy and Inclusivity”. In accordance to the heme, the government wants to know the perspective of the community and students about inclusive democracy that involves all parties.
To be able to qualify as a delegate at the forum, Vano must pass several selection stages. There were administration selection, English essay selection, and an introduction video until finally, his name became one that was announced to qualify as a BDSC delegation. He felt happy to be able to pass because from the program, he could gain experience, insight, and many new friends from various countries. While in Bali, the transportation and accommodation were facilitated by the government.
According to him, as a young generation, they must be more active in participating and expressing their aspirations in the realm of democracy. He also believes that people must aspire and the state has the responsibility to accommodate it.
“As young people, we must be more active in declaring our voices because our country is a democratic country. As an FCS student, we must concentrate on the issues of democracy and inclusivity because the state has the responsibility to accommodate aspirations and we have the responsibility to express aspirations, so they can be sustainable,” he said.
He also advised the FCS UB students to be more active in participating in outside activities. “My suggestion is to increase activities outside because in addition to be able to learn many things, we will also find things that we cannot meet in the classroom.” (DT/MSH/Humas FIB)
