Cultural Dinner & 70th Anniversary of AFS in Indonesia
8 September 2026 | Jakarta, Indonesia
As part of the 70th anniversary of AFS in Indonesia, Bina Antarbudaya hosted a Cultural Dinner under the theme “70 Years of Building Bridges of Understanding Across Generations for Peace & Harmony.”
Held at the Museum Kebangkitan Nasional, the evening offered guests an opportunity to experience Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage and history while celebrating seven decades of AFS’s journey in Indonesia, through Museum Tour and Cultural Activity.
The event brought together representatives from the Embassy of Hungary, Embassy of Malaysia, and Embassy of Egypt, along with AFS Partners and Board members.
Through a special documentary screening, guests revisited the journey of AFS in Indonesia; from its beginnings in 1956 to the present, reflecting seven decades of intercultural exchange, volunteerism, and bridge-building across generations.
The evening also a tribute to the pioneers of AFS in Indonesia, whose dedication laid the foundation for a lasting movement of intercultural understanding and global citizenship.
Thank you to all our distinguished guests, partners, volunteers, alumni, and sponsors who supported and joined us in celebrating 70 years of AFS in Indonesia. Together, we continue building bridges of understanding for peace and harmony.
AFS Global Future Leaders Network Batch 2 2026
Jakarta, 18 September 2026 — Yayasan Bina Antarbudaya, in collaboration with SKK Migas, once again organized the in-person workshop for AFS Global Future Leaders Network (GFLN) Batch 2 2026, strengthening Indonesian students’ access to education focused on energy and sustainability, particularly in the oil and gas industry and forest conservation.
The program was initiated by Bina Antarbudaya and SKK Migas as part of their Community Engagement and Development Program in education. Of the 641 applicants, 60 students were selected to participate in the in-person workshop. They came from areas surrounding upstream oil and gas operations, including Tanimbar Islands Regency, Bireuen Regency, Sampang Regency, and Banggai Regency.
The workshop provided participants aged 15–18 with opportunities to collaborate, exchange ideas, and build networks. The indoor sessions covered the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), project design fundamentals, an introduction to the energy sector, and soft skills development. The sessions were facilitated by practitioners and experts from the education and energy sectors.
The learning experience was complemented by outdoor activities, including a visit to the SKK Migas office; a visit to Hutan Organik, where participants engaged in hands-on environmental activities such as tree planting and constructing biopore infiltration holes; and a visit to the Faculty of Forestry and Environment at IPB University. These activities aimed to help participants gain firsthand insights into the connections between education, environmental conservation, and the energy sector.
As the culmination of the workshop, participants presented their capstone projects in 12 groups on the fifth day. Each capstone project was a group-based final assignment designed to address a specific problem and develop solutions with potential for real-world implementation. The projects were evaluated by a panel of judges that included representatives from SKK Migas.
The evaluation featured five award categories:The Most Innovative Idea, The Most Impactful Solution, The Most Progressive Group, The Most Engaging Presentation, and The Best Capstone Project.
AFS Global Future Leaders Network Batch 2 2026 is supported by 17 Cooperation Contract Contractors (KKKS) under SKK Migas: INPEX Masela Ltd., Mubadala Energy (South Andaman) RSC Ltd., Prime Natuna EP, Petronas Carigali Ketapang II Limited, Medco Energi Madura Offshore Pty. Ltd., Husky-CNOOC Madura Limited, PT EMP Energi Riau, ExxonMobil Cepu Limited, PT Pertamina EP Cepu (PEPC) Zona 12, PT Pertamina EP Cepu Field, Texcal Energy Mahato Inc., PT Sele Raya Merangin Dua, PT Imbang Tata Alam, PT Pertamina Hulu Energi NSO, JOB Pertamina–Medco E&P Tomori Sulawesi, Energy Equity Epic Sengkang Pty. Ltd., and PT EMP Tonga.
Through this initiative, Yayasan Bina Antarbudaya reaffirms the importance of inclusive educational programs in empowering young people and expanding their access to meaningful learning opportunities. By connecting education with real-world challenges in energy and environmental sustainability, the program encourages students to develop their potential and contribute to a more sustainable future.
AFS Farewell Night: Celebrating Diversity Across Borders (AFS INA/Bina Antarbudaya)
53 AFS & Asia Kakehashi Project+ Exchange Students Ready to Represent Indonesia in 15 Countries
Jakarta,1 August 2026
53 Indonesian students from various regions across the country will embark on a year-long educational and cultural exchange experience in the United States, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, the Philippines, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Poland, France, New Zealand, Switzerland, China, and Türkiye through the AFS Program, as well as in Japan through the Asia Kakehashi Project+ (AKP+).
The farewell event was attended by Ms. Martini M. Paham from the Ministry of Tourism, Prof. Dr. Selman Özdan, Education Attaché of the Embassy of Türkiye, ambassadors and representatives from other destination countries, as well as students’ families, AFS returnees, volunteers, partner schools, and various stakeholders who have supported Bina Antarbudaya.
The AFS & AKP+ Farewell Party is also a special annual celebration showcasing the students’ talents and cultural expressions. This year, the students presented a musical drama combining acting, music, vocals, and dance, bringing together elements of Indonesian traditional culture and modern influences.
The event served as a meaningful moment to celebrate the students’ achievements, appreciate their preparation and dedication, and give them heartfelt support as they prepare to embark on their international exchange journeys.
Thank you to all committee, volunteers, & AFS partners who supported us in this event!
Asia Pacific International Symposium Marks 70 Years of AFS in Indonesia/Bina Antarbudaya
JAKARTA, 9 September 2026 Yayasan Bina Antarbudaya (AFS Intercultural Programs Indonesia) hosted the Asia Pacific International Symposium to commemorate 70 years of AFS in Indonesia,
Held in a hybrid format under the theme “AI and Innovation in Intercultural Education for Global Peace and Prosperity,” the symposium brought together education leaders and innovation experts to explore how AI and technology can strengthen intercultural education, cultural diplomacy, and global peace, while keeping human values at the center.
This event was attended by the representative of The Embassy partners in Indonesia (Hungary, Malaysia, Sri Lanka) and supported by Indonesia’s Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the event featured international panel discussions with experts from AFS Asia Pacific Initiatives, and AFS Indonesia.
The symposium also welcomed Daniel Obst, President & CEO of AFS Intercultural Programs; Akiko Kato, President of AFS Asia Pacific Initiatives; and Jayant Krishna, Board Member of AFS India, who joined online from Bali to share their perspective.
APIN Annual Meeting 2026
10–12 September 2026 | Bali, Indonesia
Indonesia was honoured to host the Asia Pacific Intercultural Network (APIN) Annual Meeting 2026 in Bali fror 3 days, bringing together National Directors, Board Members, volunteers, and partner representatives from across the Asia Pacific region.
The Asia Pacific Intercultural Network (APIN) Annual Meeting 2026, formerly known as the AFS Asia Pacific Initiative (AAI), brings together National Directors, Board Members, volunteers, and partner representatives from across the Asia Pacific region. The gathering focuses on regional collaboration, strategic development, volunteer capacity building, and intercultural learning.
The program consists of two main agendas:
1. APIN Annual Meeting
A strategic gathering focusing on:
The transition from AAI to Asia Pacific Intercultural Network (APIN)
Regional updates, achievements, and challenges
Governance, operations, and the APIN Charter
Engagement with new partners and global affiliates
Kakehashi Program and branding updates
Regional fundraising and collaboration opportunities
APIN joint programs (scholarship, staff & volunteer exchange, exchange inter-APIN countries promotion, school to school program)
Strategic priorities and direction toward 2027
School and cultural visits
Gala Dinner and APIN Volunteer Awards
2. APIN Volunteer Training
A dedicated learning program designed to strengthen volunteer leadership and chapter sustainability through sessions on:
The Volunteer Leader: From Purpose to Leadership
Conflict Resolution
Sustainable Chapter
Communication Styles
Future with a Shared Vision
Group work, presentations, reflection, and evaluation
The event was attended by Daniel ObstCEO & President of AFS International, members of the AFS International Board, APIN leaders, and participants of the volunteer training from across the Asia Pacific region.
Together, the two agendas provide a platform for strategic regional dialogue, volunteer development, intercultural learning, and stronger connections among APIN partners, while marking an important milestone in the evolution from AAI to APIN.
Global Future Leaders Network 2025
For five days, from 15–20 December 2025, Yayasan Bina Antarbudaya, in collaboration with SKK Migas, organized the AFS Global Future Leaders Network (GFLN) 2025 in-person workshop as an initiative to strengthen access to education in the fields of energy and sustainability for Indonesian students, with a focus on sustainable infrastructure as well as the oil and gas sector.
This program was initiated by Bina Antarbudaya and SKK Migas as a collaborative effort to advance education in upstream oil and gas operational areas, including the Tanimbar Islands, Kutai Kartanegara, Bojonegoro, North Aceh, and Lhokseumawe, and was attended by 55 participants.
In order to help participants gain a direct understanding of the interconnection between education, technology, and the energy sector, during the six-day program in Jakarta, they visited the Jakarta LRT as an example of sustainable transportation infrastructure, the Faculty of Engineering at Universitas Indonesia, which implements environmentally friendly technologies, the SKK Migas Office, and the National Museum.
Our sincere appreciation goes to the 10 KKKS–SKK Migas partners as a sponsors, also participants, committee members, and all parties who supported the successful implementation of this program.
National Symposium Highlights the Importance of Character and Intercultural Education for Future Generations
To commemorate the 70-year journey of Yayasan Bina Antarbudaya as an organization dedicated to intercultural education and learning in Indonesia, theHybrid National Symposium: 70th Anniversary of AFS Antarbudayawas held on Friday, 22 May, at Building A of Indonesia’s Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in Central Jakarta. The symposium carried the theme “Shaping Global Future Leaders with Character: Intercultural Education for a Brighter Future.”
The event brought together prominent figures from the education sector, government, civil society organizations, academia, and youth development practitioners to discuss the challenges of education in an increasingly interconnected and complex world. The symposium served as a platform for dialogue on the importance of character education and intercultural experiences in shaping Indonesian youth who excel academically, demonstrate empathy, collaborate effectively, and possess a global perspective.
“Being a global citizen without losing one’s identity as an Indonesian is a strength that future generations can develop through intercultural education,” said Prof. Dr. Abdul Mu’ti, M.Ed., Minister of Primary and Secondary Education.
Asmir Agoes, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Yayasan Bina Antarbudaya, emphasized that the organization’s 70-year journey reflects a long standing commitment to developing future leaders who contribute to advancing the dignity, intelligence, and well being of the Indonesian nation and humanity as a whole. This commitment is pursued through leadership driven engagement in character development, the cultivation of strong work ethics and excellent working systems, student exchange programs, and scholarships for those with limited financial means, particularly young people with the potential to become future leaders.
This perspective also reflects the global challenges facing young people today. Gatot Nuradi Sam, Executive Director of Yayasan Bina Antarbudaya, highlighted the need for education to provide greater opportunities for character development and the strengthening of social competencies.
From the government’s perspective, Rita Pranawati, Special Advisor to the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, stressed that education must do more than produce academically accomplished individuals. It must also nurture people of integrity who demonstrate empathy and social responsibility. “Intercultural education is considered a relevant learning environment for developing these values,” Rita stated.
As part of the 70th-anniversary celebrations, the symposium also served as an important opportunity to reflect on the role of collaboration among stakeholders in shaping the future of education in Indonesia. Sinta Kaniawati, Chair of the 70th Anniversary of AFS Antarbudaya Organizing Committee, emphasized that the celebration is not only about reflecting on the organization’s journey but also about preparing young people to become global citizens without losing their sense of humanity, tolerance, and spirit of collaboration.
Through this National Symposium, Yayasan Bina Antarbudaya hopes to continue raising awareness of the importance of character education and intercultural learning as foundations for building a more inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable society for future generations.
AFS Global Future Leaders Network 2026 (Batch 1)
AFS Global Future Leaders Network 2026 Returns as Bina Antarbudaya and SKK Migas Equip Students with Insights into Waste Management and the Upstream Oil and Gas Industry
Jakarta, 19 June 2026, Yayasan Bina Antarbudaya, in collaboration with SKK Migas, once again organized the in-person workshop for the AFS Global Future Leaders Network (GFLN) 2026, strengthening Indonesian students’ access to education focused on energy and sustainability, particularly in waste management and the oil and gas industry.
The program was initiated by Bina Antarbudaya and SKK Migas as part of their Community Engagement and Development Program in education. Of the 256 applicants, 38 students were selected to participate in the in person workshop. They came from areas surrounding upstream oil and gas operations, including Tanimbar Islands Regency, Pelalawan Regency, Sampang Regency, Banggai Regency, and Teluk Bintuni Regency. The workshop provided participants aged 15–18 with opportunities to collaborate, exchange ideas, and build networks with their peers.
The indoor workshop covered the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), project design fundamentals, an introduction to the energy sector, and soft skills development. Sessions were delivered by facilitators and practitioners from the education and energy sectors.
The learning experience was complemented by outdoor learning activities, including visits to Nathabumi to gain firsthand insights into the waste management industry, the Faculty of Engineering at Universitas Indonesia to learn about environmentally friendly technologies, the SKK Migas office, and the National Museum. These activities aimed to help participants gain a practical understanding of the connections between education, technology, and the energy sector.
As the culmination of the workshop, participants presented their capstone projects in eight groups on the fifth day. A capstone project is a group based final assignment designed to address a specific problem and explore solutions with potential implementation. The projects were evaluated by a panel of judges that included representatives from SKK Migas.
The evaluation was divided into five award categories: The Most Innovative Idea, The Most Impactful Solution, The Most Progressive Group, The Most Engaging Presentation, and The Best Capstone Project.
Gatot Sam, Executive Director of Bina Antarbudaya, stated, “Through this training, participants gain valuable experiences and skills that can serve as an important foundation for building confidence, developing their potential, and preparing themselves to face the challenges of the future workforce.”
The AFS Global Future Leaders Network 2026 is supported by 12 Cooperation Contract Contractors (KKKS) under SKK Migas, whose upstream oil and gas operations span various regions across Indonesia. They are Inpex Masela Ltd., bp Indonesia, Bumi Siak Pusako, EMP Bentu Limited, ExxonMobil Cepu Limited, Pertamina Hulu Rokan, Husky-CNOOC Madura Limited, Medco Energi Sampang Pty., JOB Pertamina Medco Tomori, Premier Oil Natuna Sea B.V., Genting Oil Kasuri Pte. Ltd., and PetroChina International Jabung.
Through this initiative, Yayasan Bina Antarbudaya demonstrates the importance of inclusive educational programs in empowering young people and expanding their access to meaningful learning opportunities.
With 70 years of experience in intercultural education, Yayasan Bina Antarbudaya and AFS have helped thousands of young people grow into leaders who uphold peace and global justice, supported by a network of volunteers across 20 chapters throughout Indonesia. Bina Antarbudaya continues to expand its program offerings through digital learning and blended formats that combine online learning with workshops. One such initiative is the AFS Global Future Leaders Network, which aims to extend educational opportunities to an increasing number of students.
Chapter Surabaya (Intercultural Communication Competency Workshop × UNESA English Literature Department)
(Surabaya, 18 July 2026) This Community Service Program (Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat/PkM) will be conducted in collaboration with Yayasan Bina Antarbudaya, a volunteer based, non profit organization dedicated to international student exchange. Bina Antarbudaya is the official Indonesian partner of AFS Intercultural Programs, one of the world’s largest intercultural exchange organizations, operating in more than 60 countries across five continents (AFS, 2020). AFS is headquartered in New York, United States. In Indonesia, Bina Antarbudaya has 20 chapters from Sabang to Merauke, including the Surabaya Chapter. Administratively, Bina Antarbudaya Chapter Surabaya is located in Surabaya, East Java, and operates as part of the national Bina Antarbudaya network, which has long served as the official partner for various international student exchange programs.
As a non-profit organization, Chapter Surabaya is not driven by financial gain but by its commitment to social service and education, particularly in preparing Indonesian students to interact and adapt in multicultural environments. The organization regularly conducts activities such as selecting prospective exchange students, organizing pre-departure orientations, providing support throughout the exchange program, and facilitating reintegration activities when students return to Indonesia.
Like many international organizations operating across cultures, Bina Antarbudaya faces challenges in managing members from diverse cultural backgrounds (Ganapathi, 2019). This challenge is also evident within Bina Antarbudaya Surabaya, where organizational staff, volunteers, and exchange students interact as members of the same community. Several communication issues have been identified during organizational activities, particularly within the Hosting Division, which is responsible for receiving and supporting incoming international students. Common issues include misunderstandings arising from differences in language use, communication styles (direct and indirect), varying perceptions of politeness, and the limited preparedness of contact person (volunteers assigned to assist international students) in handling culturally sensitive differences in values and behaviors. These challenges indicate a gap in intercultural communication competence that requires a systematic and structured intervention.
From a socio-cultural perspective, Bina Antarbudaya Chapter Surabaya operates within a multicultural urban environment, where volunteers, hosting coordinators, and contact person come from diverse cultural, linguistic, and international backgrounds. While this diversity represents a valuable organizational asset, it can also become a challenge if not supported by adequate intercultural competence. The quality of the organization’s services depends largely on the effectiveness of interactions between volunteers, hosting coordinators, buddies, and international students. Intercultural communication competence is therefore essential to ensuring that the values of tolerance, mutual respect, and cross-cultural understanding are effectively conveyed (Fantini, 2020; 2021). However, efforts to strengthen human resource capacity in intercultural communication have so far been sporadic and have not yet been implemented through a structured, competency based training program.
Happy International Volunteer Day! - AFS INA (Bina Antarbudaya)
On 7 December 2025, the Volunteer Development team of Bina Antarbudaya organized a Mangrove Planting activity in celebration of International Volunteer Day. On this occasion, 8 hosting students, 42 volunteers, and staff members participated in planting mangroves. The event took place at Taman Wisata Alam (TWA) Angke Kapuk, Penjaringan, North Jakarta.
The aim of this program is to enhance volunteers’ awareness of caring for nature amid global environmental issues. We hope that all volunteers will continue to contribute in the future, starting from small, meaningful actions.
Thank you to all the volunteers who participated in this activity!
AFS Indonesia/Bina Antarbudaya National Meeting 2025
From 28–30 November 2025, Bina Antarbudaya held its National Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia. This annual meeting serves as a coordination between the National Office and 20 Chapters, providing operational updates and outlining the work plan for the upcoming year.
This year’s theme, “Growing Stronger, Thriving Together,” reflects our hope that all global challenges and obstacles faced in 2025 can be navigated with resilience and unity. As an organization, we remain committed to upholding our vision and mission to create future leaders and become an active global citizens.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the volunteers from all 20 Bina Antarbudaya Chapters for their dedication, hard work, and continuous contributions in our mission.
AFS GSTEM Innovators 2025
On 14 November 2025, Bina Antarbudaya officially concluded the AFS Global STEM Innovators in-person workshop series, which took place from 10–15 November 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia. This global initiative aims to develop students’ competencies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), as well as intercultural learning. There were 92 participants from all over Indonesia participated in this event.
This year’s AFS Global STEM Innovators 2025 in-person workshop focused on the health sector and Artificial Intelligence, based on the interests of the 92 participants. The participants gained experience in coding and assembling AI robotics, explored AI in greater depth at the Faculty of Computer Science, Universitas Indonesia, visited the IMUSEUM IMERI FKUI to learn about human anatomy, visited the SKK Migas office to deepen their understanding of the oil and gas industry, and also visited the National Museum.
The various visits and hands-on experiences strengthened the participants’ STEM skills. During these activities, opportunities to engage directly with experts and university students further inspired them to pursue higher education in STEM fields. In addition, from the very first day, participants were divided into groups to develop and present a capstone project on the fifth day.
Thank you to all participants, committee members, and national staff for helping run this program.
Courtesy Call: Indonesian Asia Kakehashi Project+ Students 2025 at Embassy of Japan
For six months, eleven students from the Asia Kakehashi Project+ will participate in an exchange program starting on 21 August 2025. On 4 August 2025, they visited the Embassy of Japan for a courtesy call, where they met Mr. Hoshino Daisuke from the Information and Cultural Section.
During the visit, one of the students had the opportunity to share her thoughts about joining the program. We would like to express our sincere thanks to the Embassy of Japan for warmly welcoming us on this special occasion.
On Arrival Orientation Camp for Hosting Students YP 25/26 in Indonesia!
From 25–30 July 2025, twenty hosting students in the Year Program 2024/2025 from Iceland (1), Italy (10), Japan (2), and the United States (7) arrived in Indonesia. They took part in the On-Arrival Orientation Camp (OAOC) and a welcoming party in Jakarta.
These students are now ready to embark on their exchange journey with the AFS & YES Abroad Programs in Indonesia, and will be hosted in Balikpapan, Bandung, Bogor, Jakarta, Karawang, Makassar, Palembang, Pontianak, Semarang, Surabaya, Yogyakarta.
Over six days, they participated in the OAOC to prepare for their new lives and experiences in Indonesia before departing to their host cities. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all AFS partners for their support in making this program possible.
We wish them a wonderful and enriching journey in Indonesia!
The event was attended by 
