Indonesia brings ASEAN youth together through cultural scholarship

3 hours ago

We believe direct interaction through arts and culture will strengthen people-to-people ties..

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry is hosting 12 participants from ASEAN countries under its Indonesian Arts and Culture Scholarship program to strengthen regional ties through cultural exchange, arts and people-to-people connections.

The Indonesian Arts and Culture Scholarship, known as BSBI/IACS, aims to promote friendship and cooperation among ASEAN communities through cultural engagement, the ministry said in a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Foreign Ministry Director General for Information and Public Diplomacy Heru Hartanto Subolo said this year’s theme, “Celebrating Cultural Strength, Inspiring Global Youth“, highlights culture’s role in connecting societies beyond national borders.

“By celebrating Indonesia’s cultural strength, we recognize the values, creativity, diversity and living traditions that shape the nation’s identity,” Heru said.

BSBI 2026 marks the program’s 22nd edition since its launch in 2003, according to organizing committee chair Ani Nigeriawati.

Over more than two decades, BSBI has welcomed 1,081 participants from 85 countries and evolved into a key public diplomacy platform for strengthening international relations through arts and culture, Ani said.

This year’s participants come from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.

Ani said the program aims to help participants better understand and appreciate Indonesia’s cultural diversity while strengthening friendship, mutual understanding, and cooperation among ASEAN communities.

“We believe direct interaction through arts and culture will strengthen people-to-people ties and reinforce a shared sense of belonging within the ASEAN community,” she said.

Jakarta State University (UNJ) will serve as the implementing institution for this year’s program, offering a curriculum that combines arts education, cultural studies, Indonesian language instruction, and community immersion.

Participants will take part in cultural workshops, Indonesian language classes, heritage visits, community service activities, and direct engagement with local communities through a comprehensive learning program.

The program will run for approximately 45 days, allowing participants to experience Indonesia’s cultural diversity through activities that combine academic learning with practical and participatory experiences.