ENG
INA
UI–UNUD International Relations Educate HighScope Indonesia Bali High School Students about ASEAN
In an effort to strengthen national insight and regional awareness among students, the Department of International Relations (IR) at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (UI), in collaboration with the International Relations Study Program of FISIP at Universitas Udayana (UNUD), held a literacy program titled “We Feeling ASEAN” at SMA HighScope Indonesia Bali, Badung Regency, on Friday (7/11).
This program was part of a Community Service (PkM) initiative and was also supported by the ASEAN Study Center FISIP UI. It aimed to instill a spirit of togetherness and global awareness among students. The activity was attended by 60 students of SMA HighScope Indonesia Bali, members of the teaching staff, and representatives of lecturers and students from both universities.
The Principal of SMA HighScope Indonesia Bali, Ni Putu Yunita Kurniawati, expressed her appreciation for the presence of the academic teams from UI and UNUD.
“We feel very fortunate to welcome the ASEAN education team from Universitas Udayana and Universitas Indonesia. This activity greatly enriches our students’ knowledge about ASEAN and fosters awareness to contribute positively as part of the ASEAN community,” she stated.
She further expressed hope that students would become a generation capable of making positive contributions in addressing various challenges in the Southeast Asian region in the future.
The program began with an educational session titled “Know Your ASEAN” led by Ni Wayan Wahyuni, M.A., a lecturer of IR FISIP UNUD. In this session, students were introduced to ASEAN’s history, institutional structure, and its role within the international community.
The session continued with fun learning activities and interactive games facilitated by Yuni R. Intarti, M.Si., a lecturer of IR FISIP UI. Students were invited to guess iconic landmarks, recognize the flags and traditional costumes of ASEAN member states, and identify ASEAN’s founding fathers.
Students’ enthusiasm increased further during the interactive quiz session, where active participants received exclusive ASEAN-themed souvenirs such as T-shirts and tumblers.
As the highlight of the event, the ASEAN Literacy Corner was officially inaugurated—an educational space providing a collection of books, infographics, videos, educational comics, and the flags of ASEAN member countries. This Literacy Corner is expected to become a permanent reference hub within the school to explore ASEAN in an engaging and sustainable way.
“With this corner, we hope the spirit of ASEAN literacy continues to thrive in the school, even after this program concludes,” Wahyuni remarked.
As a facilitator of the program, Yuni R. Intarti, M.Si., emphasized the importance of instilling the We Feeling ASEAN spirit from an early age—even starting in elementary school and kindergarten.
“Young people must realize that Indonesia holds a strategic role in ASEAN—it has the largest territory, the richest natural resources, and the biggest population. However, these advantages are not yet fully reflected at the regional level.
By strengthening a shared awareness—We Feeling ASEAN—the younger generation can become bridges of collaboration that are competitive, tolerant, and globally minded,” she explained.
She added that the We Feeling ASEAN spirit is key to building solidarity among Southeast Asian citizens amid the rapid flow of technology and information, which may otherwise trigger conflict or unhealthy competition.
Representing UNUD, Ni Wayan Wahyuni, M.A., also noted that the program exemplifies effective synergy between universities and schools in fostering regional awareness.
“The collaboration between IR UI and IR UNUD is highly beneficial. Through ASEAN literacy, Bali’s younger generation can better understand their regional identity and feel that they are part of the ASEAN community,” she stated.
The event concluded with a reflection session from HighScope students.
“Today was very enjoyable and informative. We learned more about ASEAN, its member countries, and its history. It was really fun and very informative,” said one student enthusiastically.
The IR Department of FISIP UI plans to establish the ASEAN Literacy Program as a sustainable initiative through regular discussions, creative competitions, and cross-sector collaboration based on a pentahelix model (universities, schools, government, media, and society).
UDAYANA UNIVERSITY