NAIROBI, Kenya, May 24 — Young leaders from Kenya and Indonesia have called for deeper cross-border collaboration and youth-driven diplomacy following a high-level Indonesia–Kenya Youth-to-Youth Dialogue held in Nairobi.
The dialogue, organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Nairobi in partnership with Daystar University, Padjadjaran University, and President University, brought together more than 150 in-person participants and about 200 online attendees from universities across both countries.
Held under the theme “Bridging Indonesia and Kenya through Youth Leadership for Global Impact,” the forum focused on strengthening people-to-people relations, youth leadership, innovation, and international cooperation.
Speaking during the event, Indonesian Ambassador to Kenya Witjaksono Adji said young people are increasingly becoming central players in shaping ideas, building global networks, and driving positive transformation in society.
“In this digital and interconnected era, young people have become part of the formation of ideas, building networks, and contributing to better change,” he said.
He noted that youth engagement should not remain symbolic but must translate into practical cooperation and long-term partnerships between the two nations.
“The success of this dialogue will be measured by the ideas that continue, the connections that grow, and the commitments that turn into action,” he added.
The ambassador emphasized that relations between Jakarta and Nairobi extend beyond government agreements and are increasingly anchored on trust, mutual understanding, and direct engagement between citizens, especially young people.
Also speaking during the forum, Prof. Justus Musya, Head of the Department of Peace and International Studies at Daystar University, stressed the growing importance of cross-generational and cross-border diplomacy.
He said youth engagement across various sectors has made dialogue platforms increasingly important in fostering peaceful relations and innovation between nations.
“This activity is expected to encourage innovative, inventive, mutually respectful and peaceful relations between young people from both countries,” Prof. Musya said.
The event featured a student-led panel discussion moderated by Endang Septryani Sari, First Secretary for Information, Social and Cultural Affairs at the Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi.
Kenyan student panelists Diana Gesare Makori and Dalmas Bukaso Atsowa from Daystar University joined Indonesian students Alisha Nailah Kusnandar from Padjadjaran University and Refa Fresy Cinta Betah from President University in exploring the role of youth in shaping global change.
Discussions centered on three key pillars: transforming youth awareness into action, translating values into meaningful impact, and building lasting international connections beyond borders.
According to Raden Wisnu Lombardwinanto, Minister Counselor at the Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi, the forum aimed to prepare young people not only as future leaders but also as active participants in shaping global solutions.
“This forum addresses current issues, encourages positive thinking, and helps young people prepare themselves not only as the next generation, but also as the main actors in realizing a better future for Indonesia, Kenya and globally,” he said.
Participants also expressed commitments toward social change by attaching personal pledges to a “Commitment of Hope” tree during the event.
Beyond dialogue, the forum showcased Indonesian culture and products through exhibitions featuring traditional musical instruments such as the Angklung and Gamelan, alongside Indonesian products already present in African markets.
Organizers said the initiative opened new opportunities for academic, cultural, and people-to-people cooperation between Kenya and Indonesia, with participants calling for similar engagements to be held regularly in the future.
