Meigitaria Sanita

The 5th Annual Workshop on Globalization 2024: Voices for Change ‘Media’s Role in Ending Gender-Based Violence’

AWG

It was recorded that throughout 2024 the number of reports of sexual violence cases collected by the Ministry of PPPA reached 23,294 cases. Of these, women are the most victims with a percentage reaching 86 per cent. (Data up to 20 November 2024)

Ironically, gender-based violence does not stop at that issue. The media has a big role, one of which is by publishing articles whose language actually complicates and normalizes gender-based violence (GBV).

Numbers and facts cannot be underestimated, to respond to gender-based violence (GBV) the International Program Communication (IPC) held The5th Annual Workshop on Globalization 2024 which took the topic Voices for Change ‘Media’s Role in Ending Gender-Based Violence’ on 19 November 2024 at Main Library UII.

This topic explores the intersection of globalization, feminism, and media in shaping gender-based violence (GBV) and its impact on women’s empowerment.

How Media’s Role in Ending Gender-based Violence?

Interestingly, this workshop did not only present perspectives from women’s voices, but also from men’s voices. The three speakers presented included Dr. Katrin Bandel (Faculty member of the Department of Cultural Studies, Sanata Dharma University, International Scholar with expertise in media and gender studies), Indiah Wahyu Andari (Director of Rifka Annisa Women’s Crisis Center, a gender specialist with expertise in gender-based violence), and Iwan Awaluddin Yuyuf, Ph.D. (Faculty member of the Department of Communications, Universitas Islam Indonesia, an expert on media and gender studies).

Dr. Katrin Bandel delivered a presentation on ‘Sexual Violence Narratives in the Mass Media and in Fiction’. She explained how the narratives in the media are more likely to tell things that do not consider the trauma of victims to be unbalanced.

Sexual violence is an experience that ruins the victim’s life, it is also tough to tell. However, at the same time, the media actually makes news that explores the profile of the perpetrator and compares his condition with the victim. Until the public is led to sympathize with the future of the perpetrator if they receive severe punishment.

“But even therapeutic or feminist narratives can become problematic, if they are normalized, so that a rape victim not fitting into the narrative feels marginalized and not represented,” she said.

In addition, rape culture normalizes rape and sexual violence through the assumption that it is normal for men to be very aggressive and unable to control their desires. Unfortunately, another habit is victim blaming for the victim’s appearance, accusing the victim as a provocateur for the perpetrator’s actions.

This statement is supported by research conducted by Iwan Awaluddin Yusuf, Ph.D, the media in Indonesia in publishing GBV news often journalists use titles that are not in accordance with the context.

‘The problem starts with the use of words. Double victimization’ he said.

In the context of sexual violence against child victims, the choice of words that should use the phrase ‘rape and sexual abuse’ instead chooses ‘planning sex’. In the choice of words, children who should be positioned as victims instead seem to be sexual subjects.

By giving various examples of inappropriate word choice, he said that the position of journalists as important figures in the media should be a fair figure.

‘Journalists as mindful users of language, fix the misused word,’ he said again.

Indiah Wahyu Andari, a professional who has been helping GBV victims for years, said that the role of the media is very large. One of them is through GBV preventive campaigns.

She shared three stages of prevention, first primary prevention which refers to activities to do before sexual violence occurs through stopping conditions that support sexual violence and promoting positive behaviors to prevent sexual violence.

Then there is secondary prevention, which is the immediate response after sexual violence occurs to prevent and address both short-term and long-term impacts on victims through things like reporting, case handling, and recovery.

Finally, tertiary prevention is activities to prevent the recurrence of violence. Building structures, norms, and social practices that prevent the risk of recurrence of violence.

The hope is that the workshop will be able to offer a global perspective. The dual role of the media in perpetuating and overcoming violence against women, and the important role of feminist activism in shaping media narratives and promoting women’s empowerment.

Meigitaria Sanita

The Power of Youth: Making the World a Better Place for Everyone

The Power of Youth: Making the World a Better Place for Everyone

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are 17 agreements signed by 193 countries in 2015 to transform the world by 2030. Its ultimate goal is to create a better world where sustainability, safety, and equality drive our decisions. In our current economy, the majority are young people. They are known as the most flexible and adaptable generation and are also a major source of innovation and creativity. Their role in a country’s progress and prosperity shows how important it is for them to contribute to sustainable development.

Youth involvement is crucial for a sustainable future, as they bring fresh ideas, motivation, and commitment. They approach problems with a different outlook and creative solutions; having such skills would make their involvement more effective. Plus, they are skilled with digital tools and social media, allowing them to spread awareness and mobilize communities on a global scale. As this generation will face the longest-lasting impacts of today’s decisions, this makes their involvement more effective in solving today’s challenges.

Since there are significant global challenges that impact their future, young people should become involved in the sustainability movement. For instance, there have been serious weather occurrences due to the approximately 1.1°C increase in global temperatures since pre-industrial times; in 2019 alone, 344 natural disasters caused $150 billion in damages. Animal populations have declined by an average of 68% since 1970 as a result of habitat degradation, which is also hurting wildlife. Furthermore, air pollution affects many people’s health, particularly in underprivileged areas, and causes about 7 million early deaths annually.

With a global rate of roughly 13.7% as of 2022, youth unemployment is another issue that makes it more difficult for young people to find employment. Youth may address these urgent issues by becoming involved in the sustainability movement. By joining the sustainability movement, youth can help tackle these pressing issues and work for a healthier and fairer planet for everyone.

How can the youth be involved and what are the outcomes of youth contribution

Youth can be involved in existing youth-led movements or organizations, such as the global youth biodiversity network, which empowers young people to influence biodiversity policies and initiatives. These platforms provide chances for the youth to collaborate and take collective action toward sustainability goals. Another way is by engaging in educational programs that focus on sustainability. They equip young people with the necessary skills. Knowledge and networks effectively contribute to sustainable development.

Increasing the involvement of young people in sustainable development fosters creative ideas and raises awareness of important problems like inequality and climate change. By promoting inclusivity and attending to the needs of excluded groups, their active participation fosters social unity and increases community resilience. Youth engagement also increases accountability in governance, develops intergenerational cooperation, and empowers young leaders. All things considered, their different points of view and abilities have a big influence on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and help create a more sustainable future for everybody.

Young participation in sustainable development is essential to a brighter future. In order to address problems like inequality and climate change, young people provide new perspectives and a strong sense of justice. They create major improvements and reinforce communities by participating in local initiatives and promoting change. In order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, it is important that we support the voices of young people. By investing in their involvement, we can create a more sustainable world for everyone.

 

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

Meigitaria Sanita

How Goal Setting and Time Management Can Transform Students Success

Time management

Graduating from school to university presents both excitement and challenges. School life offers structured schedules, guidance from parents and teachers, while university life offers freedom, independence, and responsibility, requiring students to learn crucial skills.

During their first year, students should develop time management and goal-setting skills to balance personal and academic lives, create direction, and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

First-year students usually struggle with the new demands of university life. It is challenging for them to manage their time effectively between classes, study, do extracurriculars, and manage their personal lives; moreover, these students who still have not developed any kind of skills usually spend their time on unimportant tasks and then end up stressing about the delayed ones. To navigate these obstacles and have a smoother university life, students should start working on their fundamental soft skills and focus more on the two main skills.

The importance of time management:

A big workload and no clear structure make managing time essential, especially during the first year. “Time management is the process of planning, organizing, and prioritizing tasks and activities to make the best use of your time. It involves setting goals, creating schedules, and making conscious choices about how to allocate your time to various tasks and responsibilities”. Students who use their time wisely will be able to finish tasks without hurrying at the last minute and keep up with their class while also making time for hobbies, friends, and rest, leading to a balanced university life.

Time-blocking is one of the effective techniques for time management; it involves focused work periods followed by breaks. For example, a student may set aside two hours each day to study and take brief breaks to unwind. This method helps keep focus and prevents tiredness. As a first-year student, this method was a turning point for me. It effectively helped me to set my priorities right and have enough time to finish my list without stressing.

Why Goal Setting is Essential:

Goal setting is a skill that involves identifying a specific target or outcome, breaking it down into smaller, manageable tasks, and setting a timeline. It also plays a significant role as an aspect of time management and as a fundamental soft skill. It increases motivation and

Based on the workshop “Goal Setting & Time Management” delivered by Miss Wanadya Ayu Krishna Dewi on October 28, I learned about the SMART method. This approach to setting goals involves making sure that each goal is:

  1. Specific: Clearly defining what you want to achieve.
  2. Measurable: Ensuring there are criteria to track progress and completion.
  3. Achievable: Setting realistic goals within your reach.
  4. Relevant: Aligning goals with your broader objectives and values.
  5. Time-bound: Having a clear deadline or timeframe for each goal.

This workshop provided me with practical tools for goal setting and time management, which I can apply in my personal and professional life.

University is a place where students can turn their challenges into opportunities, but this transformation occurs when they are dedicated to improving their experience. They should view it as a chance for personal growth and to build a successful future for themselves.

 

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

Meigitaria Sanita

How to get a Scholarship in Abroad: My experience with FGLS in Indonesia

How to get a scholarship in Abroad: My experience with FGLS in Indonesia

I had that dreamed of studying abroad as a way to achieve my goals of being independent, seeing the world, and experiencing different cultures for a long time. The thought thrilled me, but I realized that securing a scholarship was the only way to make it happen. My journey, nevertheless, was more difficult than I had thought. I imagined that if I worked hard to look for and apply for scholarships, no matter how modest, I would undoubtedly be awarded one. However, reality was very different.

Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It provide access to a high-quality education, and it also broadens your vision, offers new perspectives, and gain personal growth. It exposes you to experiences and challenges that you wouldn’t experience  in your home country, making it truly unique.

I started looking for scholarships while I was still in school, but I only began applying during my gap year. I applied to more than thirteen scholarships, got accepted for only one, and never heard back from most of the others. I spent days researching trustworthy scholarships, dealing with complicated application requirements, and filling out long forms. These little disappointments made me feel like applying for more scholarships was a waste of time. Looking back now, I see that my lack of understanding about the scholarship process made it more difficult than it had to be.

I was so thrilled and excited when I got the acceptance email from Universitas Islam Indonesia. It felt unbelievable after the hard work and frustration. I made my sister read it out loud to make sure I’m not dreaming. The happiness I felt at that moment was worth every effort and the time taken to get there.

If you want to make your application process  goes smoother, here are a few tips :

  1. Identify scholarships that goes with your interests and eligibility.
  2. Start your applications early
  3. Prepare thoroughly for interviews and application process.
  4. Don’t hesitate to look out for guidance if you feel unsure.

Remember to give your best effort in every step of the application process.

I’d like to share some information about the scholarship that I received. It is called the Future Global Leaders Scholarship from Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII). It offers a wide range of International Program (IP), and opens applications once a year. Students who are accepted are required to take a one-month Bahasa Indonesia (BIPA) class before the academic year begins. Be sure to check the link below for more details on this opportunity.

It is, therefore, without doubt that getting a scholarship to study abroad is always a hard process but the outcome, the personal and academic gains all make it worthwhile. Do not let challenges deter you, instead let the challenges be the very reason you push forward to achieve your goals.

More information:

https://pmb.uii.ac.id/international/scholarships/

 

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

Meigitaria Sanita

A Unique Perspective: Attending INCOMS as an International Student

A Unique Perspective: Attending INCOMS as an international student

Going to study abroad forces students to adapt quickly. Starting from language differences to cultures that we never knew before. Thrya from Yemen tells us about her experience in a very lively welcome ceremony. She felt different, but she found a new perspective.

 

When I signed up for INCOMS 2024, an event hosted by Universitas Islam Indonesia and the Communications Department. Its focus was on giving an “Introduction to Communications” and as someone studying the field, I was excited to dive in. There was something that made me hesitate whether to participate or not being the only international student there.

Later on, this made my experience both thrilling and a bit overwhelming. The theme, “A Piece of Tone!” immediately caught my attention. It felt like a call to explore the many layers of communication in today’s world. From the warm welcome of the local students to the insightful sessions, INCOMS was much more than just an event, it was a chance to see Communications in action across cultures and perspectives.

On the first day, we reached the villa. Then we started with an alumni talk show, he discussed and shared his experience and advice with the freshmen students. The day continued with introduction to important organizations like HIMAKOM and Ikonisia TV, and then it was followed by incredible films made by students that showcased real-life stories. The day ended with lively, differently, and culturally performances highlighting student talents.

On the second day, participants started with Fajr prayer, followed by morning group workouts. Then the jamaah played interactive and fun games. Lastly, the event wrapped up with awards, a group photo, and a heartfelt closing ceremony.

What stood out for me the most at the INCOMS was the Wonderland Indonesia performance. It was such a breathtaking and rich performance. The music was a mesmerizing blend of modern and traditional sounds, featuring instruments like dumps, classes, and cups, which add a rhythmic complexity. The voices of the performers resonated with the song’s emotions perfectly and carried the energy of the whole performance. They wear their traditional clothes, which add a special touch and a beautiful representation of cultural diversity.

Another astonishing aspect is the energy of the performers and the dynamic group singing in harmony. It was impossible not to feel their passion, pride, and love for their country. As the show ended, I found myself completely impressed by the music, costumes, and energy of the performers. It also gives me a deeper sense of appreciation for the culture and the people who represent it beautifully.

Culture shock

One particular moment of cultural shock that I remember most was having breakfast at 7 a.m. The food served was traditional Indonesian food, some of which I had never tried before. The dishes were delicious, but the idea of me starting my day by eating rice for breakfast was new to me. These little experiences, though minor, taught me about the eating culture in Indonesia and how it is different from my country. For us, we usually start our first meal at 9, and it mostly consists of bread and legumes. That is why it was completely new to me.

I would say attending this event could also be considered to be a culture shock because the welcoming parties and events that are usually held for freshman students are not a common thing in my country. Universities always start right away with the curriculum without having any briefing about the major or engaging events with other students, and that makes their adaptation to university life a bit harder.

Impact of the Event

Even though this event was completely in Bahasa Indonesian, the side discussions and casual conversations were too; however, I was surprised by the fact that most of the students tried their best to not make me feel left out and to accompany me. They used to translate most of the information on the event, my role in the film, and many other things. Going through this experience made me feel that there was room for international students in such events, and there was a space for them to step out of their comfort zone and engage with a new academic and cultural environment.

Attending INCOMS as the only international student was both a challenge and an opportunity. The event not only enhanced my academic experience but also allowed me to experience Indonesian hospitality and culture in a way I hadn’t before.

My advice for international students attending such events is to fully enjoy the experience. There will be moments of culture shock or language barriers, these challenges are growth opportunities. Be open to engage with local students and professionals, and take advantage of such great events. Good luck to you all.

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

Meigitaria Sanita

ACSS 2024: Welcome New Members of IPC!

IPC

Academic Skills Study (ACSS) 2024 is a welcome programme specially prepared for new International Program Communications students (IPC) students. Taking the theme Adapting & Thriving: Youth, Lead, Learn, and Grow this activity took place on 11 October and 13 October 2024 around the FPSB Building at UII.

Not only discussing the academic world that will be lived in approximately the next 4 years, new IPC students also get briefings related to how to adapt to a new social environment, to face challenges and opportunities.

Chairperson of the ACSS 2024 programme, Fatma Nuraini Zahra, S.Sos., MA revealed that the series of agendas that had been prepared were tailored to the needs of students. Professionals from Communication and Psychology experts were brought in to facilitate the new IPC 2024 students, all of whom are Gen Z.

“An essential programme to foster learning motivation and provide an overview of IPC programmes. This activity also increases students‘ ability to build resilience to help them adapt to learning activities in college that are different from high school,” She explained.

“In addition, this activity is also a space to create a familiar and harmonious atmosphere and hone the ability to collaborate between IPC students, especially new students and with the seniors because this event also actively involves IPC 2023 students as a part of the implementation team.” She added.

The first day of ACSS 2024, was filled with indoor materials starting from ‘Public Speaking and Presenting Using AI by Dr. Herman Felani, followed by Introduction to IPC by the IPC Programme Secretary, Ida Nuraini Dewi Kodrat Ningsih, S.I.Kom., M.A. The third material was by Wanadya Ayu Krishna Dewi, S.Psi., M.A. (FPSB Psychology Lecturer) who discussed “Adapting from Highschool to Higher Education and Preparing to the Global Citizenship”. Last but not least, a sharing session by Fiellah Muttaqiyah, IPC 2021 student.

The second day of the activity was carried out outdoors by exploring the environment around the campus.  Walid Jumlad, S.Psi, M.Psi, Psychologist was a facilitator in the Bonding, Outbound, and Character Building programme.

“All games have meaning, we can learn from the existing process starting from strengthening the relationship, forming groups and working together, as well as the process in games thathave organised and neat stages similar to the lecture process,” he concluded.

Meigitaria Sanita

Awarding Night P2A 2024: A Collaborative Project between Indonesia and Malaysia

Awarding night

After traveling to the two countries of Indonesia and Malaysia, it was time for the P2A 2024 Awarding Night. The appreciation moment on 5 October 2024 marked the end of the Passage to ASEAN (P2A) 2024 series.

The awarding night was conducted in a hybrid way, live in the TV studio of the UII Communication Science Study Program, by combining Zoom meetings for delegates spread across two countries.

This international mobility involving Universitas Islam Indonesia and Universiti Utara Malaysia took place from 19 to 29 August 2024, travelling around Yogyakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Kedah, and Langkawi. Twenty delegates attended. The delegates were divided into groups and responsible for completing projects related to the AWARE theme: Exploring Digital Culture and Urban Environment in Creative Ecosystem. The work produced from the P2A 2024 project is in the form of photos, videos, and writings.

The P2A 2024 Awarding Night was also attended online by several university officials including the Vice Rector for Partnership and Entrepreneurship of UII, Ir. Wiryono Raharjo, M.Arch., Ph.D and Iwan Awaluddin Yusuf, S.IP., M.Si., Ph.D as the Head of UII Communication Science Department. While from UUM Dr Syamsul Hirdi bin Muhid and several other lecturers.

Both representatives from the university expressed their gratitude for the international collaboration that has been established since the last few years. Interestingly, the collaboration produced outputs that were able to hone the skills of the delegates from both universities.

The event that night was even more interesting because it was enlivened by art performances from the two cultures of Indonesia and Malaysia. Firstly Butterfly Dance, Javanese Dance and Rap from UII, while from UUM gave an offering of folk songs from Malaysia.

The most awaited moment was of course the announcement of the winner of the creative work of the delegates. After going through the judging process, the three best works were selected. The appointed jury was Marjito Iskandar Tri Gunawan, M.I.Kom who is a UII laboratory assistant as well as a film activist, while the representative from UUM was Dr Azzura.

List of Best Works in P2A 2024

3rd Winner:

– Spica, Latifah, Noraisyafika, Athirah, Batrisya: Travel Journal

2nd Winner:

– Nandita, Dila: Video Reel: Two Nations, One Journey

1st Winner Best Project

– Nurfahmi, Musdalifah, Kissharoopy, Faeiq: Everything’s Waiting For You

More information about P2A 2024 can be accessed on the following page:

P2A 2024: Outbound Program di Malaysia hingga Konferensi Internasional di Langkawi

P2A 2024: Inbound Program di Yogyakarta, Urban Walking hingga Cultural Night

Meigitaria Sanita

Mahasiswa IP Komunikasi Bergabung pada Symposium Internasional di Malaysia Bahas Isu Gender

International conference

Salah satu mahasiswa International Program (IP) Ilmu Komunikasi UII, Muhammad Fathurrahman Prima Sakti telah bergabung pada forum internasional bertajuk International Youth Inclusive Symposium and Leadership Camp (IYISLC) 2024, di Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia pada 29 Agustus hingga 1 September 2024.

Perhelatan IYISLC 2024 mengambil tema Space for All: Promoting Inclusive Youth Leadership, dalam kesempatan tersebut Sakti menyampaikan risetnya terkait gender dalam media di Indonesia ‘Analysis of Gender Equality in The Perspective of Javanese Culture at Kedaulatan Rakyat and Harian Jogja’.

Kesetaraan gender dan inklusi sosial di Indonesia dalam riset tersebut disuarakan agar mampu memberikan pemahaman yang lebih luas. Sementara hasil diskusi nantinya akan menghasilkan pemikiran bahkan kebijakan yang inovatif dalam mengentaskan persoalan-persoalan yang terjadi.

“Menuntaskan problem representasi merupakan perjalanan panjang yang perlu dilakukan dengan pendekatan interdisipliner yang holistik. Pendekatan ini diharapkan dapat memberikan pemahaman komprehensif terkait fenomena sosial yang kompleks, membantu proses identifikasi akar masalah, dan menghadirkan solusi yang inovatif. Dalam upaya ini, partisipasi intelektual muda amat diperlukan,” ujar Sakti.

Forum internasional tersebut diikuti oleh pemuda anggota ASEAN dengan segmentasi usia 15-25 tahun yang tertarik dalam bidang riset, pendidikan, pengabdian masyarakat, dan kebijakan publik.

Tak hanya mendiskusikan hasil risetnya, para delegasi mengikuti berbagai rangkaian kegiatan mulai dari coaching clinik, focus group discussion, hingga terjun langsung dalam kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat di Sekolah Lingkungan – Refugee Camp Kuala Lumpur.

Pengalamannya dalam forum internasional memberikan banyak insight, selain bertemu teman baru dan menjalin relasi dari berbagai negara, ia juga mendapat perspektif yang luas dan segar.

Sebagai pemuda Sakti juga memberikan pesan sederhana untuk teman-teman lainnya, terkait bagaimana mengtaskan tanggung jawab serta bagaimana mengambil peluang.

“Finished what you already started. So, start it right now and grab what you want,” pungkasnya.

Meigitaria Sanita

Leaving Home for an Opportunity: A Journey from Yemen to Indonesia

Yemen

I’m a girl who grew up in a family that supports the idea of taking any risks to grow or chase a dream that you want to follow. Growing up in such a family made me a brave girl who never lost a long-waited opportunity or dream. When I first learned that I had received a scholarship to study in universities Universitas Islam Indonesia, I was overwhelmed by a mix of excitement and anxiety. It is not just about leaving Yemen. It was about the dream of a little girl to have such a chance to step into an entirely new world, a world that would add up to her growth and her experience too. Getting prepared to pursue this dream and leave my home behind was not just a physical journey; it felt like I was also leaving behind everything I had ever known or loved, my family, friends, and the familiarity of my daily life.

The decision to leave Yemen was not easy. It was filled with an emotional and physical struggle too. The opportunity was something I had always talked about with my sisters and was something I would add to my dream list every year. Although I was filled with excitement, there was a heavy feeling in my heart. The thought of saying goodbye to my family, not knowing when I would return, and the fear of them growing up older and me not having enough memories with them always scared me. The scholarship felt like a golden ticket to a better future, but at the same time, it required me to let go of so much.

The process of leaving was filled with endless paperwork, visa applications, and the chaos of preparing for a life abroad. I remember one time when my family and I had to travel more than 12 hours by car to renew my passport. The situation in Yemen made it harder for me to finish the process with less effort. Sometimes when I struggled with the paperwork and tried to cope with the situation, it made me feel like it was a mountain I would never be able to climb, but I know deep down that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I have to work hard for it.

The Journey to Indonesia

I remember my mom’s hug at the airport, the plane ride, and how I watched Yemen disappear below me. I feel scared of the idea that I’m going to land in a place that could not be more different from what I know. The flights were long, with layovers and waiting, but every moment brought me closer to my dream, to a place that I had read about with no real understanding of anything.

When I first landed in Indonesia, the first thing that I felt through their action was the warmth of people and their hospitality. The noise at the airport, the unfamiliar language, the food, and the beautiful sights. It all hit me at once. It felt like I had been transported to a completely new world, but I always figured out a way to find beauty in that diversity and unfamiliarity; it was a completely fresh start.

Adapting to life in Indonesia took me longer than I imagined. The culture, the language, the way people communicate—all of it was very different to me. I found that I was pushing myself too hard to adapt as soon as possible and had always been worried about making mistakes. But over time, I started to try to take my time. I learned to appreciate the kindness of strangers, their excitement to get to know me, and the help they offer each time. I also learned to navigate the language barrier by trying to learn common phrases and words. I attended a Bahasa Indonesian class that the university organized for international students, and that helped me a lot. Little by little, the feeling of being a foreigner or an outsider started to reduce, and I started to feel the warmth of this country.

As time passed, I realized this journey was not just about education; it was also about my personal growth. Living in a different country, far away from home, and handling all my responsibilities on my own made me more independent, resilient, and open-minded. I started to see the world from a different angle, understanding that the 18 years that I spent in Yemen were just a part of larger growth and experience. Most importantly, I have learned more about myself, my weaknesses, strengths, abilities, and capacity for growth.

When I look back on the journey from Yemen to Indonesia, I feel a sense of gratitude. The decision was not easy, but it was the best thing I would do for my future self. This experience has opened doors I did not know existed and has given me a vision for the future that is bigger than I have dreamed. The only advice that I could give to anyone thinking of taking a similar path is to not hesitate. There will be moments when you feel lost, feel homesick, and want to leave everything and return home. But I believe that this experience will shape you most unexpectedly, and you will realize the journey is as important as the dream you want to achieve.

 

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

Meigitaria Sanita

The Journey of Self Acceptance

Self Acceptance

“This article is a personal experience from one of the international students at UII. She tells us about the culture and social environment in Yemen. Interestingly, meeting people from different countries brought a new personal growth to her”

I have always wondered if the struggle of not feeling like I belong to my society would ever disappear, or if I would have to keep trying to fit in. From an early age, society teaches us about the importance of fitting in, and how it is rewarded, while on the other hand deviating from social norms will only lead to rejection or judgment.  I remember the time a teacher yelled at me because I was against the idea of forcing young girls to wear hijabs. She wanted me to agree lie everyone else without saying what I thought or even giving me the chance to explain my thoughts. Growing up surrounded by such people, and such an environment turned me into a person who constantly seeks societal validation and acceptance from others, instead of myself.

We deliberately seek out similar and recognizable norms like conforming to stereotypes and suppressing our true thoughts and emotions, to feel secure. If we’re doing the same as everyone else, we must be doing it right, and finding a reflection of ourselves in those around us is a form of validation. Moreover, the fear of ending up alone is always triggering to most of us.

Living in such a society or environment during my teenage years was very challenging, and the feeling of being an outsider has always accompanied me-whether in school or among people around me. The stress of being someone else to fit in is a heavy burden to bear. I would usually choose to do what others are doing. To fit in and blend with society. This desire slowly started to become an obsession. As a result, it led to the loss of individuality and uniqueness of my personality. It also felt like I was starting to lose connection with my authentic self.

I started to embrace my flaws, except myself for who I am, and stop being afraid of being myself. These things helped me to long for a space where I could express myself freely with no judgment, where I didn’t feel the need to force myself to think and act in a certain way. This journey has its ups and downs. I sometimes question myself if I’m doing the right thing or if it’s worth enduring society’s rejection, but every time I choose myself above anything else I remember why I started this journey in the first place.

Meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds helped me to see the beauty of diversity in their thoughts and experiences. I remember the first time I   expressed my thoughts without the fear of being judged. Everyone was open to the idea of diversity in thoughts, experiences, and mindsets. This was shown by everyone’s actions, and they welcomed the idea of everyone presenting themselves not others. This life experience that I have been through not only taught me how to make good individual choices for myself but also made me open-minded to different perspectives. I would say that the experience began when I traveled for the first time in my life. It was an unprepared life decision that my family made for our sake, and we were afraid it was going to be a good step for us. For me, I would say it was a complete turning point in my life, and in the way I see myself.

As I grew older and got involved in more life experiences, I realized that respect for my thoughts should start from me, or I would always feel the need to fake my personality to feel welcomed by others. This realization was hard but necessary. Also waiting for others to accept or love you isn’t the answer. Acceptance has to start with you only. It took time and energy to reach the truth, but as I began living this truth, I finally felt like me again with a sense of freedom. You will never shine brighter than when you are being your true self.

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita