Jakarta – Muhammad Bijaksabara Hikmawan, commonly known as Bijak, has successfully brought honor to Indonesia on the international stage. An alumnus of Universitas Terbuka (UT) with a bachelor’s degree in Government Science, Bijak was selected as one of the three delegates representing Indonesia at the ASEAN Foundation Model ASEAN Meeting Plus Australia 2024 (AFMAM Plus Australia 2024), held from September 10-14, 2024, at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta.
Bijak was chosen after a rigorous selection process, competing with more than 1,000 applicants from 10 ASEAN countries, Timor Leste, and Australia. Along with two other delegates from Indonesia, Bijak had the honor of participating in an authentic simulation of a high-level ASEAN meeting, initiated by the ASEAN Foundation and the Government of Australia. The program aims to promote relations between ASEAN and Australia, while honing participants’ diplomacy skills and enhancing their understanding of regional dynamics.
In the simulation, Bijak played the role of a diplomat from the Kingdom of Cambodia, working alongside two colleagues, Nicole from Australia and Vinh from Vietnam. Together, they collaborated in discussions and negotiations on important ASEAN issues.
Bijak’s pinnacle achievement occurred during the Awarding Night, where he won two prestigious awards: the Diplomacy Award for Minister in ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) and the Best Delegation Award (Cambodia). These accolades highlighted Bijak’s diplomatic skills and his effective collaboration in an international context, as well as his leadership in making the Cambodian team the best delegation.
Receiving the awards from H.E. Tiffany McDonald, Australian Ambassador to ASEAN / Credit: ASEAN Foundation
Bijak expressed that his educational experience at Universitas Terbuka, particularly in the field of Government Science, provided him with a strong foundation in understanding the dynamics of international politics and the communication skills essential for diplomacy.
AFMAM Plus Australia 2024 is an annual program designed to strengthen diplomatic relations and introduce young people to ASEAN’s working mechanisms, including the challenges and opportunities of regional cooperation. Participants had the chance to experience firsthand the process of negotiation and cross-country collaboration, while also deepening their understanding of the importance of global cooperation.
Bijak’s success not only brought pride to Indonesia but also reaffirmed the quality of Universitas Terbuka graduates who are capable of competing on the international stage and making significant contributions in various fields. Once again, Universitas Terbuka has proven its capacity to nurture competitive and accomplished young generations.
