Leadership and Cultural Engagement: Association of Indonesian Students

Roles: President (2023–2024), Co-director of Cultural and Social Events (2021–2023)

My journey with the Association of Indonesian Students (AIS) at Auburn University began as a passionate cultural contributor and grew into a full-circle leadership experience. Over three years, I served first as Co-director of Cultural and Social Events, then later as President, where I had the opportunity to lead, represent, and elevate our community on campus. Through both roles, I developed valuable leadership skills while also helping educate others about the richness of Indonesian heritage.

Co-director of Cultural and Social Events
September 2021 – August 2023

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In this role, I collaborated with fellow officers to plan and execute events that celebrated Indonesia’s diverse culture. A key goal of our work was to create events that were not just festive, but also educational. We wanted to offer Auburn’s community, both local and international students, a chance to experience and understand our culture on a deeper level.

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I helped design presentations that introduced different regions of Indonesia, along with their distinct customs, languages, traditional attire, and belief systems. We also curated cultural booths during campus festivals and global expos, where we offered traditional foods, crafts, and visual displays.

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One of the most memorable parts of this role was organizing live traditional dance performances, from Yospan to modern adaptations of Papuan tribal dances. These performances gave us the chance to educate audiences through art, movement, and storytelling. It was always moving to see how students from around the world responded with curiosity and appreciation.

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Whether we were explaining the meaning behind a dance or the symbolism in a batik pattern, our mission was always clear: to promote understanding, break down stereotypes, and create a bridge between cultures.

President of AIS
August 2023 – August 2024

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As President, I had the honor of leading the organization and working alongside an incredible executive team.

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My responsibilities included:

• Setting strategic goals and managing overall planning and execution of events

• Representing the Indonesian student body in multicultural and international programming

• Partnering with other cultural organizations, university offices, and international networks

• Mentoring younger members and encouraging more active student participation

A major focus during my term was to continue expanding our cultural outreach. We continued giving interactive presentations in classrooms and public events, introducing attendees to Indonesian geography, daily life, and the values that shape our communities. We aimed to shift perspectives, not just entertain, but inform.

Through participation in events like International Cultural Café, ISO Night, and Global Community Day, we reached hundreds of students and faculty each semester. These events gave us the chance to share what makes Indonesia unique, and also relatable, through flavors, dances, games, and conversations.

My leadership style focused on empowering others, embracing collaboration, and nurturing a community that felt like home, especially for new international students adjusting to life in the U.S.

What This Experience Taught Me

Being part of AIS has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my time at Auburn. It taught me how to:

• Balance cultural identity with cross-cultural communication

• Lead with empathy and purpose

• Plan and execute events with lasting impact

• Build relationships across cultures, disciplines, and communities

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This journey deepened my passion for hospitality, education, and cultural connection, reminding me that every event is a chance to share, connect, and inspire.