Chosen for Japan, Two Young Volunteers from East Jakarta Carry a Story of Humanity

LINTAS6.com, JAKARTA — The selection of two students from East Jakarta to join an international humanitarian exchange program has become a source of pride for the education community and humanitarian movement in the Indonesian capital.

Amirah Salsabila from SMAN 81 Jakarta and Kevin El-Aqsha Hartono Mohamad from SMAN 61 Jakarta have officially been selected to participate in the International Youth Exchange Program with the Japanese Red Cross, which will take place in Tokyo, Japan, from November 5 to 11, 2026.

The two students are part of a 16-member delegation from the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) of Jakarta Province. The delegation consists of 12 junior and senior high school students, accompanied by four mentors representing teachers, PMI staff, and PMI Jakarta officials.

Before their departure, both participants received direct support from the East Jakarta City Administration during an official audience and send-off ceremony held at the East Jakarta Mayor’s Office on November 2, 2026.

More than a simple overseas trip, the program serves as a platform for learning, cultural exchange, and personal growth. It allows young Indonesians to expand their international perspectives, build friendships across borders, and strengthen the humanitarian values they have developed through their involvement in Red Cross Youth activities.

For East Jakarta, the selection of Amirah and Kevin demonstrates how youth development and character-building programs can prepare young people to participate confidently on the international stage.

A Rare Learning Opportunity for Young Volunteers

The International Youth Exchange Program with the Japanese Red Cross is designed to bring together young Red Cross members from different backgrounds and cultures.

Through the program, participants will not only explore Japanese culture but also take part in educational activities focused on leadership, teamwork, humanitarian service, and youth development.

During their stay in Tokyo, participants will engage directly with members of the Japanese Youth Red Cross and learn about various humanitarian initiatives implemented in Japan.

As representatives of East Jakarta and Indonesia, Amirah and Kevin will share their own experiences as Red Cross Youth members while learning from the practices and perspectives of volunteers in another country.

Opportunities like this provide valuable real-world learning experiences that are difficult to replicate in a classroom environment.

Beyond gaining new knowledge, participants will also learn how young people around the world contribute to social causes and humanitarian initiatives within their communities.

The international exposure gained through the exchange is expected to become an important asset for their future personal and professional development.

Strong Support from Schools, Families, and PMI

The success of Amirah and Kevin in reaching the international level is the result of support from many different stakeholders.

The audience with the Mayor of East Jakarta was attended by the participants’ parents, school principals, PMR advisors, education officials from Duren Sawit and Makasar districts, and representatives from the East Jakarta Education Office.

Their presence highlighted the importance of collaboration in nurturing young talent.

Representatives from PMI East Jakarta, including the chairman, board members, youth development officials, and staff, also attended the event.

The support demonstrated by families, schools, government institutions, and PMI reflects a shared commitment to creating opportunities for young people to grow and excel.

Many Red Cross Youth members begin their journey through simple school activities before gradually developing into young volunteers capable of contributing to broader humanitarian efforts.

The achievements of Amirah and Kevin serve as a reminder that meaningful opportunities often begin with active participation and dedication.

Youth Exchange as a Tool for Character Development

In today’s globalized world, academic achievement alone is no longer enough.

Young people are increasingly expected to possess strong communication skills, leadership abilities, adaptability, and cross-cultural understanding.

Youth exchange programs provide one of the most effective platforms for developing these qualities.

By interacting directly with participants from different countries, Red Cross Youth members learn to appreciate cultural diversity, understand new perspectives, and build international networks.

The ability to collaborate in multicultural environments is a significant advantage that will benefit participants throughout their educational and professional journeys.

For Red Cross Youth members, the learning experience becomes even more meaningful because it is grounded in humanitarian values.

They travel not only as students but also as young volunteers carrying a message of solidarity, compassion, and service.

These values form an essential foundation for building inclusive and caring communities capable of addressing social challenges together.

Strengthening Friendship Between Indonesia and Japan

The exchange program also plays an important role in strengthening people-to-people relations between Indonesia and Japan.

For years, the two countries have cooperated in various fields, including education, technology, culture, and humanitarian work.

In 2025, members of the Japanese Youth Red Cross visited Indonesia as part of a reciprocal exchange initiative.

Now, in 2026, Indonesian Red Cross Youth members have the opportunity to make a return visit to Japan.

This two-way exchange creates mutual learning opportunities for both countries.

Indonesian participants can learn about Japan’s approaches to education, volunteerism, and community engagement, while Japanese participants gain insights into Indonesia’s spirit of cooperation and community-based humanitarian action.

Such programs contribute to long-term people-to-people connections that can evolve into future collaborations among young leaders, professionals, and humanitarian volunteers.

Bringing Knowledge Back to Schools and Communities

One of the most significant benefits of a youth exchange program is its lasting impact after participants return home.

The knowledge, experiences, and insights gained during the visit do not remain solely with the participants.

Instead, they can be shared with fellow students, Red Cross Youth members, youth organizations, and local communities.

Through presentations, workshops, training sessions, and community activities, participants can pass on what they have learned to a wider audience.

This multiplier effect is what makes youth exchange programs especially valuable.

PMI East Jakarta hopes that Amirah and Kevin will inspire other young people to pursue personal growth, participate in humanitarian activities, and seek opportunities to broaden their horizons.

In this way, the benefits of the program will continue long after the delegation returns from Japan.

Encouraging Youth Participation in Humanitarian Activities

At a time when rapid technological and social changes continue to shape society, positive youth engagement has become increasingly important.

Red Cross Youth remains one of the most effective platforms for promoting social awareness and civic responsibility among students.

Through activities such as blood donation campaigns, health education, disaster preparedness training, first aid, and community outreach programs, members develop a deeper understanding of service and social responsibility.

The participation of East Jakarta Red Cross Youth members in an international exchange program demonstrates how extracurricular activities can open doors to extraordinary opportunities.

The achievements of Amirah and Kevin send a powerful message to students everywhere: active involvement in humanitarian and community service activities can contribute significantly to personal growth and future success.

Beyond gaining experience, participants develop leadership qualities, interpersonal skills, and a global perspective that will remain valuable throughout their lives.

Carrying East Jakarta’s Humanitarian Spirit to the World

For East Jakarta, the departure of Amirah Salsabila and Kevin El-Aqsha Hartono Mohamad represents a moment of pride.

Their selection highlights the ability of Indonesian youth to participate meaningfully in international programs and contribute to global dialogue on humanitarian issues.

Throughout the exchange, they will share stories about volunteerism, community service, and the positive impact of Red Cross Youth activities in Indonesia.

More importantly, they will help strengthen friendships between nations while inspiring other young people to embrace learning, leadership, and service.

Their journey demonstrates that humanity knows no borders.

From East Jakarta to Tokyo, these two young volunteers carry a simple yet powerful message: compassion has the ability to connect people across cultures, countries, and communities, creating a better future for everyone.

Writers: Opi / Abas
Editor: Editorial Team