Youngsters are currently faced with multiple challenges resulting from a rapidly changing word marked by the existence of globalization. They are also faced with the demand of not only performing well academically but also how they can prepare their future as prospective leaders.
To face the future, these youngsters need to prepare themselves to the fullest while still holding on to the vision of the nation. This is exactly what Asosiasi Perguruan Tinggi Katolik/Catholic University Association (APTIK) as a common duty of the members. Problem solving skill as well as accurate solutions born out of critical thinking, in addition to cooperative ability and willingness to serve, are the keys to becoming a good leader.
The gradually limitless world presents its own challenges due to the possibility of youngsters having external influence that may distort their identity as part of the Indonesian nation. Therefore, APTIK has decided to host the Intercultural Student Camp (ISC) with the purpose of developing social skills such as cooperation, communication, and conflict management. The event that was joined by university students from APTIK member universities was held from October 19 -22 2016 at the Royal Caravan Taws.
ISC featured with preparatory session concerning how to become a good leader in the current globalization era. In addition to material preparation, in order to nurture the spirit of leadership and its embedded vales, the participants were asked to participate in an outbound activity. This event was rounded of with a cultural night that displayed numerous traditional arts, performed by participants from diverse university origin.
In an interview with Henry Inert, one of the 7 students representing Parahyangan Catholic University (Unpar) who were joining the activity, he revealed that one of the main attractions is the presence of 2 inspiring young men, namely Reggaes Bhanuteja, a young director whose film “Prenjak” was awarded as one of the best short films in the 55 Semaine de la Critique at Cannes- France and Andri Rizki Putra, founder of Yayasan Pemimpin Anak Bangsa (YPAB) that organizes non-formal education for drop-outs. In his opinion, the arrival of these two young figures is a reflection of the reality that youngsters have the power to gain previously unthinkable skills and to contribute to the society.
Henry also stated that there are currently many youngsters who are close-minded, they are unaware of the fact that the knowledge they gain has to be devoted back to the society for the sake of mutual benefit. This is inline with Tridharma Perguruan Tinggi/Three Main Duties of Higher Education as well as Unpar’s vision ‘Bakuning Hyang Mrih Guna Santyaya Bhakti’. Shinta Dewi Lestari, a fellow participant of ISC APTIK confessed that this event has made her more familiar with the conditions of other areas as well as adding to her social network.
