UNAIR NEWS – Hayyundasari Brillianza Arintra, known as Arin, made her mark on the international stage with a valuable learning experience. The Universitas Airlangga sociology student represented Indonesia as a delegate at two global gatherings—the Regent Asia Summit (RAS) and the ASEAN Undergraduate Symposium (AUS). Both forums, held in Singapore, gave her the chance to exchange ideas with peers from around the world.
Exploring regeneration issue
At the forums, Arin engaged deeply with discussions on regeneration. She stressed that the issue is often misunderstood, with many assuming it means discarding local culture and wisdom in favor of what is considered more “modern.”
“For me, regeneration is not simply about creating something entirely new. It’s about respecting what already exists—values, traditions, even systems that have long endured—then bringing them back in a fresher, more relevant form that can serve the future,” she said.
Dialogue with indigenous communities
Arin’s experience was not limited to academic exchanges with students. She also had the chance to speak directly with indigenous communities in Singapore. During a visit to Black Sampan, she met the “sea people,” a group working to preserve their identity and traditions in the face of rapid social change.
“I had the opportunity to speak in an open forum and share stories from Trenggalek, the coastal village that shaped my life. I talked about my sociological research and the local wisdom I encountered there. I was touched to see people from many different countries listening so attentively. In that moment, I felt that the small voice of my village had truly reached the global stage,” Arin reflected.
“From RAS and AUS, I learned to step outside my comfort zone, to value differences, and to listen to the stories of others. The discipline, independence, and research skills I gained in Indonesia were key in helping me adapt to an international setting,” she concluded.
Author: Afifah Alfina
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
