On 24-25 November 2023, Indonesia welcomed a rare visit from a member of the British royal family, Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh. The purpose of the Prince’s visit was to personally present young Indonesians with ‘The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award’.
The awards presentation took place on 24 November 2023 at British School Jakarta, which has welcomed British royalty to its grounds before. After a tour of the school, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh presented the International Award to 23 young students who achieved the ‘Gold Award’ in the learning program. These awardees came from different areas of Indonesia, including Pondok Pesantren Pabelan in Central Java, Purna Paskibraka Indonesia Bandung in West Java, and alumni of the BPK Penabur School Foundation.
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh met with many young Indonesian awardees who had participated in the programme from across the country, including from Jabodetabek, Bandung, Surabaya, Semarang, Bali, Magelang and beyond – all celebrating their achievements.
“These young people who come up and collect their rewards, you know better than I what they have done to get here and to achieve them. And I hope, as all leaders particularly in this proud moment, thank you for what you do and I hope we’ll continue to do more for more young people in the future and keep up the brilliant work. Thank you very much.” said HRH The Duke of Edinburgh when delivering his speech at the awarding ceremony.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a non-formal learning and education programme for available to those aged 14-24 years old. It is the world’s leading youth achievement award which comprises three levels, namely Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Participants design their Award programme, set their own goals and record their progress. They choose a Service, Physical Recreation, or Skills activity, go on an Adventurous Journey and, to achieve a Gold Award, take part in a Residential Project. The only person they compete against is themselves. Special Projects funding supports young people from minority groups, who are experiencing challenges, to enable an equal opportunity and access to the Award for all.
The award was first introduced in Indonesia in 1993 and has benefited over 30,000 young people in the country. The award aims to provide life-changing experiences for young people in developing new skills, volunteering in their communities and being physically active. This will help them build confidence and resilience through group work and gain valuable leadership experience.
British Ambassador to Indonesia H.E. Dominic Jermey said, “On behalf of all the people of the United Kingdom, and many Indonesians, I am delighted to welcome His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh to this great country. It is wonderful to see so many young people, Indonesia’s future leaders, celebrating their achievements with His Royal Highness, as they complete their own unique Award programmes.”
National Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Indonesian Ambassador Nadjib Riphat Kesoema said, “With the ever-increasing world challenges facing today’s young people, this Award, which will enhance their personal potential and much-needed skills, is vital to face the future with confidence, and help them realise their goals, desires and position themselves to be clear and ready for a globalised world. Many leaders have already achieved their achievements and dreams thanks to the Awards and its hosting partners, but we hope that even more young Indonesians will have the opportunity to develop their talents and realise their limitless potential.”
The following day, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh met with talented Indonesian artists and designers at Museum MACAN and made a pilgrimage to the graves of British soldiers in Menteng Pulo.
