From East Jakarta to Tokyo: The Inspiring Journey of Two Young Humanitarians
CERITARELAWAN.com, JAKARTA — Opportunities to represent one’s community on an international stage do not come every day. Even fewer young people have the chance to travel abroad not as athletes or academic competitors, but as ambassadors of humanity.
That opportunity has now been granted to Amirah Salsabila of SMAN 81 Jakarta and Kevin El-Aqsha Hartono Mohamad of SMAN 61 Jakarta. The two members of Indonesia’s Red Cross Youth (Palang Merah Remaja/PMR) have been selected to participate in the International Youth Exchange Program with the Japanese Red Cross, scheduled to take place in Tokyo, Japan, from November 5 to 11, 2026.
For many teenagers, a trip to Japan might mean exploring a new culture, experiencing cutting-edge technology, or visiting world-famous landmarks. For Amirah and Kevin, however, this journey carries a far deeper meaning. They will travel as representatives of East Jakarta, bringing with them the values of volunteerism, friendship, and humanitarian service cultivated through years of involvement in Red Cross Youth activities.
Their departure received official support from the East Jakarta City Administration, which hosted a farewell audience with the Mayor of East Jakarta on November 2, 2026. The event symbolized not only recognition of their achievement but also confidence in the potential of young people to become future leaders in humanitarian action.
More than an international visit, this journey is an opportunity for learning, growth, and cultural exchange. It is designed to broaden perspectives, strengthen intercultural understanding, and inspire a new generation of young volunteers committed to making a difference in their communities.
CERITARELAWAN.com, JAKARTA — Opportunities to represent one’s community on an international stage do not come every day. Even fewer young people have the chance to travel abroad not as athletes or academic competitors, but as ambassadors of humanity.
That opportunity has now been granted to Amirah Salsabila of SMAN 81 Jakarta and Kevin El-Aqsha Hartono Mohamad of SMAN 61 Jakarta. The two members of Indonesia’s Red Cross Youth (Palang Merah Remaja/PMR) have been selected to participate in the International Youth Exchange Program with the Japanese Red Cross, scheduled to take place in Tokyo, Japan, from November 5 to 11, 2026.
For many teenagers, a trip to Japan might mean exploring a new culture, experiencing cutting-edge technology, or visiting world-famous landmarks. For Amirah and Kevin, however, this journey carries a far deeper meaning. They will travel as representatives of East Jakarta, bringing with them the values of volunteerism, friendship, and humanitarian service cultivated through years of involvement in Red Cross Youth activities.
Their departure received official support from the East Jakarta City Administration, which hosted a farewell audience with the Mayor of East Jakarta on November 2, 2026. The event symbolized not only recognition of their achievement but also confidence in the potential of young people to become future leaders in humanitarian action.
More than an international visit, this journey is an opportunity for learning, growth, and cultural exchange. It is designed to broaden perspectives, strengthen intercultural understanding, and inspire a new generation of young volunteers committed to making a difference in their communities.
A Journey That Began at School
Neither Amirah nor Kevin reached this opportunity overnight.
Like thousands of Red Cross Youth members across Indonesia, they began their journey through school-based activities focused on health education, first aid, leadership, teamwork, and community service.
What may appear to be ordinary extracurricular activities often serve as powerful foundations for character development. Through PMR, students learn responsibility, empathy, discipline, and the importance of helping others without discrimination.
They discover that humanitarian work is not limited to responding to emergencies or disasters. It is also about caring for people in everyday life, promoting healthy habits, strengthening communities, and creating positive change wherever possible.
These experiences gradually shape young volunteers into individuals who understand that humanity transcends differences in nationality, religion, ethnicity, and social background.
For Amirah and Kevin, those lessons have now opened the door to an international opportunity that many young people only dream of.
Neither Amirah nor Kevin reached this opportunity overnight.
Like thousands of Red Cross Youth members across Indonesia, they began their journey through school-based activities focused on health education, first aid, leadership, teamwork, and community service.
What may appear to be ordinary extracurricular activities often serve as powerful foundations for character development. Through PMR, students learn responsibility, empathy, discipline, and the importance of helping others without discrimination.
They discover that humanitarian work is not limited to responding to emergencies or disasters. It is also about caring for people in everyday life, promoting healthy habits, strengthening communities, and creating positive change wherever possible.
These experiences gradually shape young volunteers into individuals who understand that humanity transcends differences in nationality, religion, ethnicity, and social background.
For Amirah and Kevin, those lessons have now opened the door to an international opportunity that many young people only dream of.
Support from Family, Schools, and the Indonesian Red Cross
The farewell event in East Jakarta brought together many of the individuals who played an important role in supporting the two participants.
Parents stood proudly beside their children as they prepared for a life-changing experience abroad. School principals and PMR advisors celebrated a milestone that reflected years of commitment, guidance, and encouragement.
Representatives from the education sector also attended, reaffirming their support for youth development and international learning opportunities.
Meanwhile, the East Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) was represented by its chairperson, board members, and staff overseeing youth and volunteer development.
Their presence conveyed a powerful message: success is rarely achieved alone.
Behind every achievement stands a network of people who provide encouragement, mentorship, and opportunities for growth. Families, educators, community leaders, and humanitarian organizations all contribute to helping young people realize their potential.
The selection of Amirah and Kevin demonstrates how sustained investment in youth development can produce remarkable outcomes and create opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.
The farewell event in East Jakarta brought together many of the individuals who played an important role in supporting the two participants.
Parents stood proudly beside their children as they prepared for a life-changing experience abroad. School principals and PMR advisors celebrated a milestone that reflected years of commitment, guidance, and encouragement.
Representatives from the education sector also attended, reaffirming their support for youth development and international learning opportunities.
Meanwhile, the East Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) was represented by its chairperson, board members, and staff overseeing youth and volunteer development.
Their presence conveyed a powerful message: success is rarely achieved alone.
Behind every achievement stands a network of people who provide encouragement, mentorship, and opportunities for growth. Families, educators, community leaders, and humanitarian organizations all contribute to helping young people realize their potential.
The selection of Amirah and Kevin demonstrates how sustained investment in youth development can produce remarkable outcomes and create opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.
Learning Humanity Beyond Borders
The International Youth Exchange Program is designed to strengthen friendship and humanitarian cooperation between the Indonesian Red Cross and the Japanese Red Cross.
During their stay in Tokyo, participants will take part in educational and cultural activities while meeting members of the Japanese Youth Red Cross.
The program will provide opportunities to exchange ideas, discuss humanitarian challenges, and explore how young volunteers contribute to their communities in different countries.
They will experience Japanese culture firsthand while also sharing Indonesia’s own experiences in youth engagement and humanitarian action.
Perhaps most importantly, they will learn that although languages, traditions, and lifestyles may differ, compassion remains a universal value.
Young people from different parts of the world often share similar aspirations: helping others, building stronger communities, and contributing positively to society. Programs like this create spaces where those shared aspirations can thrive.
The International Youth Exchange Program is designed to strengthen friendship and humanitarian cooperation between the Indonesian Red Cross and the Japanese Red Cross.
During their stay in Tokyo, participants will take part in educational and cultural activities while meeting members of the Japanese Youth Red Cross.
The program will provide opportunities to exchange ideas, discuss humanitarian challenges, and explore how young volunteers contribute to their communities in different countries.
They will experience Japanese culture firsthand while also sharing Indonesia’s own experiences in youth engagement and humanitarian action.
Perhaps most importantly, they will learn that although languages, traditions, and lifestyles may differ, compassion remains a universal value.
Young people from different parts of the world often share similar aspirations: helping others, building stronger communities, and contributing positively to society. Programs like this create spaces where those shared aspirations can thrive.
Strengthening a Growing Friendship Between Indonesia and Japan
This year’s exchange program also continues a growing partnership between youth volunteers in Indonesia and Japan.
In 2025, members of the Japanese Youth Red Cross visited Indonesia as part of a reciprocal exchange initiative. Their visit provided valuable opportunities to learn about Indonesian culture, humanitarian programs, and community-based volunteerism.
Now, in 2026, members of Indonesia’s Red Cross Youth will undertake a reciprocal visit to Japan.
This exchange creates a two-way learning experience. Rather than being a one-sided educational program, it allows both groups to learn from one another as equal partners.
Indonesian participants will gain valuable insights into Japan’s approaches to education, disaster preparedness, and youth engagement. At the same time, they will share Indonesia’s traditions of solidarity, cooperation, and volunteer service.
Such interactions often become the foundation for lasting friendships and future international collaboration.
This year’s exchange program also continues a growing partnership between youth volunteers in Indonesia and Japan.
In 2025, members of the Japanese Youth Red Cross visited Indonesia as part of a reciprocal exchange initiative. Their visit provided valuable opportunities to learn about Indonesian culture, humanitarian programs, and community-based volunteerism.
Now, in 2026, members of Indonesia’s Red Cross Youth will undertake a reciprocal visit to Japan.
This exchange creates a two-way learning experience. Rather than being a one-sided educational program, it allows both groups to learn from one another as equal partners.
Indonesian participants will gain valuable insights into Japan’s approaches to education, disaster preparedness, and youth engagement. At the same time, they will share Indonesia’s traditions of solidarity, cooperation, and volunteer service.
Such interactions often become the foundation for lasting friendships and future international collaboration.
Turning Experience into Inspiration
For Amirah and Kevin, the impact of this exchange program will not end when they return home.
In many ways, its most meaningful chapter may begin afterward.
The experiences, lessons, and friendships they gain in Japan can be shared with fellow students, Red Cross Youth members, and local communities throughout East Jakarta.
Whether through school presentations, volunteer training sessions, community outreach programs, or youth forums, their stories can inspire others to become more actively involved in humanitarian work.
Young people are often inspired by the achievements of their peers. Seeing fellow students participate in an international program can encourage others to pursue leadership opportunities, engage in volunteer activities, and develop a stronger sense of social responsibility.
This ripple effect is one of the most valuable outcomes of youth exchange programs.
The benefits extend far beyond the individuals who travel. They reach schools, organizations, families, and communities that become part of the broader learning experience.
For Amirah and Kevin, the impact of this exchange program will not end when they return home.
In many ways, its most meaningful chapter may begin afterward.
The experiences, lessons, and friendships they gain in Japan can be shared with fellow students, Red Cross Youth members, and local communities throughout East Jakarta.
Whether through school presentations, volunteer training sessions, community outreach programs, or youth forums, their stories can inspire others to become more actively involved in humanitarian work.
Young people are often inspired by the achievements of their peers. Seeing fellow students participate in an international program can encourage others to pursue leadership opportunities, engage in volunteer activities, and develop a stronger sense of social responsibility.
This ripple effect is one of the most valuable outcomes of youth exchange programs.
The benefits extend far beyond the individuals who travel. They reach schools, organizations, families, and communities that become part of the broader learning experience.
Keeping the Spirit of Humanity Alive
In a rapidly changing world, compassion remains one of society’s most essential values.
Communities continue to need people who care. Humanitarian organizations continue to need young volunteers who are ready to contribute. And the world continues to need future leaders who understand the importance of helping others.
Through Red Cross Youth, these values are passed on to a new generation.
The story of Amirah Salsabila and Kevin El-Aqsha Hartono Mohamad demonstrates that volunteerism and achievement can go hand in hand. Their success shows that dedication to service is not a distraction from personal growth. Rather, it can become a pathway to broader opportunities, deeper understanding, and meaningful experiences.
Their journey from school PMR activities in East Jakarta to an international humanitarian exchange in Tokyo proves that small acts of commitment can open remarkable doors.
As they prepare to represent Indonesia in Japan, they carry more than passports and travel documents. They carry the hopes of their schools, the support of their communities, and the humanitarian values that unite young people across nations.
When they return, they are expected to bring back far more than memories. They will return with new knowledge, broader perspectives, international friendships, and renewed motivation to serve others.
And in doing so, they will help ensure that the spirit of humanity continues to inspire future generations far beyond the borders of Indonesia and Japan.
Writers: Opi / Abas
Editor: Editorial Team
In a rapidly changing world, compassion remains one of society’s most essential values.
Communities continue to need people who care. Humanitarian organizations continue to need young volunteers who are ready to contribute. And the world continues to need future leaders who understand the importance of helping others.
Through Red Cross Youth, these values are passed on to a new generation.
The story of Amirah Salsabila and Kevin El-Aqsha Hartono Mohamad demonstrates that volunteerism and achievement can go hand in hand. Their success shows that dedication to service is not a distraction from personal growth. Rather, it can become a pathway to broader opportunities, deeper understanding, and meaningful experiences.
Their journey from school PMR activities in East Jakarta to an international humanitarian exchange in Tokyo proves that small acts of commitment can open remarkable doors.
As they prepare to represent Indonesia in Japan, they carry more than passports and travel documents. They carry the hopes of their schools, the support of their communities, and the humanitarian values that unite young people across nations.
When they return, they are expected to bring back far more than memories. They will return with new knowledge, broader perspectives, international friendships, and renewed motivation to serve others.
And in doing so, they will help ensure that the spirit of humanity continues to inspire future generations far beyond the borders of Indonesia and Japan.
Writers: Opi / Abas
Editor: Editorial Team
