Moderator Endang Septryani Sari, Daystar University student Diana Makori, Refaya Fresy Cinta Betah (student – President University in Indonesia, Ambassador of Republic of Indonesia to Kenya Witjaksono Adji, Daystar University Head of Dept. Peace & International Studies Dr. Justus Musya, Daystar University student Dalmas Bukasu Atsowa and Alisha Nailah Kusnandar student from Indonesia University pose for a photo after the event
Young leaders from Kenya and Indonesia gathered in Nairobi for a high-level youth dialogue aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations through leadership, innovation and cultural exchange.
The 2026 Youth-to-Youth Dialogue, hosted at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, brought together students, young professionals and youth leaders under the theme “Bridging Indonesia and Kenya through Youth Leadership for Global Impact.”
The forum focused on how young people can shape global conversations and build sustainable partnerships across borders, while also deepening diplomatic and cultural relations between Kenya and Indonesia.
Speaking during the event, Indonesian Ambassador to Kenya Witjaksono Adji said the dialogue offered young people from both countries a direct platform to engage, exchange ideas and learn from one another.
“Through this forum, I hope Indonesian and Kenyan students can speak openly about the issues they care about, the values they stand for, and the actions they are taking in their communities,” said Ambassador Adji.
“I hope this dialogue can open new friendships and inspire practical cooperation beyond today’s event,” he added.
Ambassador of Republic of Indonesia to Kenya Witjaksono Adji, giving a keynote speech during the event
He urged participants to ensure the discussions extended beyond the conference room and inspired long-term cooperation between youth organisations, universities and innovators from both countries.
The event featured panel discussions, cultural showcases and interactive sessions focusing on climate action, digital innovation, peacebuilding and youth inclusion in leadership spaces.
Daystar University students Diana Gesare Makori and Dalmas Bukasu Atsowa described the forum as a major step in empowering young voices in international affairs.
“We as students appreciate the initiative by the embassy to include Daystar University in their pilot youth dialogue, and it’s a good opportunity to open up Kenyan and Indonesian students and advance diplomacy,” said Makori.
She added that the exchange helped participants appreciate different cultures while identifying shared challenges facing young people globally, including unemployment, access to education and mental health awareness.
Indonesian participants Refa Fresy Cinta Betah and Alisha Nailah Kusnandar also underscored the importance of dialogue in building understanding among young people from diverse backgrounds.
“This dialogue reminds us that young people can build bridges between nations and that diversity brings us together,” they said.
Daystar University Head of Department for Peace and International Studies Dr Justus Musya praised the Indonesian Embassy for supporting partnerships between universities and institutions across Indonesia, Kenya and the ASEAN region.
“When universities and diplomatic missions create spaces for intercultural engagement, they nurture a generation capable of solving shared global challenges together,” he said.
The dialogue concluded with a symbolic “Commitment of Hope” activity, where participants pledged to champion peace, inclusivity and stronger ties between Kenya and Indonesia
