National Figures Attend IABA Inauguration, Encourage British Alumni Synergy for Indonesia

MediaBantenCyber.co.id (MBC), Jakarta – A number of national figures attended the inauguration of the management of the Indonesian Association of British Alumni (IABA) for the 2025–2029 period in Jakarta, 14 February 2026. The presence of these state officials and senior alumni confirmed their strong support for the synergy of British alumni to contribute to Indonesia.

The inauguration was led directly by the elected General Chair, Triono Junoasmono, who guided the reading of the pledge of around 140 administrators from various universities in the United Kingdom. This momentum is an opportunity to consolidate and strengthen the UK alumni network across sectors.

Also present at the event were Constitutional Court Judge Arsul Sani, Chief of Presidential Staff M. Qodari, Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya, Deputy Minister of Finance Juda Agung, and Indonesian Ambassador to the United Kingdom Desra Believe. Their presence is considered to strengthen IABA’s position as a strategic forum for British alumni in supporting the national development agenda.

University of Warwick alumni, Tahir Musa Luthfi Yazid, expressed his appreciation for the smooth running of the inauguration event. He emphasized that IABA is ready to be a partner with the government and various stakeholders in encouraging collaboration in education, research and human resource development.

He also appreciated the role of three alumni who previously served as caretakers, namely Basilio Araujo, TM Luthfi Yazid, and Suyanto Mahdiputra, who had overseen the transition period until the formation of the new management.

In his speech, M. Qodari recalled his experience while studying at the University of Essex. He talked about the struggles of life as a student in England which shaped his resilience and global insight. According to him, British alumni have added values ​​that can be synergized for the benefit of the nation.

Likewise, Minister of Education Brian Yuliarto emphasized the importance of optimizing the advantages of British alumni, both in terms of academics, international experience and global networks, to support educational transformation and national development.

In line with President Prabowo Subianto’s vision of strengthening cooperation between Indonesian and British universities, IABA is committed to encouraging strategic collaboration that has a broad impact.

Closing the event, Chair of the IABA Supervisory Board Irnanda Laksanawan invited all administrators to maintain organizational solidity during the 2025–2029 period. He hopes that the synergy of British alumni can continue to be strengthened in order to make a real contribution to Indonesia. (*)