Hana Loka Kusuma Prameswari, a postgraduate student at the Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (SPS UGM), won third place in the Asia-Pacific-level Young Leaders Speak-Up Forum at the Asia Pacific Leaders Summit (APLS) 2026. The event was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from September 24th–26th 2026.
Hana, a student in the Performing Arts and Visual ArtsMaster’s Program at SPS UGM, was one of 25 young leaders representing 11 countries at the international leadership forum organized by the Asia Pacific Leaders Initiative under Studec International.
In the competition, Hana presented the idea of local arts and culture as a medium for learning, collaboration, and youth empowerment. Her idea aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 on Quality Education and Goal 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities. Hana secured third place, following the delegate from Nigeria, who won first place, and the delegate from Cambodia, who came in second.
Hana, in addition to competing, also introduced Indonesian culture with a performance of the Indonesian Peacock Dance (Tari Merak Indonesia) during the cultural exchange session. She also explained the background of the dance to delegates from various countries as part of her effort to promote Indonesian performing arts on the international stage.
Hana’s participation in APLS 2026 demonstrated that arts and culture serve not only as expressions of identity but also as tools for education, cross-cultural collaboration, and community empowerment.
SPS UGM appreciates Hana’s achievement in bringing Indonesian arts and cultural perspectives to an international youth forum. This accomplishment is expected to inspire students to deepen their academic knowledge, expand global networks, and contribute to society with arts and culture.
Writer: Arfikai
News source: Hana