Yogyakarta, 12 September 2025 — The International Relations Student Corps (KOMAHI) of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIPOL) at Universitas Gadjah Mada officially opened the International Relations English Competition (IREC) 2025, a prestigious annual event for high school students across Indonesia. Over three days, from 12–14 September 2025, participants showcase their English proficiency while deepening their understanding of pressing global issues.
The event began with a keynote lecture by Arief Rizky Bakhtiar, Senior Officer for Analysis and Monitoring on Trade, Industry, and Emerging Issues at ASEAN, who offered insightful perspectives on regional trade dynamics, industry trends, and key strategic issues.
A variety of competitions provided a stage for talent and ideas, including debate, storytelling, news casting, speech, and short story writing. The topics addressed contemporary global challenges such as economics, public health policy, artificial intelligence regulation, social media privacy, and other relevant social issues.
As the host, FISIPOL UGM warmly welcomed and fully supported the event, reflecting the faculty’s core values of innovation, inclusivity, and social responsibility. IREC 2025 is expected to cultivate a generation of young people who are critical thinkers, adaptable, and responsive to global challenges, while also demonstrating FISIPOL’s commitment to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
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SDG 4 – Quality Education: enhancing education quality by fostering language skills, critical thinking, and global awareness.
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SDG 5 – Gender Equality: ensuring equal opportunities for all participants, regardless of gender, to compete and excel.
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SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: providing equal access for students from diverse regions to participate on a national stage.
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SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: promoting understanding of peace, justice, and good governance through the competition’s global themes.
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SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: strengthening networks between schools, universities, and international organizations.
Through IREC 2025, KOMAHI FISIPOL UGM underscores its dedication to empowering Indonesia’s young generation to speak out on the international stage and emerge as future leaders equipped to navigate change with a sustainable perspective.