(Jakarta, Itjen Kemendikdasmen) – The Indonesian debate team achieved a remarkable milestone at the 2025 World Universities Debating Championship (WUDC) held in Panama City, Panama, from December 27, 2024, to January 4, 2025. Representing Indonesia, Jennifer Marcellyn Cen and Rachel Chen from Bina Nusantara University (BINUS) secured the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Champion title. Jennifer further distinguished herself by being named the EFL Finals Best Speaker, earning the prestigious Boby Andika Ruitang Award.
This global competition brought together 229 teams from 111 universities across 40 countries. In the finals, Jennifer and Rachel triumphed over formidable opponents from Rosario University (Colombia), the University of Sao Paulo (Brazil), and Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey (Mexico). Jennifer expressed her pride and gratitude, emphasizing the significance of teamwork and external support in their success. “We are incredibly proud to represent Indonesia on the global stage. This victory is a testament to our hard work and the unwavering support from so many people,” she stated.
As the team returned home, they were warmly welcomed at Soekarno Hatta International Airport on January 7, 2025, by Maria Veronica Irene Herdjiono, Head of the National Achievement Center (Puspresnas). Maria highlighted the broader implications of their achievement, noting that it underscored Indonesia’s ability to compete globally when equipped with the right guidance and relentless determination. “This accomplishment demonstrates that with proper coaching and a strong spirit, Indonesian students can excel on the world stage,” she remarked.
The road to victory was paved with meticulous preparation facilitated by Puspresnas through initiatives like the 2024 National University Debating Championship (NUDC). Teams representing Indonesia underwent a rigorous selection process and two phases of intensive training. Apart from BINUS, the Indonesian contingent included representatives from the Christian University of Indonesia (UKI), with Fransiska Anastasia Hutabarat and Ramazan Bayram Sofiano also taking part in the prestigious event.
Tengku Omar Azfar Haqqani from the English Speaking Union (ESU) at Padjadjaran University, who served as a mentor for the Indonesian delegation, elaborated on the holistic nature of their preparation. “Our training programs are not solely about honing debating skills; they also focus on building confidence to navigate the challenges of a global competition,” he explained.
Rachel Chen, Jennifer’s teammate, shared insights into the hurdles they faced, particularly competing against teams from countries where English is the primary language. “The greatest challenge was overcoming our own self-doubt, but confidence and thorough preparation were the keys to our success. This experience has been invaluable and inspires us to keep striving for excellence,” she said.
The WUDC, renowned as the largest debating competition in the world, employs the British Parliamentary debate format. Participants must navigate nine rigorous preliminary rounds before advancing to the elimination stages. Indonesia’s accomplishments at this prestigious event not only bring pride to the nation but also solidify its status as a formidable contender in the realm of global academic debate.
This monumental achievement has set a tone of optimism and pride for Indonesia at the dawn of 2025, showcasing the exceptional capabilities of its youth. As the torchbearers of the nation’s aspirations, these young talents reaffirm the limitless potential of Indonesia to make an impact on the global stage.
