An International Relations of Universitas Muhamamdiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) of batch 2015 Nur Indah Setia Rini won a prize to travel to the People’s Republic of China. She became the winner of an essay writing competition, Write to China, organized by Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia collaborating with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Jakarta. The competition aimed to enhance Indonesian students’ understanding of the People’s Republic of China and bilateral relations between the country and Indonesia. The essay writing also provided Indonesian students an occasion to participate in diplomacy of people to people between the People’s Republic of China and Indonesia.

In an interview on Wednesday (11/4) at student hall of IPIREL of UMY, Rini told the competition procedures. First, the participants who were Indonesian students should register and upload their essay written in English with the theme of ‘What Indonesian Youth Think about China.’ Then, 35 participants were selected to have a phone interview.

“I wrote an essay on diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and several partner countries using panda. Most people think that panda are a cute animal in a zoo without recognizing that panda are an instrument of diplomacy of the People’s Republic of China,” stated Rini.

She added that the People’s Republic of China believes that panda bring luck and are a symbol of peace and friendship. “A few countries are lent panda by the People’s Republic of China,” revealed Rini.

Through joining the competition, she expected all UMY students, particularly International Relations students, to take every single opportunity since it may lead to reach their dreams. “Students should always strive to achieve their goals,” emphasized Rini. As an international relations student, she also said that diplomacy is a part of learning.