Academic and Cross-Cultural Experience
During his study period in Belgium, Yafie made use of the opportunity not only to deepen his academic competence but also to broaden his perspective, build international networks, and gain cross-cultural experience. The multicultural academic environment at KU Leuven, combined with Belgium’s strategic geographical location in Europe, provided ample opportunities for exploration, both academically and in terms of personal development.

“Throughout the exchange program, I experienced a balanced learning process between academic pursuits and personal development. I learned to be more independent, disciplined, and accustomed to engaging in discussions from diverse perspectives,” Yafie said.

Engaging in Environmental Forums at the European Union Level
Yafie also actively participated in various public forums and environmental-themed events during his exchange. Brussels’ role as the administrative center of the European Union provided him with direct access to international environmental policy discussions.

One of the most memorable experiences for Yafie was attending a meeting at the European Parliament, Brussels, on Wednesday (12/11/2025). The meeting, titled “Rights, Risks and Resilience: Strengthening Protections for Environmental Defenders”, was organized by the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), the largest environmental network in Europe representing hundreds of civil society organizations.

The forum addressed issues related to the protection of environmental defenders in the context of environmental policy advocacy across countries. Environmental activists from various nations shared testimonies regarding the challenges they face, including Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP), public intimidation, and threats to personal safety.

The discussion also highlighted the implementation of the Aarhus Convention, a United Nations convention that guarantees public rights to access information, participate in decision-making processes, and seek justice in environmental matters.

Reflections on Environmental Policy
Attending a parliamentary meeting at one of the world’s largest policymaking institutions was a first-time experience for Yafie. He noted that the experience provided him with direct insight into how environmental issues are systematically discussed at the international policy level and how civil society voices are accommodated within legislative processes.

“This forum made me realize that the existence of regulations alone is not sufficient. Environmental policies will only be effective if they are accompanied by strong law enforcement and concrete protection for environmental defenders,” he explained.

As an Environmental Engineering student, Yafie reflected on Indonesia’s situation, which already has a regulatory framework through Law No. 32 of 2009 on Environmental Protection and Management. However, he emphasized that challenges related to implementation and law enforcement still require collective attention to ensure the effectiveness of environmental policies.

Learning Beyond the Classroom
Through the GE3 program and ITB’s support for various internationalization initiatives in education, Yafie gained access to contextual and strategic learning experiences. His participation in a European Parliament meeting and engagement within an international academic environment underscored that learning does not take place solely in classrooms, but also in policy arenas and public dialogues that shape the future of the environment and sustainable development.