On June 24–25, 2025, AMINEF hosted the Fulbright Awards Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) in Jakarta, welcoming 115 Indonesian grantees from six different Fulbright programs. Held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, the event provided guidance, support, and inspiration as grantees prepare to begin their academic, research, and teaching grants across the United States.
This year’s orientation carried special meaning. Despite uncertainties affecting international exchange programs, the resilience and relevance of Fulbright endure. The event also marked the first in-person PDO under AMINEF’s new executive director, Dr. Sandra Hamid—herself a Fulbright alumna—who welcomed participants with words of encouragement and reflection on the power of exchange.
The orientation began with a virtual session the week prior and continued with in-person activities over two days. The program opened with remarks by Dr. Sandra Hamid and Mr. Jason Rebholz, Public Affairs Officer at the US Embassy in Jakarta, followed by the formal introduction and recognition of the 2025 Indonesian Fulbright grantees.
Participants were introduced by program categories—Visiting Student, Visiting Scholar, Doctoral Degree, FLTA, DAI, and Scholar-in-Residence—and were recognized individually in front of fellow grantees, alums, and invited guests. Slides with each grantee’s name, field, and U.S. host institution accompanied the introductions. The session also featured the profiles of 14 American Fulbright grantees currently in Indonesia, shown on screen as part of an ongoing exchange of people and ideas between the two countries.
In response to evolving visa interview procedures, Ms. Anna Richey-Allen, Public Diplomacy Officer at the US Embassy in Jakarta, offered a brief impromptu session to share timely updates and address grantees’ questions, ensuring they felt supported and well-informed as they prepared for departure.
Adding to the joyful spirit of the day, a video featuring warm messages from Fulbright alums was shared, welcoming the new cohort and offering words of encouragement.
Throughout the PDO, grantees took part in a range of sessions to equip them for the academic and cultural transition ahead. All sessions were facilitated by Fulbright alums or current US Fulbright scholars in Indonesia. Sessions covered:
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Intercultural communication competence led by Dr. Sunny Lie Owens (Fulbright US Scholar), moderated by Fulbright alumna Dr. Yuseva Ariyani Iswandari.
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Adjusting to life in the US, with breakout tracks tailored to grantees’ programs—addressing topics from accommodation and budgeting to safety, family matters, and cross-cultural dynamics.
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Graduate study and research in the US, exploring academic expectations, institutional resources, and tips from alumni and US scholars.
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Planning travel and arrival logistics, including J-1 visa procedures, documentation, orientation programs, and campus onboarding.
The orientation culminated in a festive gala dinner celebrating Fulbright’s legacy of creativity, learning, and cross-cultural understanding. The evening’s keynote was delivered by filmmaker Ryan Adriandhy (2015 Fulbright MA at Rochester Institute of Technology), director of the animated hit JUMBO. The dinner also featured a performance by DeKa Musik Bambu, led by Dr. Endo Suanda (1981 Fulbright ASIR at Cornell), whose work with bamboo-based instruments reflects the Fulbright ethos: to experience, contribute, and inspire.
This year’s cohort includes:
As they embark on their journeys to campuses and communities across the US, these grantees carry with them not only academic ambitions but also the responsibility of representing the richness of Indonesia and the shared values of international exchange.
We extend our warmest wishes for a successful and meaningful Fulbright experience.
Note: After the orientation, one grantee did not continue in the program. A total of 115 Indonesian Fulbright grantees will depart for the US in 2025.
Last Updated: Aug 15, 2025 @ 2:17 pm
