Indonesian Students Participated In
The International Project Citizen Showcase
More than 250 students from 31 countries gathered in U.S. nation's capital July 15 th - 17 th 2007 to conduct live demonstrations of a remarkable international civic education program called Project Citizen . The Center for Civic Education, which developed Project Citizen , is convening an International Project Citizen Showcase in Washington , DC to demonstrate how the Center's international programs equip young people to become effective democratic citizens.
This event was the very first international event which was held to celebrate the success of Project Citizen Program implementation around the world. Each student-team presented their Project Citizen portfolios. It described a public policy problem it has identified, present information the student-team has gathered about it, alternative solutions considered, the solution proposed by their class to address the public policy problem, and an action plan to carry that solution to the authorities with the power to implement it. Student portfolios were exhibited in Russel Senate Office Building .
Indonesian Team
Indonesia was represented by 8 best students and a civic education teacher from Muhammadiyah 7 Junior high school - Kotagede, Yogyakarta . A program coordinator from CCE Indonesia accompany the team as the chaperone.
The Indonesian Team's Project
The Decreased Production of Silver Crafts in Kotagede – Yogyakarta
Since the monetary crisis in 1997 when the Indonesian economy went into decline, the production and export of Indonesian silver has decreased. This problem has worsened since the government regulation No.43 was created in 2002. It stated that raw silver materials were given a ten percent value added tax. This caused many small silver industries to close. This condition affected the economic and social condition of people in the community of Kotagede in the city of Yogyakarta .
The students has approached various local organization, state and local governmental institutions in their research of this problem, such as silver businessmen, Silver Businessmen Cooperative, community leaders and even the chairman and several board member of People Representatives Council of Yogyakarta.
The Impact of the Project
The people of Kotagede, local organizations and state institution were really supporting on the students` project. It was shown with their good cooperation when the students come to have interview with them, collecting data and asking their opinion and concern to this community problem.
The project awaked the people that the problem was a big problem that have to solve immediately. It is not only crushing the people of Kotagede economy but also their culture and identity. The chairman of People Representatives Council of Yogyakarta has determine to bring the students project to national annual board meeting to erase the government regulation on 10 percent value added tax.
Pre-Departure Orientation
After a send off ceremony at Muhammadiyah 7 Junior high school who attended by the chairman of People Representatives Council of Yogyakarta, board members, Muhammadiyah`s officers in Yogyakarta, Education Department officers, students and parents of 8 participants and an hour flight from Yogyakarta, the Indonesian team arrived in Jakarta on Wednesday, 11 July 2007.
On Thursday, 12 July 2007 a pre-departure orientation was held at Muhammadiyah office where the students got more information about the program agenda and travel tips. A welcome speech by Yahya Muhaimin - the head of Muhammadiyah education board and input and comments from Michael Anderson – Counselor affairs attaché, U.S. Embassy and CCEI exchange alumnae, gave students more spirit after 6 months preparation.
The U.S. Trip
On Friday, 13 July 2007 the trip to Washington DC was begun. This trip was the first long trip for the students and they were very excited to every new experience that they would gain during the trip and the program. The first transit was in Bangkok and then in Tokyo . The tight flight schedule not allowed us to have a break. We automatically only changed from one flight to the next one.
On Saturday night 14 July 2007, after a 24 hours flight we finally arrived at Ronald Reagan National Airport . Alan Tavener and Curt Miles (part of Patrick Davidson production crew) were there to greet and shoot the students. We met them for the first time when they came to Yogyakarta to shoot the students for the project citizen documentary film “The World We Want”. Indonesia is selected to be one of the 8 countries which its project were filmed.
On The IPC Showcase Program
Sunday, 15 July 2007
The program is begun with a city tour to Mount Vernon - George Washington house. It gave us a short illustration of American history and how American struggle to be a nation. After that all participants were gathered to have a icebreaker. That was for the first time we met every delegation from around the world. We did a few games to introduce each team and country. After that while all chaperones and teachers got a briefing for the showcase, the students begun to make their portfolio. Indonesian team could finish the portfolio making at 8.00 o'clock, sooner than the other countries.
Monday, 16 July 2007
The keynote address was begun in the morning and Charles N. Quigley, executive director of Center for Civic Education, gave the first welcome speech and followed by some honored guest from U.S. Senate. We also have a chance to watch short clip of the Project Citizen documentary film. In the afternoon Indonesian team presented its portfolio in English and successfully answer the evaluators and audiences` questions. After that we have the second city tour. We visited the White House, Korean War Memorial and Lincoln Memorial. After that was the student talent show. All participants gathered and show their talent in singing and dancing. Here we saw many culture differences.
Tuesday, 17 July 2007
After joined a short film making with other 7 countries, we visited Indonesian embassy to meet Sudjadnan Parnohadiningrat, the ambassador of Republic of Indonesia . He welcomed us and gave a short speech about Indonesia – U.S. relationship and encourage the students to study and work hard for their future. The Ambassador also come from Yogyakarta , Indonesia .
In the afternoon, all participants went to Russel Senate office building on Capitol Hill. There we have a chance to meet U.S. Coordinators and senate members and explained our project. All portfolios were displayed there. At 8 o'clock at night the award ceremony was begun and Indonesian team was awarded the Superior Achievement Award. That night was closed with a celebration dance. Every student was dance to celebrate their success in the showcase and in their new friendship.
Wednesday, 18 July 2007
The showcase was over and we leave the Hyatt Regency hotel early in the morning. For Indonesian team it was a long-long trip back to Yogyakarta , Indonesia . Cheerful faces were shown by Indonesian students. They have gave the best effort and got the best appreciation for their work. A sentence that I can't forget was said by Bayu Setyawan (part of Indonesian team) about the impact of Project Citizen to his life: “I used to go home and take a nap after the school was over, but after I get involved with Project Citizen, I be more creative and can help my community”. 
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