More than a youth program, the Intaward Indonesia has become a movement that empowers young Indonesians to dream beyond boundaries.
As the world marked International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Indonesia (operated locally by PT DOE Intaward Indonesia) reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity, celebrating the achievements of young people who continue to break barriers and inspire change.
A Global Movement Rooted in Local Stories
The Award, founded in the United Kingdom and now present in more than 130 countries, has long been recognised as a transformative program for youth aged 14 to 24. In Indonesia, its mission resonates strongly: to empower young people to discover their purpose, passion, and role in society. What makes the local chapter distinctive is its emphasis on inclusivity — ensuring that every young person, regardless of background or ability, can embark on the Award journey.
National Director The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Indonesia, Aurina Setyawitta explains, “The Award is for every young person. It is inclusive by design. Whether they are in school, university, or part of a community organisation, they can participate and grow through the program.”
Petty Elliott, board of patrons of DOE Intaward Indonesia, added, “We celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities to honour the achievements of young people who face physical challenges yet continue to pursue their dreams. Their courage inspires us all.”
To strengthen this vision, the Award has launched #WorldReady for All, a special initiative dedicated to youth with disabilities. Already, two deaf participants have achieved Gold, and by 2026, five visually impaired participants are expected to complete their Gold journeys.
Fabya Najwa: Technology as a Bridge
At 23, Fabya Najwa has already proven that silence is no barrier to impact. A deaf student with a passion for design and technology, Najwa has excelled in national competitions, represented Indonesia in international IT challenges, and was named a Google Student Ambassador 2025.
Her journey through the Gold Award demonstrates how innovation can break barriers. With the support of sign language interpreters and real‑time speech‑to‑text apps, Najwa fully participates in discussions and group projects. “Technology allows me to connect, to contribute, and to lead,” she shared. Her resilience is a reminder that disability does not define potential — determination does.
Fatimah Rahmah: Art as a Voice
For Fatimah Rahmah, art became her language long before she found her voice on stage. A gifted graphic designer and UNJ graduate, Fatimah balanced studies, internships, and the demanding Gold Award journey. In 2023, she stood before HRH Prince Edward to receive her Gold Award — a moment that symbolised not just personal triumph, but the visibility of youth with disabilities in Indonesia.
Her speech that day was a call to action: that the Award must remain accessible, because talent knows no boundaries. “Through the Award, I discovered my strengths and direction. It was not easy, but it gave me purpose,” she reflected.
As Najwa and Fatimah’s journeys show, the Award is not about competition or comparison. It is about growth, discovery, and contribution. It is about proving that with the right support, every young person can achieve extraordinary things. By volunteering in communities, young people learn empathy and responsibility. Through skills development, they expand their capabilities and confidence. Physical recreation promotes health and resilience, while adventurous journeys foster teamwork and environmental awareness. At the Gold level, the residential project immerses participants in new communities, encouraging adaptability and cultural exchange.
This framework connects naturally with global priorities. By fostering education, equality, health, and climate awareness, the Award reflects the UN Sustainable Development Goals while remaining deeply personal to each participant.
In Indonesia, the vision takes shape through initiatives such as #WorldReady for All, which ensures inclusivity is woven into every step. Here, young people of all abilities are supported to discover their strengths, pursue their passions, and step confidently into their place in the world.
