Writer: Harry
Editor: Abah Roy | Aswinnews.com Editorial Team
BENGKALIS – ASWINNEWS.COM — SMA Negeri 1 Bengkalis has once again proven itself as a leading school, excelling not only at the national level but also stepping proudly onto the global stage. Two of its outstanding students, Asy Syifa Kaila Saidah and Khaidir Partogi Harianja, brought honor to their school and to Riau Province after participating in the Jogja International Model United Nations (JOINMUN) 2025, held in Caturtunggal, Depok District, Yogyakarta, from October 31 to November 2, 2025.
The two students were the sole representatives from Riau Province in the prestigious Model United Nations (MUN) conference, which gathered hundreds of delegates from various countries across Asia and Europe. Their achievement reaffirms SMA Negeri 1 Bengkalis’s commitment to nurturing globally-minded students who are ready to compete on the international stage.
During JOINMUN, Asy Syifa Kaila Saidah represented Finland in the UN Women forum (United Nations Programme for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women). She presented a paper titled “Invisible in Law: The Struggle for Legal Recognition of Transgender and Non-Binary Identities,” highlighting the global struggle for legal equality and recognition faced by marginalized groups.
“We wanted to show that students from small towns can also speak up on global issues. It was an extraordinary experience full of valuable lessons,” said Syifa with enthusiasm.
Meanwhile, Khaidir Partogi Harianja, or Ogi as he is affectionately known, served as a delegate for South Africa in the World Health Organization (WHO) forum. His topic, “Barrier to Healthcare Access: The Global Impact of Insurance Denials and Systemic Inequities,” addressed the urgent need for fairness and equity in global healthcare access.
The Principal of SMA Negeri 1 Bengkalis expressed great pride and appreciation for the students’ success.
“We are very proud. This proves that Bengkalis students can compete internationally. Our school is committed to developing character, critical thinking, and confidence so that our students are ready to become future leaders,” he stated.
The success of Syifa and Khaidir was warmly welcomed by the Bengkalis community, who see them as role models for other students to strive for excellence and carry the name of their region onto the world stage.
Jogja International Model United Nations (JOINMUN) is one of Southeast Asia’s largest MUN simulations, organized by Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) since 2011. This year’s prestigious event carried the theme “Redefining Justice, Reshaping Destiny: Uniting for a World of True Equity and Enduring Security.”
The conference brought together hundreds of delegates from more than ten countries, featuring seven major councils: CRISIS, BRICS+, UNSC, UN Women, WHO, ECOFIN, and UNCA. The opening ceremony was attended by Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X and several Indonesian diplomats, including Al Busyra Basnur, Indonesia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union.
The participation of SMA Negeri 1 Bengkalis students in this international event not only brought pride to their school but also to the people of Bengkalis Regency and Riau Province as a whole.
“We hope this achievement inspires other students to dream big and have the courage to compete globally,” the school added.
With this remarkable achievement, SMA Negeri 1 Bengkalis reaffirms its role as an educational institution that continues to produce Riau’s golden generation — intelligent, strong in character, and globally competitive.
