The bustling capital of Panama became the stage for an inspiring tale of achievement as the Indonesian team captured international attention at the 2025 World Universities Debating Championship (WUDC). Held from December 27, 2024, to January 4, 2025, the championship brought together the brightest minds from 229 teams representing 111 universities across 40 countries. Among them, Jennifer Marcellyn Cen and Rachel Chen from Bina Nusantara University (BINUS) carved their names into history by clinching the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Champion title. Adding further distinction, Jennifer was crowned EFL Finals Best Speaker, earning the revered Boby Andika Ruitang Award.
Their journey was one of determination and excellence, culminating in a resounding victory against prominent teams from Rosario University (Colombia), the University of Sao Paulo (Brazil), and Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey (Mexico) during the finals. This achievement not only highlighted their individual brilliance but also served as a testament to Indonesia’s growing influence in the realm of academic debate.
The return of the team to Indonesia was marked by a warm reception, with officials, supporters, and fellow students gathering to celebrate their success. At the forefront of the welcoming committee was Maria Veronica Irene Herdjiono, Head of the National Achievement Center (Puspresnas), who commended the team’s accomplishment as a symbol of the nation’s potential on the global stage. She emphasized the pivotal role of strategic guidance and rigorous preparation in unlocking this potential, recognizing the victory as a milestone in Indonesia’s journey toward intellectual prominence.
The road to success began months earlier through Indonesia’s 2024 National University Debating Championship (NUDC). This platform, curated by Puspresnas, served as a springboard for the selection and preparation of the national team. Complementing BINUS in representing Indonesia was a team from the Christian University of Indonesia (UKI), further strengthening the country’s presence at the championship. The preparation involved intensive training under seasoned mentors, including Tengku Omar Azfar Haqqani from Padjadjaran University’s English Speaking Union (ESU), who provided invaluable guidance in honing their skills and confidence.
Rachel Chen reflected on the unique challenges of competing at an international level, particularly against teams whose native language was English. She credited their success to the rigorous preparation and unwavering support from their mentors, peers, and the broader community. Her reflections underscored the importance of perseverance and the transformative power of education in fostering global competitiveness.
The WUDC, renowned for its British Parliamentary debate format, is a grueling competition that tests participants across nine preliminary rounds before advancing to elimination stages. Jennifer and Rachel’s success in this demanding arena is a remarkable achievement, underscoring the depth of talent and potential within Indonesia’s academic community.
Their triumph at the WUDC represents more than just individual accolades; it is a collective celebration of Indonesia’s rising intellectual prominence. As the nation looks to the future, the achievements of Jennifer, Rachel, and their peers serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of education, mentorship, and unwavering ambition.