From August 28 to 31, 2025, our movement welcomed a meaningful visit from Jevindrad, one of our key contacts for YCW expansion in Malaysia. He came to Indonesia with his wife and child for a short family vacation, visiting Jakarta, Bogor, and Bandung. Despite the limited time and the tense political situation in the country, we were able to meet and discuss important steps for YCW’s future in Malaysia.

His visit coincided with a period of intense protests across Indonesia. Workers, students, and ordinary people were on the streets demanding an end to outsourcing and low wages, more job creation, the cancellation of tax hikes, and better access to education. The situation escalated after the tragic killing of an online motorcycle taxi driver by police, sparking anger and unrest in many cities, including Bandung.

Amidst this climate of struggle, the spirit of YCW’s mission became even clearer—our work is rooted in the daily reality of young workers fighting for justice and dignity.

Key Agreements for YCW Malaysia

In our short but fruitful meeting, Jevindrad and I reached three important points of agreement:

1. Visit to Malaysia (2025): As ASPAC Expansion Officer, I will travel to Malaysia this year to support the building of YCW. Jevindrad asked that the visit be planned and communicated early so he can accompany and guide the process.
2. Return Visit to Indonesia (2026): Jevindrad plans to return in February 2026, this time alone, to dedicate more time to visiting YCW Indonesia base groups and meeting the national team. His goal is to learn from our experiences and apply them to the Malaysian context.
3. International Council 2026: Looking ahead, Jevindrad hopes to participate in the International Council in the Philippines as a representative of YCW Malaysia. He requested an official invitation from ASPAC or the International Secretariat to make this possible.

A Step Forward in Solidarity

Though brief, this encounter was a hopeful beginning. It showed us once again that the YCW spirit knows no borders. The struggles of young workers in Indonesia, Malaysia, and across Asia are deeply connected. By building solidarity, sharing experiences, and taking concrete steps together, we can strengthen our movement and bring the voice of young workers forward.

This meeting may have been just one step, but it is the starting point of YCW’s journey in Malaysia—a journey rooted in faith, justice, and action.