The Story Behind Syafiq’s Victory as 1st Winner of DKI Jakarta GenRe Ambassador 2026
Ciputat, UIN News Online - A student at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, M. Syafiq Hisyam, secured 1st Place Male Ambassador for GenRe (Generasi Berencana) DKI Jakarta 2026. This achievement marks a continuation of his journey after previously winning 1st Place Male GenRe Ambassador for East Jakarta. The third-semester student in the Communication and Islamic Broadcasting (KPI) Study Program at the Faculty of Da'wah and Communication Sciences (FDIKOM) subsequently advanced through the DKI Jakarta Provincial selection series until his official coronation on September 22, 2026.
Syafiq's journey in sharpening his communication skills began with a deep fascination for public speaking during his time at an Islamic boarding school (pesantren). He frequently observed senior students delivering speeches and commanding public attention. This inspired him to explore various activities, ranging from serving as a master of ceremonies (MC), delivering public speeches and orations, to performing poetry recitation. Over time, his skills grew continuously, leading him to enter various competitions, join organizations, and take on opportunities as a speaker, MC, and moderator.
“My interest was sparked back in the pesantren when I used to watch my seniors excel at speeches and public speaking. As it turned out, I truly enjoyed the world of public speaking, from hosting as an MC to giving speeches, orations, and reciting poetry,” Syafiq reflected.
That foundational experience served as crucial capital when Syafiq became interested in joining the GenRe Ambassador program. Recognizing that contemporary adolescent issues are growing increasingly complex, he sought to take an active role as part of the solution. The core GenRe curriculum—encompassing population dynamics, family development, adolescent reproductive health, life skills, and pre-marital life preparation—further motivated him to expand his knowledge beyond communication studies.
His journey began at the East Jakarta GenRe Ambassador selection, where he successfully claimed 1st Place Male Ambassador. Armed with that success, he advanced to the provincial level across DKI Jakarta. Syafiq admitted experiencing initial self-doubt because many fellow finalists were long-standing members of PIK-R (Adolescent Information and Counseling Center) with extensive familiarity with GenRe topics, whereas he was building his knowledge on GenRe from scratch.
“It started from a place of doubt, as the other registered finalists had already been PIK-R members for a long time and were well-versed in GenRe concepts. I personally started everything from zero, but driven by firm determination and a strong ambition, I worked tirelessly to bridge the gap so I could stand alongside the other finalists during quarantine,” he noted.
One of the most demanding stages was the intensive judging phase during the selection process. To prepare, Syafiq made it a routine to wake up at 2:00 AM every night to study throughout the week leading up to the evaluation. He also navigated challenges in the work program presentation session, where each finalist was required to present innovative ideas—ranging from traditional educational games and electronic anemia-detection devices to interactive GenRe learning games. His background as a public speaker and content creator proved invaluable during the selection process, including his experience during an internship as a content creator for UIN Jakarta's Center for Information and Public Relations (PIH) Batch 9.
Beyond enhancing communication skills, the selection process pushed Syafiq outside his comfort zone. Having previously mastered Arabic during his pesantren years, he began learning English to navigate the question and answer assessment stage conducted in English.
Following his coronation as 1st Place Male GenRe Ambassador of DKI Jakarta 2026 on September 22, Syafiq aims to use the role as a platform to mentor young people, going beyond simply disseminating information. He envisions bringing GenRe issues closer to youth through education, direct engagement, and social media outreach.
“In my view, becoming a GenRe Ambassador means my role goes beyond sharing information; it means becoming a peer and companion for youth to courageously plan their futures. I want to bring GenRe issues closer to their daily lives through educational sessions, direct community actions, and social media platforms,” he explained.
Syafiq actively utilizes social media to package GenRe messaging into short-form videos, storytelling, and relatable daily content. For him, content creation is not about chasing viral metrics, but about delivering valuable messages that remain impactful after viewing. To manage his various commitments, he organizes his daily routine using a to-do list and structured timeline based on priorities, deadlines, and urgency.
“The most vital lesson I learned is that the journey matters far more than the final result. Becoming a GenRe Ambassador taught me to step out of my comfort zone, embrace criticism, learn from setbacks, and connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds,” he reflected.
Looking ahead, Syafiq plans to continuously refine his public speaking, content creation, and leadership capabilities while expanding his knowledge base, ensuring his experience as a GenRe Ambassador extends far beyond personal achievement. He hopes his path will serve as a channel to create meaningful impact and inspire more young people to pursue self-development and care for their surrounding communities.