Leading The Future: The Personal Journey Behind AYC’s Youth-Centered AI Movement | An Interview with Nazela Allia Rezeki

Behind AYC’s rapidly growing presence in Indonesia’s AI prospects is a leader whose journey combines diplomacy, youth leasership, and a deep concern for equitable access to emerging technologies. Nazela Allia Rezeki’s path to spearhading AYC was shaped by years of involvement in youth diplomacy intitiatives, cultural organizations, and and ambassafor programs that revealed how powerful young people can be with the right support.

“My journey has always intersected between diplomacy, youth leadership, culture, and technology,” the Rezeki reflected. “Through these roles, I saw how powerful youth can be when given the right tools.”

These experiences revealed a disturbing pattern in the Indonesian youth: although they are talented and eager, many feel shut out of AI conversations due to the lack of access. This inspired the creation of AYC — an organization committed not only to teaching the framework of AI, but to reshaping how the youth engage with it.

“I wanted to build a movement where AI becomes understandable and inclusive,” Rezeki said. This vision had led to her role as the Chairperson of AYC, driven by her desire to ensure that the future generation can understand AI not only mechanically but also ethically and socially.

How did they do this? Through multiple initiatives in collaboration with other organizations. One of the most influential ones under their leadership is the Youth Town Hall & Forum, in collaboration with BINUS University, Dinas Pendidikan DKI Jakarta, and Nutrifood Indonesia. She described the purpose of this partnership: “The vision was to merge three essential pillars — academia, government, and industry. AI literacy requires a holistic approach: theory, policy, and practical application.”

The event helped indicate the mindset of today’s youth. Many students expressed confusion, uncertainty, or misconceptions about AI. Some believed it was “only for tech students,” while others assumed it would “take away all jobs.” But their confidence grew from learning about AI ethics and its interdisciplinary nature.

“They become more aware of digital risks, more responsible, and more ambitious about creating solutions,” the Chairperson shared. “Understanding ethics transforms fear into empowerment.”

Looking forward, Rezeki plans to expand AYC’s local presence by strengthening partnerships with embassies and universities and building more cross-functional AI learning youth-led spaces. The end goal is not to push the youth into using technology. But rather, making sure they feel capable, knowledgeable, and confident navigating this developing AI world.