Recently, as a first-year student at the University of Sydney, speaking to my fellow Indonesians, I was surprised to hear that a significant number were refraining from participating in the Indonesian society (PPIA) at our university, citing the cost of membership. This stemmed from a misunderstanding that paying a $15 membership fee was required to join the society, despite free events for non-members.

The miscommunication of membership fees reduces the incentives for students to join. We propose a two-tiered system of membership, free and paid, to boost the number of PPIA numbers (which can also be beneficial for sponsorship!) and to foster a sense of community among Indonesian students. Providing free membership for social events (including cards for free members) will help expand the society's reach and curate an image of a home away from home, creating an environment in which all Indonesian students at the University of Sydney can feel a sense of belonging.

The proposed system will be similar to USU's two-tiered membership system, in which free members receive social benefits and paid members receive special benefits in the form of discounts and deals. Currently, non-members are allowed to join free PPIA events. By creating a tier of free memberships, such non-members will be able to join the free events and socialise as full members of the society, creating a sense of community. 

Studying away from home is an experience that is all the more enriching when shared with like-minded people who understand your culture and your struggles. According to 2016 census data, there are approximately 80,649 Indonesian-born people in Australia, 19,206 of which, live in New South Wales alone (ABS, 2016). Many of these are students who can benefit from the sense of belonging offered by PPIA USyd.

We, therefore, urge the management of PPIA USyd to create a two-tier system of free and paid membership, opening up a world of opportunities for all Indonesian students. This move will not only benefit us as individuals but will also add to the wealth of the student and wider community. Please join us in making this necessary change. Sign the petition for a two-tiered and free PPIA USyd membership for all.