The Faculty of Law at Gadjah Mada University (FH UGM) has once again achieved a remarkable accomplishment on the international stage. A delegation from the Alternative Dispute Resolution Enhancement Society (ATHENS), consisting of Armyna Cindy Setyorini (FH UGM Class of 2022) and Krishna Rajendra Gunawan (FH UGM Class of 2024), won first place in the 2025 International Dispute Negotiation Competition (INTENTION) organized by the International Law Students Association (ILSA) at Airlangga University.
As a two-person team, Armyna and Krishna began their preparations long before the competition started. The two spent hours reading case files, analyzing the parties’ interests, and practicing how to construct arguments that were strategic yet diplomatic. They didn’t just focus on the material; they also practiced building a collaborative dynamic—learning when to speak, when to give their partner space, and how to maintain a unified voice even while thinking with two minds.
The preliminary round, held online, served as their first test. The limitations of virtual communication actually required both of them to remain expressive, persuasive, and adaptable to their negotiation opponent’s style. The constraints of the screen did not diminish the intensity of the negotiation simulation; even briefly turning off the camera could be seen as a loss of control. From this experience, Armyna and Krishna learned that negotiation is not just about speaking, but also about reading body language—even through a screen—managing the pace, and determining when to compromise and when to stand firm.
After successfully advancing through the online round, both teams moved on to the advanced rounds, which were held in person in Surabaya. Unlike on a laptop screen, the atmosphere of the in-person competition was far more lively and intense. The intense competition presented new challenges as they had to face teams from various universities, academics, and legal practitioners head-on. Each round became an intellectual battle that demanded quick thinking, diplomatic acumen, and teamwork. Although they faced difficult situations at times, mutual support among team members and confidence in their preparation enabled both teams to perform consistently until the end.
At the climax, the UGM Faculty of Law delegation was announced as the First Place Winner of INTENTION 2025. This victory not only serves as proof of the academic quality of UGM Faculty of Law students but also validates the perseverance, teamwork, and adaptability they developed throughout the competition. Two individuals who initially practiced in a small discussion room now stand on the victory stage in Surabaya. INTENTION 2025 was not just a competition, but an experience that shaped us as young negotiators: to think critically, empathize, and have the courage to speak up in search of common ground amid differences. It is a beginning, not an end.
Link to the SDGs This achievement aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda, particularly SDG 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, as it prioritizes dispute resolution through peaceful, inclusive, and just negotiations. Furthermore, the intensive learning-based preparation process supports SDG 4 on Quality Education by providing practical experience that goes beyond classroom theory. This initiative also reflects SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals, as it brings together students, academics, and legal practitioners from diverse backgrounds to build networks and foster collaboration for the future of international dispute resolution.
Author: Delegation of the Faculty of Law, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FH UGM)
