
Dinner after finishing IEEE TENSYMP 2016 Report

Dinner after finishing IEEE TENSYMP 2016 Report

Koen presented a token of appreciation to Dr Rod van Meter as a keynote speaker of IEEE TENSYMP 2016.

Koen presented a token of appreciation to Prof Kukjin Chun

Opening of IEEE TENSYMP 2016
On 16 October, I continued participating in the main sessions of APCC 2012, engaging with presentations and discussions while also beginning to internalize a new reality—we were no longer just participants, but the next host. The atmosphere felt different; conversations naturally shifted toward Indonesia’s upcoming role.

Later that day, during the conference banquet, we were invited to go on stage and speak on behalf of Indonesia as the future host of APCC 2013. I asked Mme Agnes to stand there, formally announced Indonesia’s readiness and expressed our commitment to deliver a meaningful conference. It was both a symbolic and strategic moment—our first official signal to the regional community.

Beyond the formalities, I used the opportunity to connect with key figures within the IEEE Communications Society and the broader APCC network. These interactions were not ceremonial; they were early groundwork for collaboration, support, and credibility as we prepared to organize the next conference.

By the end of the day, the shift was complete. I was no longer thinking about the bid—we had already won. My focus had moved forward: shaping APCC 2013, aligning stakeholders, and ensuring that Indonesia could deliver on the trust that had just been placed in us.

I came to Jeju to represent Indonesia in bidding for hosting APCC 2013. The opportunity was not accidental; it followed encouragement from IEEE leadership, particularly Byeong Gi Lee, who urged us to step forward. So my presence there was focused and deliberate: we came to compete.

On 15 October, after the conference opening, I joined the closed session of the APCC Steering Committee, where the host selection took place. Indonesia and Thailand presented their bids. Thailand delivered a polished presentation, while I presented Indonesia’s case more simply, emphasizing timing, relevance, and our strategic narrative. After a brief but intense Q&A, we were asked to leave the room while the committee deliberated.

I pursued this bid not only because of the external push, but also because it aligned with our momentum and milestones—25 years of IEEE Indonesia and 10 years of ComSoc Indonesia. I worked closely with a small but focused team: M. Ary Murti and Agnes Irwanti. Together, we carried the bid with clarity and conviction rather than excessive complexity.

About fifteen minutes later, we were called back in and informed that Indonesia had been selected to host APCC 2013. The transition was immediate: from bidder to organizer. I was congratulated and directly asked to deliver a speech at the banquet the next day—marking the start of our responsibility to carry the conference forward.

Personally: Yet another «Koen’s Birthday Lecture» :). One of the attendees is Mr Chairuzzaini – now in memory :’).

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