Jakarta. The Taipei Economic and Trade Office (TETO) in Indonesia has launched a new educational short film titled Pelan Saja to promote Taiwan’s higher education and strengthen youth exchange between Taiwan and Indonesia.

Produced in collaboration with Indonesian creative house OMNI Studio, the film premiered on December 10 across YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. It follows an Indonesian high school graduate torn between studying at home or abroad before eventually choosing Taiwan after guidance from an Indonesian senior already studying there. The character secures a scholarship and pursues university education in Taiwan.

TETO said the project aligns with Taiwan’s “New Southbound Talent Development” initiative and marks the first time the office has partnered with an Indonesian creative team to produce education-focused promotional content from a local perspective. The approach aims to resonate more deeply with Indonesian families and youth while encouraging more students to consider Taiwan as a study destination.

The story highlights the emotional and practical challenges commonly faced by Indonesian students overseas, from cultural adjustment to academic demands. With a supportive learning environment, friendly communities, and accessible resources in Taiwan, the film’s protagonist, Kim, adapts, completes her studies, and later returns to Indonesia to inspire her younger siblings to pursue similar opportunities.

Taiwan has built a reputation for safe, inclusive campuses with a wide range of scholarship programs, English- and Mandarin-medium classes, and strong links to industry through internships and work-study options. Indonesian students also benefit from guidance from faculty, diaspora networks, and Muslim-friendly facilities, including halal food options.

More than 16,000 Indonesian students are currently enrolled in Taiwan, making Indonesia the second-largest source of international students there. The figure has grown more than fivefold from around 3,000 a decade ago.

Education cooperation between the two economies has expanded in recent years, from student exchanges and dual-degree programs to partnerships in vocational education, broadening access for Indonesians pursuing studies in Taiwan.

With its familiar Indonesian phrase Pelan Saja, the film portrays the steady, reassuring process of adaptation for Indonesian students abroad. It also spotlights real aspects of student life in Taiwan, including Muslim-friendly spaces, easy public transport, and active international student communities.