AIYA Links: 27 April

@PANCA66 on Twitter, via New Mandala

Attempts to map Indonesia’s political spectrum have long observed that parties differ little on matters of policy and ideology. A preliminary investigation of party’ elites views has reaffirmed the only obvious difference between Indonesian political parties is the degree to which they believe Islam should play a role in public affairs.

In the news

• Can Jakarta and Canberra become soulmates? In his latest keynote speech, the Governor for NSW His Excellency General the Hon David Hurley states that Australia’s relationship with Indonesia needs to go beyond the successful management of incidents.
• The new national health insurance policy currently being rolled out by the Indonesian government has been said to dwarf the US equivalent, Obamacare. And yet, funding challenges are now placing unsustainable burdens on Indonesia’s healthcare system.
• In light of the recent wave of blasphemy charges in Indonesia, Dr Dirk Tomsa discusses why blasphemy is such a serious offence and what these cases have in common with Dr Melissa Crouch in the latest episode of the Talking Indonesia podcast.
• Last month a group of elected representatives passed the new “MD3” law which rescinds the right to criticise public officials. Sana Jaffrey investigates local Indonesian neighbourhoods to explain why Indonesian civil society is failing to curb the onslaught of elite driven interests.
• Despite the capacity for Indonesia to convert to renewable energy and the benefits of doing so, The Jakarta Post’s latest editorial explores how Indonesia’s politically driven policies may continue to foster a dangerous dependence on fossil fuels.
• RA Kartini’s legacy to female education has meant that many women are seeking higher education abroad. Many Indonesian women find that support from multiple stakeholders is vital during their study. Reflections upon Australia’s support network provided to international students highlight how Indonesia too can better support its women in higher education, Gerna Lysistrata writes.
• Recent research from Australia Post highlights how Australia’s small businesses are are missing out on untapped demand from the burgeoning number of middle-class consumers from Southeast Asia and China, with only 11% shipping to Indonesia.
• Reflecting upon Hari Kartini or Kartini Day, Indonesia’s annual celebration of its most famous colonial era feminist writer last week, Kathryn Robinson writes on the many meanings of ‘Kartini’.

On the blog

• With the return of the Indonesian Film Festival (IFF) in Melbourne this weekend, Lachlan Haycock reviews, ‘Ziarah: Tales of the Otherwords’, the sombre tale a 92-year old woman’s quest to find the grave of her husband lost after the war.

Events

AIYA is proud to announce that our chapters are hosting screenings of the incredible Indonesian documentary, Banda: The Dark Forgotten Trail, across Australia.

• Adelaide – 3 May, Multimedia Room, Hub Level 0, Flinders University, Bedford Park
• Canberra – 17 May, National Film and Sound Archive
• Sunshine Coast – 18 May, USC Art Gallery, University of the Sunshine Coast
• Brisbane – 19 May, Queensland College of Art, South Bank Campus, Griffith University
• Sydney – 24 May, Randwick Ritz
• Darwin – 26 May, Charles Darwin University
• Perth – 5 June, Baylis Theatre, University of Western Australia

Grab your tickets using the above links to secure your spot! For any questions about any of the screenings, please contact your local chapter.

• Melbourne, 26 April – 2 May – The annual Indonesian Film Festival returns, with some of the biggest films of the past year. Get your tickets now to Pengabdi Setan, Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts, Banda and more!
• Perth, 4 May – Join AIYA WA for the next business breakfast hosted by Australia Indonesia Business Council (AIBC) with Ambassador to Australia for Indonesia, H.E. Mr Y. Kristiarto S. Legowo and Hon. Bill Johnston MLA will also be addressing this gathering. We look forward to seeing you there!
• Sydney, 18 May – Join the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre’s annual Politics in Action Forum, bringing political updates from Southeast Asia to researchers and practitioners from across the disciplines and beyond.
• Canberra, 23 May – Come to AIYA ACT’s annual Networking Night! Held in the Indonesian Embassy, mingle between students and professionals, create networks, and be inspired by the benefits of studying Indonesian!

Opportunities

• Join the Asialinks team in Sydney! Every year Asialink Business’ Sydney office offers a fantastic internship opportunity to the AIYA network. Click here for more information on the position. Applications close on 6 May.
• The National Australia Indonesia Language Awards (NAILA) is looking for volunteers! Check out the open roles here and how you can be part of a team dedicated to improving the bilateral relationship and Indonesian language studies in Australia. Applications are due TODAY, 30 April 2018.
• Join AIYA National! We are on the hunt for a Web and IT Officer. We have extended the deadline to 4 May so be sure to apply before then!
• Join AIYA QLD! The Chapter is looking for new team members to join the committee. Check out the open job descriptions and find out how you can apply here. Yuk!
• Join AIYA Jakarta! AIYA Jakarta is looking to fill the roles of Events Officer, Membership and Partnerships Officer, Treasurer and Secretary, Communications Officer, and General Committee Member at its upcoming AGM in April. If you would like to be part of the AIYA Jakarta team, please send a one-page expression of interest and your CV to [email protected].
• CAUSINDY (Conference of Australian and Indonesian Youth) is looking for passionate young Australian and Indonesian professionals to join the team for the upcoming conference as Chief Comms Officer, Tech Officer, Digital Content Office, and Programs Officer. Check out the job descriptions and how you can apply here.
• Applications for the AIC’s ReelOzInd! Short Film Festival are now open! This year’s theme is ‘Youth’. Ayo, bikin film, yuk! Submission close on 31 July 2018.
• Australia Awards in Indonesia is pleased to announce that applications for Australia Awards Scholarships are now open until 30 April. The scholarships provide opportunities for individuals to gain an internationally recognised master or doctoral qualification from an Australian university and have the chance to pursue a career that makes a difference.
• Want to take your business abroad? Telstra, in association with Austrade and the Australia Indonesia Business Council, is hosting a virtual event designed to help people successfully expand their business into Indonesia. Register your interest here!
• Learning a language? Get Indonesian & English language help with UniBRIDGE Project.

Like what we do and want to join or support your local chapter to contribute to our exciting activities? Sign up as an AIYA member today!