• Estimates suggest that of the 1,000 fighters which have travelled to the Middle East from SE Asia to join the Islamic State in the last five years, 700 have come from Indonesia. Such figures indicate significant challenges faced by the Indonesian government to curb the threat of returning foreign fighters as well as the threat of homegrown violent extremism.
  • Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has condemned the brutality, inhumanity and blasphemy of recent suicide bombings in Indonesia, describing it as “almost beggar’s belief”.
  • Indonesia has experienced an outburst of extreme terrorist violence, this time, with a confronting twist: family suicide bombers. The Lowy Institute’s Sidney Jones unpacks how ISIS has turned jihad into a family affair.
  • The authoritarian Soeharto regime sought to privilege a small number of business tycoons. Indonesia at Melbourne investigates what has happened to Soeharto’s cronies and their current relationship to power to mark the 20-year anniversary of the fall of the New Order regime.
  • Foreigners working in Indonesia make up just a fraction of its population (0.04%). Yet, employing foreign workers is a topic that divides the nation, making it the perfect issue ahead of the 2019 presidential election campaign.
  • The term “unicorn” is used to describe digital startups in Indonesia as they constitute magical entities with amazing capabilities. The Jakarta Post reports on the latest Indonesian summit, attended by the Communications and Information Minister Rudiantara where he appointed four ‘virtual ambassadors’ who he considers to be pioneers of Indonesia’s digital economy.
  • Last Friday, Mt Merapi in Central Java erupted, with local residents being told to evacuate the area. Minor tremors were also felt in surrounding areas including Surakarta, Boyolali and Klaten.
  • Indonesian alcoholic beverage producer PT Multi Bintang has officially exported its most renowned Bintang beer to South Korea.

Events

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

  • Sunshine Coast – TONIGHT 18 May, 7:30pm, USC Art Gallery, University of the Sunshine Coast
  • Brisbane – 19 May, 7:30pm, Queensland College of Art, South Bank Campus, S01, Griffith University
  • Sydney – 24 May, 7pm, Randwick Ritz
  • Darwin – 26 May, 7pm, Charles Darwin University
  • Perth – 5 June, 7pm, Baylis Theatre, University of Western Australia
  • Hobart – 8 June, 7pm, University of Tasmania

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

Other events:

  • Sydney, TONIGHT – 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.
  • Sydney, 19 May- The Indonesian Students’ Association (PPIA) at University of New South Wales are excited to host another ICON, or Indonesian Ideas Conference, later this May. For more information about this year’s theme, it’s exciting lineup of conference speakers and to purchase tickets, head to the event page!
  • Sydney, 23 May – Haymarket HQ hosts ‘Fun in Jakarta! Meet folks already winning in SEAsia’s biggest market’ to showcase the latest activities happening in Jakarta’s start-up ecosystem. Click here for more information and tickets!
  • 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!
  • Sydney, 26 May – Come see EPILOGUE, an original musical production created and performed by members the University of Technology Sydney’s Indonesian Student Association (PPIA) on 26 May at the UTS Great Hall, Ultimo. Click here for tickets!
  • Sydney, 26 May – Attend the launch of Call Me A Winner, the first book by Indonesian writer Novia Myta. It will be held at the Love Life Store, 78 Queen Street, Concord West at 10am. Register now as spots are limited!

Opportunities

  • International Internships is seeking a new Indonesia Program Facilitator. You will help deliver and support International Internships’ Indonesia-based programs including study intensives and internships. The position is based in Jakarta and commences in June 2018. For more information, click here!
  • Indonesian teachers wanted! Wonthaggi Secondary College is seeking two Indonesian teachers. The roles are for an Indonesian/English teacher (graduate, ongoing) and an Indonesian/second subject TBA (contract). The school is located in picturesque South East Gippsland in the town of Wonthaggi. If you’re interested check out Recruitment Online or contact Kate Hill: [email protected].
  • A University of Adelaide student is completing a research unit, looking at AIYA as an actor in the Australia-Indonesia relationship. If you would like to contribute and have 5 minutes to spare, please fill out the survey.
  • Are you a youth leader (21-35 years old) in the Australia-Indonesia space? CAUSINDY wants you for its annual youth conference! This year’s program will be held from 5-8 September in Makassar, the vibrant maritime capital of South Sulawesi and gateway to eastern Indonesia. Applications close 4 June 2018. Don’t miss out!
  • Indonesia Development Forum (Jakarta, 10-11 July 2018) is hosting a competition to tackle regional disparities across the Indonesian archipelago. You must submit either a blog, vlog, or infographic which discusses how you would overcome regional inequalities (#AtasiKesenjangan) in Indonesia?’
  • Join AIYA NSW! AIYA NSW is on the hunt for new executive committee members. Positions available include: Treasurer, Professional Programs Offer, Communications Team Member(s), Education Team Member(s), Socio-cultural Team Member(s) and Professional Programs Team Member(s). See the full position description here. If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. Applications are due Friday 25 May 2018, 11:59pm.
  • 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!
  • 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.
  • 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!