AIYA LINKS: 16 OCTOBER
SMEs play a vital role in the Indonesian economy; they are the biggest employer, accounting for nearly 97% of local jobs, and they attract 56% of business investment in Indonesia. Australian & Indonesian researchers are collaborating on a project that investigates the impacts of COVID-19 on SMEs.
In the news
- Deakin University researchers won funding to address environmental issues with their innovatory sodium battery which they expect to electrify Indonesia’s enormous scooter market within three years and outcompete lithium ion batteries in the near future. (PV Magazine)
- Indonesia produces the most open-access journal articles in the world. For this knowledge to freely reach the public and encourage innovation there should be improvements made to integrate journal management, researchers and government. (The Conversation)
- Australia’s cotton industry is looking toward Indonesia and its Free Trade Agreement as it braces for potentially being hit with 40% tariffs from China. (ABC)
- Indonesia’s parliamentary approval of the Omnibus Law on Job Creation should, over time, improve the country’s international competitiveness, provided the changes are well implemented. (Fitch)
- As businesses begin to plan their investment budgets for 2021, Indonesia presents a huge opportunity for foreign investors given its status as the largest economy in ASEAN, a young workforce, and a rapidly expanding middle-class. (ASEAN Briefing)
Events
- Every Sunday (13:00 WIB/4pm AEST) – Online or ‘Flexible’ Language Exchange (FLEX) runs in partnership with our friends from the UniBRIDGE Project. FLEX is the place where young Australians and Indonesians can meet to exchange ideas, make friends and practise their language skills. Join and be a part of this growing online movement between our two nations. Current AIYA members can register their FLEX account at: www.universitybridgeproject.org. If you are not yet an AIYA member or need to renew your membership you can do so on the website.
- 16 October – LPDP Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship provided by Indonesian Government. Join AIYA South Sulawesi virtual Evening Talk to learn about & discuss it with one of LPDP Awardees. Register here.
- 18 October – AIYA NT AGM is a chance for you to network and apply for committee positions. If you want to ignite AIYA work in the Territory and gain valuable experience then read more info here.
- 21 October – Agriculture is a key driver of the Indonesian economy, accounting for 50% of total employment. The AIC is partnering with CSIRO to bring together a panel for a webinar, Agtech & Investment in Indonesia. Read more and register here.
- 22 October – Join the AIYA WA AGM to catch-up on what’s been happening, vote on vacant positions, hear reports on activities, financial position and to discuss our future outlook. More info here.
- 24 October – AFL Grandfinal Day is a sacred tradition in Australia, so what more could you ask for than celebrating by watching it with the Krakatoas & AIYA. Register here.
- 29 October – Why is Indonesia rarely included in lists of emerging powers & economies? The Monash Indonesian Seminar presents online a comprehensive survey of Indonesia’s contemporary politics, society and culture, to inform & answer these questions. Register here.
- 1 November – We can’t visit Bali for the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, Writing WA has created the next best thing: Kembali 20 Perth – an afternoon of conversations with leading writers from Indonesia and Western Australia. More info here.
- IA-CEPA Business Connect is a 3 month program (until 31 October) of online events hosted by Austrade. The events aim to increase two-way understanding about the bilateral opportunities, particularly Australia’s capability to meet Indonesian business needs. View events here.
- Suara Indonesia Dance are hosting online Indonesian dance classes via zoom. They’re held on Friday nights between 6:30pm – 7:30pm AEST. All ages and levels welcome. Read more and book via paypal here.
- Kremes Podcast provides lovers of Australia and Indonesia with a chance to listen to a range of Aus-Indo topics from casual chats about our shared cross-cultural experiences to more informative discussions like tips on living/studying/working in Australia. Listen here.
- Indonesia Project Global Seminar – ANU’s Indonesia Project is bringing you a weekly series of seminars on COVID-19 right to your living room. Join in for live discussions, or surf through the archives of previous seminars here.
COVID-19 support
- The Directorate General of Immigration in Indonesia has announced some changes for Foreign Visitors in Indonesia regarding visas, stay permits, emergency stay permits, and entering/exiting Indonesia during this new normal. The Australian Embassy in Jakarta has highlighted such changes in their social media as well as on the Smart Traveller website. Please follow information on the Indonesian immigration website or social media for further updates.
- The Australian Government has restricted its citizens from leaving Australia without exemption, and returning travellers to Australia are encouraged to plan their travels in advance. Access exemption applications and more official info here.
- If you are an Australian citizen outside of Australia in urgent need of financial assistance, the government will provide additional support through an expanded hardship program. Further details here.
- AIYA is providing updates on the status of COVID-19 and its impact on upcoming AIYA events as well as the current status of travel restrictions for Australian and Indonesian citizens. To keep updated, read it here – bahasa Indonesia and English. AIYA is also aware that some of our members may be going through difficulties due to the circumstances of the pandemic. Government information including support for international students in Australia and Indonesia is on the website.
Opportunities
- Are you Indigenous, or have you undertaken Indigenous studies or volunteering? Apply to join AIYA’s NAIDOC Week 2020 Advisory Committee! Applications close Friday 16 October 2020. See more details here.
- KIAT – The Australian Indonesia Infrastructure Partnership is hiring a proactive Indonesian national. Apply by October 19 to become a Lead Advisor. More info here.
- The Australian Embassy in Indonesia supports the 2020 Australian Alumni of the Year Award & calls for nominations are open until October 19. Have your say on who should be recognised as the winner. More info here.
- A 2 year contract is available for an International Monitoring & Evaluation Advisor at Prospero. The candidate will work on resources for M&E, design-thinking, knowledge management & communications. Apply by October 23 and read more info here.
- The Centre for Indonesian Policy Research is seeking a bilingual Researcher. Applicants must be an Indonesian national with a Masters degree in agricultural economics, economics, public policy, and other related social science majors. Apply by 25 October. More info here.
- Scholarships are available from the Chulabhorn Graduate Institute and ASEAN Foundation Joint Post-graduate Scholarship Programme in Science and Technology. The scholarships are available for ASEAN nationals (except Thai) who are interested in pursuing masters at Chulabhorn Graduate Institute. Send your application before 30 October 2020. More info here.
- Asialink is Australia’s leading centre for creative engagement with Asia, and they are looking for a Director; Capability Development to lead Asialink Business’ advocacy for greater Asia capabilities in the workforce & help to directly build Asia capabilities & deliver education products to help Australians engage with Asia. More in here.
- ACICIS Virtual Public Health Study Tour 2020/21 provides students the opportunity to learn from leading health professionals & discuss health issues with local Indonesian students, including COVID-19 – all from the comfort of home! $2,500 grants are available. Applications close 1 November. More info here.
- ACICIS Virtual Indonesian Language Course 2021 teaches Bahasa through intensive online classes & interactive cultural sharing activities with local Indonesian students $1,600-$3,000 grants available. Applications close 1 November. More info here.
- Ausit 2020 National Conference will be held online this year for bilinguals. It will focus on the challenges and opportunities opening up in an evolving Translation & Interpreting landscape. Registration closes 13 November. More info here.
- ISW Women Scholarship funds female full-time research students to study at universities in the US and Canada. Apply for the next round by 28 December, and read more info here.
- Have you got some stories to share about Southeast Asia? Pitch an idea to The Sydney Southeast Asia Centre. SSEAC is looking for a breadth of disciplinary focus including history, law, political science, agriculture, medicine, among others. For more info click here.
- Inside Indonesia publishes original pieces on a wide range of political, social, environmental and cultural issues in Indonesia. They accept articles from a diverse range of people who have an interest in Indonesia. To find out how to contribute, click here.
Like what we do? Want to join or support your local chapter to contribute to our exciting activities? Sign up as an AIYA member today!