There has been raw emotion at Bondi on Sunday as Australians mark a Day of Reflection one week on from the terror attack that killed 15 innocent people. It has already been a day of high emotion, with flags flying at half mast and a banner flown over Bondi showing love for the Jewish community. (Nine News)

In The News

• Indonesia floods: the real risk was not foreign aid – Sumatra’s floods show how wrongheaded nationalism and misinformation can turn natural disaster into tragedy (Asia Times)
• Indonesian influencers glamorise life and earnings in Australia but the reality falls short – Many Indonesians have been lured by influencers pushing a false promise of easy money and a better life, only to discover the demanding workload and high cost of living after they arrive. (ABC News)
• Kapolri Jenderal Polisi Listyo Sigit Prabowo menandatangani nota kesepahaman dengan Jaksa Agung Sanitiar Burhanuddin. Nota kesepahaman ini berkaitan dengan penerapan KUHAP dan KUHP baru. Kegiatan ini juga sekaligus sosialisasi bagi jajaran penegak hukum dalam penerapan KUHAP dan KUHP baru. (Polri)
• Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) convened their first trilateral defense ministers’ meeting in December 2025. The historic gathering in Port Moresby, PNG, reflects a growing recognition that their shared region, challenges and strategic interests demand collaborative responses. (Indo-Pacific Defense Forum)
• Australia’s federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies will be reviewed to assess whether they have appropriate powers and processes in the wake of the Bondi terror attack. In a statement, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the review would be completed in April and published. (ABC News)
• Awesome Australia do it again: England beaten to lose another Ashes in Australia (BBC Sport)

On The Blog

• People and Culture team have officially launched AIYA Volunteers of the Month Program! This initiative will allow AIYA volunteers to anonymously nominate a fellow volunteer who truly embodies our mission to Connect, Inform, Inspire. AIYA Volunteers, kindly check your email for the link.
• AIYA Urges UTAS to Reconsider Closure of Indonesian Language Program – The Australia-Indonesia Youth Association (AIYA) has formally urged the University of Tasmania (UTAS) to reconsider its proposal to discontinue the Indonesian Language Program, which has been flagged for closure due to low enrolment and internal restructuring.
• AIYA Annual 2024 is here! Reflecting on 2024, AIYA had a great year of growth in bridging Australian and Indonesian youth. Thank you to all our supporters, making sure AIYA continues to Connect, Inform, Inspire. We hope you enjoy reading our report from 2024!

Events

• JOIN AIYA LANGUAGE EXCHANGE (IN-PERSON or ONLINE!) LX is back in multiple locations across Australia. Connect, chill, and converse with like-minded youth, meet new friends and engage in cross-cultural exchange. Make sure to follow your local chapter on Instagram for updates on the next LX event near you!
• Come and try playing Javanese Gamelan with AIYA ACT and ANUISA every Monday, @5.30pm in Room 630, Level 6 of the Llewellyn Hall at ANU.
• AIYA NSW Language Exchange (LX) is now every Tuesday at Darling Square @6.30pm

Tune In

• Community: Indonesian diaspora in Australia shares identity stories through meaningful objects – At the ‘Barang-Bareng’ event, members of the Indonesian diaspora and those with connections to Indonesia gathered to share identity stories through meaningful objects. (SBS Indonesian)
• Andre Ponniah and Hafidz Alfurqan talk about their experience as former delegates for the Australia Indonesia Youth Exchange Program (AIYEP). Tune here the AIYEP : A Retrospective (AIYA NSW Education)
• Connecting with Indigenous Australia can be daunting for a newcomer to the country. Catch the interesting insight here from CEO of Healing Foundation, Shannan Dodson, about simple ways to engage with the local community. (Australia Explained)
• The Kangaroos haven’t lost a game since they fell to the Lions in the 2023 grand final, so can Brisbane end that streak in the year’s most important game? Listen here to know more.

Opportunities

We’re so excited to share our newest partnership: AIYA x Cinta Bahasa! 🎉🤝
All AIYA members can now enjoy 15% off Cinta Bahasa’s online or in-person Indonesian language classes! To register, simply log in to your AIYA membership dashboard > Resource Center > Cinta Bahasa.

• Come be apart of AIYA WA for 2026. We are looking for Secretary, Treasurer, and Events Officer positions. Take a look here. Positions close on 1 Feb 2026.
• NAILA is now open for a Director role. Apply here by 9 Jan 2026, more detail take a look here.
• Several internship opportunities are now available at ACICIS offices in Bandung and Yogyakarta!. Check out the available roles and their deadlines here.
• Volunteer positions for WIIS-A (Women in International Security – Australia) are available. Come and check the position of Communication officer and Events officer. Apply ASAP.
• The Global Scholars Club is a new community helping underrepresented young people access international opportunities by sharing real stories, free resources, and practical insights from past scholars. We publish reflections and guides on our Substack – you can check it out here. 
  The founder, Billy Blackett, is particularly passionate about Indonesia, having participated in the Australian Indonesian Youth Exchange Program. He shares regular updates on opportunities and reflections via LinkedIn, and is always happy to field questions or provide application support as a Rhodes Scholar and alumnus of NCP and AIYEP. Connect with Billy for more insight!
• Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is looking for several positions to fill with various closing dates. Click here for more information!
• The Australian Volunteers Program matches skilled Australians with partner organisations across the Pacific, Asia, and Africa to support them to achieve their own development goals. If you’re interested in volunteering check-out a range of opportunities here!!
• Indo Beyond Borders (IBB) is an Indonesian tutoring service, where language learning goes beyond the textbook. Join IBB and embark on an immersive learning experience that’s as dynamic and vibrant as Indonesia itself. Here to check more information
• The Jakarta Bintangs is an Australian Football Club with membership open to anyone, beginners are most welcome. The club organizes games throughout the year, mostly in Jakarta, with occasional games across Indonesia and overseas. Tours are planned to Bali, Batam, Vietnam and Thailand this year. Training is mostly held at Lapangan Bola Aldiron in Jakarta on Saturday/ Sunday afternoons. On occasion, training sessions are also held Thursday nights in the GBK complex. To keep up to date with the training schedule follow them on Instagram @jakartabintangs. For more information click here.
• The Australian Government is receiving applications for the Working Holiday Maker program that allows young adults to have a 12 month holiday, during which they can undertake short-term work and study. More info here
• The Australian National University Indonesia Project is offering a number of grants and fellowships. Find out more about the opportunities such as Collaborative Research Grants, and Visiting Fellow Grants.
• The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) helps grow Australia’s prosperity by delivering quality trade and investment services to businesses, accelerates growth in Australia’s tourism sector and promotes Australia’s education to the world. Find a list of available vacancies here.

Australia and Indonesia held the inaugural Indonesia Australia Maritime Dialogue in Jakarta. The Indonesia Australia Maritime Dialogue was agreed by President Prabowo and Prime Minister Albanese in May 2025 and builds on the recently announced Treaty for Common Security, agreed by the Prime Minister and President in November in Sydney.

In The News

• Australia commits over $14 million to support Indo-Pacific disaster response (Minister for Foreign Affairs Australia)
• Farewell (again) to Neighbours, Australia’s longest running soap opera. It is a classic soap opera plotline (BBC News)
• The Ministry of Trade announced that a Mojokerto-based business in East Java has made its first molasses export to Australia, worth US$10,000 or around Rp166.5 million. (ANTARA News)
• Devastating floods and landslides have killed 1,006 people in Indonesia, rescuers said on Saturday (Dec 13) as the Southeast Asian nation grapples with the huge scale of relief efforts. The deadly torrential rains are one of the worst recent disasters to strike Sumatra, where a tsunami wreaked havoc in 2004 in Aceh province, which lies at the northern tip of the island. (CNA)
• Australia social media ban: Why isn’t gaming included? The ban, which came into force on Wednesday, is supposed to prevent teens from having accounts on 10 social media platforms. (BBC News)
• International Volunteer Day 5 December – This year, under the inspiring theme “Every Contribution Matters,” International Volunteer Day (IVD) 2025 takes on historic significance as it marks the official global launch of the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026). (UN)

On The Blog

• People and Culture team have officially launched AIYA Volunteers of the Month Program! This initiative will allow AIYA volunteers to anonymously nominate a fellow volunteer who truly embodies our mission to Connect, Inform, Inspire. AIYA Volunteers, kindly check your email for the link.
• AIYA Urges UTAS to Reconsider Closure of Indonesian Language Program – The Australia-Indonesia Youth Association (AIYA) has formally urged the University of Tasmania (UTAS) to reconsider its proposal to discontinue the Indonesian Language Program, which has been flagged for closure due to low enrolment and internal restructuring.
• AIYA Annual 2024 is here! Reflecting on 2024, AIYA had a great year of growth in bridging Australian and Indonesian youth. Thank you to all our supporters, making sure AIYA continues to Connect, Inform, Inspire. We hope you enjoy reading our report from 2024!

Events

• JOIN AIYA LANGUAGE EXCHANGE (IN-PERSON or ONLINE!) LX is back in multiple locations across Australia. Connect, chill, and converse with like-minded youth, meet new friends and engage in cross-cultural exchange. Make sure to follow your local chapter on Instagram for updates on the next LX event near you!
• Come and try playing Javanese Gamelan with AIYA ACT and ANUISA every Monday, @5.30pm in Room 630, Level 6 of the Llewellyn Hall at ANU.
• AIYA NSW Language Exchange (LX) is now every Tuesday at Darling Square @6.30pm

Tune In

• Andre Ponniah and Hafidz Alfurqan talk about their experience as former delegates for the Australia Indonesia Youth Exchange Program (AIYEP). Tune here the AIYEP : A Retrospective (AIYA NSW Education)
• Homeland: After flooding, life has not fully recovered in Aceh Tamiang. Two weeks after major floods hit Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra in late November, life in the affected areas has not returned to normal. Aceh Tamiang District in Aceh Province is one of the areas with the most severe conditions. (SBS Indonesian)
• Connecting with Indigenous Australia can be daunting for a newcomer to the country. Catch the interesting insight here from CEO of Healing Foundation, Shannan Dodson, about simple ways to engage with the local community. (Australia Explained)
• The Kangaroos haven’t lost a game since they fell to the Lions in the 2023 grand final, so can Brisbane end that streak in the year’s most important game? Listen here to know more.

Opportunities

We’re so excited to share our newest partnership: AIYA x Cinta Bahasa! 🎉🤝
All AIYA members can now enjoy 15% off Cinta Bahasa’s online or in-person Indonesian language classes! To register, simply log in to your AIYA membership dashboard > Resource Center > Cinta Bahasa.

• Come be apart of AIYA WA for 2026. We are looking for Secretary, Treasurer, and Events Officer positions. Take a look here. Positions close on 1 Feb 2026.
• NAILA is now open for a Director role. Apply here by 9 Jan 2026, more detail take a look here.
• Several internship opportunities are now available at ACICIS offices in Bandung and Yogyakarta!. Check out the available roles and their deadlines here.
• Volunteer positions for WIIS-A (Women in International Security – Australia) are available. Come and check the position of Communication officer and Events officer. Apply ASAP.
• The Global Scholars Club is a new community helping underrepresented young people access international opportunities by sharing real stories, free resources, and practical insights from past scholars. We publish reflections and guides on our Substack – you can check it out here. 
  The founder, Billy Blackett, is particularly passionate about Indonesia, having participated in the Australian Indonesian Youth Exchange Program. He shares regular updates on opportunities and reflections via LinkedIn, and is always happy to field questions or provide application support as a Rhodes Scholar and alumnus of NCP and AIYEP. Connect with Billy for more insight!
• Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is looking for several positions to fill with various closing dates. Click here for more information!
• The Australian Volunteers Program matches skilled Australians with partner organisations across the Pacific, Asia, and Africa to support them to achieve their own development goals. If you’re interested in volunteering check-out a range of opportunities here!!
• Indo Beyond Borders (IBB) is an Indonesian tutoring service, where language learning goes beyond the textbook. Join IBB and embark on an immersive learning experience that’s as dynamic and vibrant as Indonesia itself. Here to check more information
• The Jakarta Bintangs is an Australian Football Club with membership open to anyone, beginners are most welcome. The club organizes games throughout the year, mostly in Jakarta, with occasional games across Indonesia and overseas. Tours are planned to Bali, Batam, Vietnam and Thailand this year. Training is mostly held at Lapangan Bola Aldiron in Jakarta on Saturday/ Sunday afternoons. On occasion, training sessions are also held Thursday nights in the GBK complex. To keep up to date with the training schedule follow them on Instagram @jakartabintangs. For more information click here.
• The Australian Government is receiving applications for the Working Holiday Maker program that allows young adults to have a 12 month holiday, during which they can undertake short-term work and study. More info here
• The Australian National University Indonesia Project is offering a number of grants and fellowships. Find out more about the opportunities such as Collaborative Research Grants, and Visiting Fellow Grants.
• The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) helps grow Australia’s prosperity by delivering quality trade and investment services to businesses, accelerates growth in Australia’s tourism sector and promotes Australia’s education to the world. Find a list of available vacancies here.

Culture: Australian students demonstrate fluency in Indonesian language at NAILA 2026. The University of Queensland in Brisbane hosted the National Australia Indonesia Language Awards (NAILA) 2025 awards night on Saturday, 22 November. NAILA is a competition that recognises and promotes the development of Indonesian language learning in Australia.

The awards night announced winners across six categories: Early Primary, Upper Primary, Middle, Senior, Tertiary, and Executive. This year’s competition featured a sports theme. [SBS Indonesian]

In The News

• Indonesian environmentalists blame rapid forest loss in Sumatra for severity of deadly floods. Indonesia’s government says it will summon eight companies over their suspected role in worsening the scale of floods and landslides in Sumatra [ABC News]
• Indonesia grants unlimited stay permit for former citizens in lieu of dual citizenship. Indonesian law does not recognise dual citizenship for adults, and anyone with two passports must make a choice of nationality when they turn 18. [Reuters]
• Australia Backs Indonesia’s Potential Bid for UN Human Rights Council Chairmanship.  Australia’s Special Envoy for International Human Rights, Hon. Mark Dreyfus KC, said that he would support Indonesia if it decides to run for the chairmanship of the United Nations Human Rights Council. [RRI Voice of Indonesia]
• Uzbekistan Joins Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Brazil, Egypt, Mexico, and more as Australia Issues New Travel Advisory Amid Rising Security Concerns [TTW Travel and Tour World]
• Indonesia, Australia and WHO partner to transform health care. Australia and the World Health Organization (WHO) signed a new partnership agreement this month in Jakarta to partner with Indonesia to build a more inclusive, resilient and accessible primary health care system. The partnership forms part of the new Australia-Indonesia Partnership for Health Transformation (KITA SEHAT). [WHO]
• Australia’s Macmohan Holdings gains on new mining contract, Kucing Liar, in Indonesia  [LISTCORP]

On The Blog

• People and Culture team have officially launched AIYA Volunteers of the Month Program! This initiative will allow AIYA volunteers to anonymously nominate a fellow volunteer who truly embodies our mission to Connect, Inform, Inspire. AIYA Volunteers, kindly check your email for the link.
• AIYA Urges UTAS to Reconsider Closure of Indonesian Language Program – The Australia-Indonesia Youth Association (AIYA) has formally urged the University of Tasmania (UTAS) to reconsider its proposal to discontinue the Indonesian Language Program, which has been flagged for closure due to low enrolment and internal restructuring.
• AIYA Annual 2024 is here! Reflecting on 2024, AIYA had a great year of growth in bridging Australian and Indonesian youth. Thank you to all our supporters, making sure AIYA continues to Connect, Inform, Inspire. We hope you enjoy reading our report from 2024!

Events

• JOIN AIYA LANGUAGE EXCHANGE (IN-PERSON or ONLINE!) LX is back in multiple locations across Australia. Connect, chill, and converse with like-minded youth, meet new friends and engage in cross-cultural exchange. Make sure to follow your local chapter on Instagram for updates on the next LX event near you!
• RANI JAMBAK – SOUNDS FROM SUMATRA IN MELBOURNE – We remain in deep sorrow with the situation of our brothers and sisters in Sumatra and Aceh. In these moments of grief for our brothers and sisters in Sumatra, we gather in Melbourne not only to share sound but also to hold space for listening, empathy, and solidarity. Through talks and performance, SOUNDS FROM SUMATRA IN MELBOURNE invites us to reflect on heritage, resilience, and the power of sonic memory. Let this be more than an event. It is a gesture of care, remembrance, and connection across distance.
  Performance: Inter.Sonix 06, Friday, 12 Dec – 7pm, Miscellania, Melbourne CBD. RSVP here.
• Come and try playing Javanese Gamelan with AIYA ACT and ANUISA every Monday, @5.30pm in Room 630, Level 6 of the Llewellyn Hall at ANU.

Tune In

• The Kangaroos haven’t lost a game since they fell to the Lions in the 2023 grand final, so can Brisbane end that streak in the year’s most important game? Listen here to know more.
• The Rest Is History podcast back in Australia. It’s a chart topping podcast with millions of downloads around the world. Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland are distinguished historians — Oxford and Cambridge scholars, and bestselling authors. Listen here to learn more.
• SBS Audio Program Bahasa Indonesia – Friday 28 November 2025. Listen here to know more.

Opportunities

We’re so excited to share our newest partnership: AIYA x Cinta Bahasa! 🎉🤝
All AIYA members can now enjoy 15% off Cinta Bahasa’s online or in-person Indonesian language classes! To register, simply log in to your AIYA membership dashboard > Resource Center > Cinta Bahasa.

• Several internship opportunities are now available at ACICIS offices in Bandung and Yogyakarta!. Check out the available roles and their deadlines here.
• NAILA is looking for our next DIRECTOR! 🎉.If you’re passionate, organised, and ready to lead, we’d love to have you join our team. 📅 Applications due date: Friday, 9 January 2026, 11.59 pm AEDT 👉 Apply today via this link
• Volunteer positions for WIIS-A (Women in International Security – Australia) are available. They are looking for Communication officer and Events officer.
• The Global Scholars Club is a new community helping underrepresented young people access international opportunities by sharing real stories, free resources, and practical insights from past scholars. We publish reflections and guides on our Substack – you can check it out here. 
  The founder, Billy Blackett, is particularly passionate about Indonesia, having participated in the Australian Indonesian Youth Exchange Program. He shares regular updates on opportunities and reflections via LinkedIn, and is always happy to field questions or provide application support as a Rhodes Scholar and alumnus of NCP and AIYEP. Connect with Billy for more insight!
• Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is looking for several positions to fill with various closing dates. Click here for more information!
• The Australian Volunteers Program matches skilled Australians with partner organisations across the Pacific, Asia, and Africa to support them to achieve their own development goals. If you’re interested in volunteering check-out a range of opportunities here!!
• Indo Beyond Borders (IBB) is an Indonesian tutoring service, where language learning goes beyond the textbook. Join IBB and embark on an immersive learning experience that’s as dynamic and vibrant as Indonesia itself. Here to check more information
• The Jakarta Bintangs is an Australian Football Club with membership open to anyone, beginners are most welcome. The club organizes games throughout the year, mostly in Jakarta, with occasional games across Indonesia and overseas. Tours are planned to Bali, Batam, Vietnam and Thailand this year. Training is mostly held at Lapangan Bola Aldiron in Jakarta on Saturday/ Sunday afternoons. On occasion, training sessions are also held Thursday nights in the GBK complex. To keep up to date with the training schedule follow them on Instagram @jakartabintangs. For more information click here.
• The Australian Government is receiving applications for the Working Holiday Maker program that allows young adults to have a 12 month holiday, during which they can undertake short-term work and study. More info here
• The Australian National University Indonesia Project is offering a number of grants and fellowships. Find out more about the opportunities such as Collaborative Research Grants, and Visiting Fellow Grants.
• The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) helps grow Australia’s prosperity by delivering quality trade and investment services to businesses, accelerates growth in Australia’s tourism sector and promotes Australia’s education to the world. Find a list of available vacancies here.

Indonesia: More than 300 people dead and others missing after floods and landslides – Rescue workers have been struggling to reach some areas cut off by damaged roads, and where communications lines have come down. [Sky News]

In The News

• Coalition floats stronger ‘values’ test for migrants – Opposition Leader Sussan Ley says “issues around language and values” will be included in the Coalition’s coming migration strategy, as her party mulls stronger tests for aspiring migrants.  [ABC News]
• Indonesia’s Expanding Public Data Faces Governance, Security Challenges – The rapid growth of information technology has led to an explosion of data generated by government agencies across public service sectors. [RRI Net]
• Australian environment laws set for biggest overhaul in decades – Australia is set to to overhaul its decades-old nature laws with a raft of major reforms including the country’s first independent environment regulator. [BBC]
• Indonesia’s Semeru volcano, near Bali, erupts; alert level raised to highest – Click here to read more [The Straits Times]
• What happens when you kick millions of teens off social media? Australia’s about to find out – Click here to read more [CNN World]

On The Blog

• People and Culture team have officially launched AIYA Volunteers of the Month Program! This initiative will allow AIYA volunteers to anonymously nominate a fellow volunteer who truly embodies our mission to Connect, Inform, Inspire. AIYA Volunteers, kindly check your email for the link.
• AIYA Urges UTAS to Reconsider Closure of Indonesian Language Program – The Australia-Indonesia Youth Association (AIYA) has formally urged the University of Tasmania (UTAS) to reconsider its proposal to discontinue the Indonesian Language Program, which has been flagged for closure due to low enrolment and internal restructuring.
• AIYA Annual 2024 is here! Reflecting on 2024, AIYA had a great year of growth in bridging Australian and Indonesian youth. Thank you to all our supporters, making sure AIYA continues to Connect, Inform, Inspire. We hope you enjoy reading our report from 2024!

Events

• JOIN AIYA LANGUAGE EXCHANGE (IN-PERSON or ONLINE!) LX is back in multiple locations across Australia. Connect, chill, and converse with like-minded youth, meet new friends and engage in cross-cultural exchange. Make sure to follow your local chapter on Instagram for updates on the next LX event near you!
• Come and try playing Javanese Gamelan with AIYA ACT and ANUISA every Monday, @5.30pm in Room 630, Level 6 of the Llewellyn Hall at ANU.
• The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Canberra and the Australia–Indonesia Institute proudly invite you to the First Australian Congress for Indonesian Language 2025, a national forum celebrating the teaching, learning, and future of the Indonesian language in Australia. 📅 Saturday, 6 December 2025 📍 Australian National University, Canberra 🕘 09.00 – 17.00 AEDT 📡 Hybrid Event | On-site at ANU & Online via Zoom. Check here for more info.

Tune In

• The Kangaroos haven’t lost a game since they fell to the Lions in the 2023 grand final, so can Brisbane end that streak in the year’s most important game? Listen here to know more.
• The Rest Is History podcast back in Australia. It’s a chart topping podcast with millions of downloads around the world. Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland are distinguished historians — Oxford and Cambridge scholars, and bestselling authors. Listen here to learn more.
• SBS Audio Program Bahasa Indonesia – Friday 28 November 2025. Listen here to know more.

Opportunities

We’re so excited to share our newest partnership: AIYA x Cinta Bahasa! 🎉🤝
All AIYA members can now enjoy 15% off Cinta Bahasa’s online or in-person Indonesian language classes! To register, simply log in to your AIYA membership dashboard > Resource Center > Cinta Bahasa.

• The Global Scholars Club is a new community helping underrepresented young people access international opportunities by sharing real stories, free resources, and practical insights from past scholars. We publish reflections and guides on our Substack – you can check it out here. 
  The founder, Billy Blackett, is particularly passionate about Indonesia, having participated in the Australian Indonesian Youth Exchange Program. He shares regular updates on opportunities and reflections via LinkedIn, and is always happy to field questions or provide application support as a Rhodes Scholar and alumnus of NCP and AIYEP. Connect with Billy for more insight!
• Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is looking for several positions to fill with various closing dates. Click here for more information!
• The Australian Volunteers Program matches skilled Australians with partner organisations across the Pacific, Asia, and Africa to support them to achieve their own development goals. If you’re interested in volunteering check-out a range of opportunities here!!
• Indo Beyond Borders (IBB) is an Indonesian tutoring service, where language learning goes beyond the textbook. Join IBB and embark on an immersive learning experience that’s as dynamic and vibrant as Indonesia itself. Here to check more information
• The Jakarta Bintangs is an Australian Football Club with membership open to anyone, beginners are most welcome. The club organizes games throughout the year, mostly in Jakarta, with occasional games across Indonesia and overseas. Tours are planned to Bali, Batam, Vietnam and Thailand this year. Training is mostly held at Lapangan Bola Aldiron in Jakarta on Saturday/ Sunday afternoons. On occasion, training sessions are also held Thursday nights in the GBK complex. To keep up to date with the training schedule follow them on Instagram @jakartabintangs. For more information click here.
• The Australian Government is receiving applications for the Working Holiday Maker program that allows young adults to have a 12 month holiday, during which they can undertake short-term work and study. More info here
• The Australian National University Indonesia Project is offering a number of grants and fellowships. Find out more about the opportunities such as Collaborative Research Grants, and Visiting Fellow Grants.
• The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) helps grow Australia’s prosperity by delivering quality trade and investment services to businesses, accelerates growth in Australia’s tourism sector and promotes Australia’s education to the world. Find a list of available vacancies here.

Prabowo Subianto’s foreign policy hints at what Indonesia gains from treaty with Australia.The term “alliance” is a dirty word in Indonesia. As one of the founding members of the “Non-Aligned Movement”, Indonesia from its early days was clear that it did not want to be on either side of a polarised world. (ABC News)

In The News

• Australia looks to pension funds to fuel Southeast Asia clean energy expansion.Australia is optimistic about markets in Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries, and is expected to further expand regional trade partnerships. According to Paul Grimes, CEO of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), the energy transition has become a key area for joint investment with Indonesian companies.  [Recessary News]
• Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin reveal Aussie flight impact after Indonesia’s Mount Semeru volcano erupts. The BOM issued a red aviation alert, meaning volcanic ash has reached altitudes that could threaten aircraft safety and require flights in the region to be rerouted or delayed. [Yahoo News]
• Indonesia Could Receive Spillover Investment from Australia. The Australian government has announced its readiness to channel substantial investments into Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, through an infrastructure funding scheme worth AU$  2 billion. This was announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the ASEAN Summit a few weeks ago. [KONTAN]
• Indonesia, Australia and Thailand to host FIFA Series 2026. It was held for the first time in March 2024. [Aseanfootbal.org]
• Australian Open: Great Day for Indonesia. Indonesia enjoyed a perfect Saturday at the SATHIO GROUP Australian Open 2025, winning all their semifinal matches and ensuring two qualifiers to the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2025. [BWF World Tour]

On The Blog

• People and Culture team have officially launched AIYA Volunteers of the Month Program! This initiative will allow AIYA volunteers to anonymously nominate a fellow volunteer who truly embodies our mission to Connect, Inform, Inspire. AIYA Volunteers, kindly check your email for the link.
• AIYA Urges UTAS to Reconsider Closure of Indonesian Language Program – The Australia-Indonesia Youth Association (AIYA) has formally urged the University of Tasmania (UTAS) to reconsider its proposal to discontinue the Indonesian Language Program, which has been flagged for closure due to low enrolment and internal restructuring.
• AIYA Annual 2024 is here! Reflecting on 2024, AIYA had a great year of growth in bridging Australian and Indonesian youth. Thank you to all our supporters, making sure AIYA continues to Connect, Inform, Inspire. We hope you enjoy reading our report from 2024!

Events

• AIYA SA – November Indonesian Cultural Night. 28 November 2025 at 5:00 pm, Schulz Backstage Cafe, Schulz Building, Adelaide University (near Scott Theatre). More info here.
• AIYA QLD – AGM. Get involved and cast your vote for the next team that will lead AIYA QLD into an exciting year ahead. 🇮🇩🤝🇦🇺. 27 November at 7:00 PM AEST! See here for more info
• JOIN AIYA LANGUAGE EXCHANGE (IN-PERSON or ONLINE!) LX is back in multiple locations across Australia. Connect, chill, and converse with like-minded youth, meet new friends and engage in cross-cultural exchange. Make sure to follow your local chapter on Instagram for updates on the next LX event near you!
• Come and try playing Javanese Gamelan with AIYA ACT and ANUISA every Monday, @5.30pm in Room 630, Level 6 of the Llewellyn Hall at ANU.
• The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Canberra and the Australia–Indonesia Institute proudly invite you to the First Australian Congress for Indonesian Language 2025, a national forum celebrating the teaching, learning, and future of the Indonesian language in Australia. 📅 Saturday, 6 December 2025 📍 Australian National University, Canberra 🕘 09.00 – 17.00 AEDT 📡 Hybrid Event | On-site at ANU & Online via Zoom. Check here for more info.

Tune In

• Can short films bring Australia and Indonesia closer? – It is the 10th year of the ReelOzInd! short film festival which is open to filmmakers from both Australia and Indonesia. The finalists are shown in both Indonesia and Australia both at the launch and as a pop up festival. 
• Talking Indonesia: free nutritious meals program – What are the aims of this program and where does it fit within Indonesia’s broader public health framework? What are the reasons for its failures until now, and what needs to be done to make sure it does no further harm? In this week’s episode, Jemma chats with Irma Hidayana, a public health consultant and activist. 
• SBS Audio, a podcast in Indonesian from SBS Audio covering recent news in both Australia and Indonesia. Listen here to know more.
• Discover Australia recent news with Pat Panetta in here.

Opportunities

We’re so excited to share our newest partnership: AIYA x Cinta Bahasa! 🎉🤝
All AIYA members can now enjoy 15% off Cinta Bahasa’s online or in-person Indonesian language classes! To register, simply log in to your AIYA membership dashboard > Resource Center > Cinta Bahasa.

• Are you ready to take on the challenge of combating misinformation and disinformation? We invite you to apply for the Australia Awards Short Course ‘The Challenge of Mis and Disinformation: Fostering Information Integrity and Media Literacy in the Digital Age.’ Apply before 28 November 2025. Find out more information here!!
• Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is looking for an Events Manager to oversee and coordinate multiple activities and events such as, high-level visit programs, information sessions, functions and cultural exchanges to promote Australia’s positive image and culture, and further Australia’s interests in East and Central Java. Apply before 26 November 2025 at 11.30 pm (Jakarta Time). Click here for more information!
• The Global Scholars Club is a new community helping underrepresented young people access international opportunities by sharing real stories, free resources, and practical insights from past scholars. We publish reflections and guides on our Substack – you can check it out here. 
  The founder, Billy Blackett, is particularly passionate about Indonesia, having participated in the Australian Indonesian Youth Exchange Program. He shares regular updates on opportunities and reflections via LinkedIn, and is always happy to field questions or provide application support as a Rhodes Scholar and alumnus of NCP and AIYEP. Connect with Billy for more insight!
• Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is looking for several positions to fill with various closing dates. Click here for more information!
• The Australian Volunteers Program matches skilled Australians with partner organisations across the Pacific, Asia, and Africa to support them to achieve their own development goals. If you’re interested in volunteering check-out a range of opportunitieshere!!
• Indo Beyond Borders (IBB) is an Indonesian tutoring service, where language learning goes beyond the textbook. Join IBB and embark on an immersive learning experience that’s as dynamic and vibrant as Indonesia itself. Here to check more information
• The Jakarta Bintangs is an Australian Football Club with membership open to anyone, beginners are most welcome. The club organizes games throughout the year, mostly in Jakarta, with occasional games across Indonesia and overseas. Tours are planned to Bali, Batam, Vietnam and Thailand this year. Training is mostly held at Lapangan Bola Aldiron in Jakarta on Saturday/ Sunday afternoons. On occasion, training sessions are also held Thursday nights in the GBK complex. To keep up to date with the training schedule follow them on Instagram @jakartabintangs. For more information click here.
• The Australian Government is receiving applications for the Working Holiday Maker program that allows young adults to have a 12 month holiday, during which they can undertake short-term work and study. More info here
• The Australian National University Indonesia Project is offering a number of grants and fellowships. Find out more about the opportunities such as Collaborative Research Grants, and Visiting Fellow Grants.
• The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) helps grow Australia’s prosperity by delivering quality trade and investment services to businesses, accelerates growth in Australia’s tourism sector and promotes Australia’s education to the world. Find a list of available vacancies here.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday announced a new bilateral agreement on defense and security during a joint press statement aboard the Australian aircraft carrier HMAS Canberra in Sydney. The agreement, reached during the meeting, aims to strengthen cooperation between the two nations in maintaining regional security and stability. [Antara News]

In The News

• Wong won’t put price tag on COP31 as final host decision looms – Foreign Minister Penny Wong has refused to say how much hosting next year’s COP climate conference would cost Australia, as negotiations enter the final stages. Australia has pushed to hold the massive climate summit in Adelaide in partnership with Pacific nations, but has been locked in a stalemate with Türkiye over the hosting rights. [ABC News]
• Indonesia cites legislative, policy moves to advance climate action – Indonesia’s parliament and government have taken concrete steps to confront climate change, Regional Representatives Council (DPD) Speaker Sultan Baktiar Najamudin said Friday, insisting the country is “walking the talk” at the UN’s COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil. [Antara News]
• How free school meals gave thousands of children food poisoning in Indonesia – More than 10,000 children in Indonesia have fallen ill with food poisoning after eating meals provided in a free school lunches program. The food poisonings have been blamed on improper ingredients and storage, poor sanitation, poor water quality, and slow meal distribution times. [ABC News]
• Australia news live: Melbourne Metro Tunnel to begin taking passengers early; Albanese labels Coalition a ‘rabble and clown show’ – Anthony Albanese used the Melbourne Metro launch announcement as an opportunity to slam the Coalition’s approach to climate change – and the uncertainty wrought by its stance on net zero. [The Guardian]
• Fueling Indonesia’s drive for energy security and green agenda – A fuel shortage affecting private gas stations in late 2025 is nearing resolution after the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry mediated base fuel import negotiations between private retailers and state-owned energy company Pertamina. [Antara News]
• What Australia can learn from China to become the world’s ‘cleaner’ rare earth refiner – Australia holds a plethora of rare earths — minerals essential for all sorts of cutting-edge technologies from wind turbines to hypersonic missiles. Until now, most of them have been sent to be refined in China. That is largely because the process is dirty, expensive, and politically unpopular. [ABC News]
• Rare Australian animals increasingly targeted for illegal wildlife trade – The estimated global illegal trade in wildlife is estimated to be worth 32 billion dollars – and with so many rare species in Australia, the nation’s animals are vulnerable to being targeted by black market traders. To mark the International Day for the Prevention of and Fight Against All Forms of Transnational Organised Crime, local researchers are working to expose, prevent and disrupt this industry which is having a devastating impact on ecology and industry. [SBS News]
• Dua Bibit Siklon Tropis Dekati Indonesia, BMKG Peringatkan Cuaca Ekstrem – Badan Meteorologi, Klimatologi, dan Geofisika (BMKG) mendeteksi adanya dua Bibit Siklon Tropis, yakni 97S dan 98S, yang saat ini aktif di dekat wilayah Indonesia. [Okezone News]

On The Blog

• People and Culture team have officially launched AIYA Volunteers of the Month Program! This initiative will allow AIYA volunteers to anonymously nominate a fellow volunteer who truly embodies our mission to Connect, Inform, Inspire. AIYA Volunteers, kindly check your email for the link.
• AIYA Annual 2024 is here! Reflecting on 2024, AIYA had a great year of growth in bridging Australian and Indonesian youth. Thank you to all our supporters, making sure AIYA continues to Connect, Inform, Inspire. We hope you enjoy reading our report from 2024!
• AIYA Urges UTAS to Reconsider Closure of Indonesian Language Program – The Australia-Indonesia Youth Association (AIYA) has formally urged the University of Tasmania (UTAS) to reconsider its proposal to discontinue the Indonesian Language Program, which has been flagged for closure due to low enrolment and internal restructuring.

Events

• You’re invited to join us for the 2025 National Australia Indonesia Language Awards (NAILA) Ceremony! The event will take place on Saturday, 22 November 2025, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm AEST at the Abel Smith Lecture Theatre (Building 23), University of Queensland, St Lucia. For more information click here!
• AIYA SA – November Indonesian Cultural Night. 28 November 2025 at 5:00 pm, Schulz Backstage Cafe, Schulz Building, Adelaide University (near Scott Theatre). More info here.
• JOIN AIYA LANGUAGE EXCHANGE (IN-PERSON or ONLINE!) LX is back in multiple locations across Australia. Connect, chill, and converse with like-minded youth, meet new friends and engage in cross-cultural exchange. Make sure to follow your local chapter on Instagram for updates on the next LX event near you!
• Come and try playing Javanese Gamelan with AIYA ACT and ANUISA every Monday, @5.30pm in Room 630, Level 6 of the Llewellyn Hall at ANU.

Tune In

• Can short films bring Australia and Indonesia closer? – It is the 10th year of the ReelOzInd! short film festival which is open to filmmakers from both Australia and Indonesia. The finalists are shown in both Indonesia and Australia both at the launch and as a pop up festival. 
• Talking Indonesia: free nutritious meals program – What are the aims of this program and where does it fit within Indonesia’s broader public health framework? What are the reasons for its failures until now, and what needs to be done to make sure it does no further harm? In this week’s episode, Jemma chats with Irma Hidayana, a public health consultant and activist. 
• SBS Audio, a podcast in Indonesian from SBS Audio covering recent news in both Australia and Indonesia. Listen here to know more.
• Discover Australia recent news with Pat Panetta in here.

Opportunities

We’re so excited to share our newest partnership: AIYA x Cinta Bahasa! 🎉🤝
All AIYA members can now enjoy 15% off Cinta Bahasa’s online or in-person Indonesian language classes! To register, simply log in to your AIYA membership dashboard > Resource Center > Cinta Bahasa.

• Are you ready to take on the challenge of combating misinformation and disinformation? We invite you to apply for the Australia Awards Short Course ‘The Challenge of Mis and Disinformation: Fostering Information Integrity and Media Literacy in the Digital Age.’ Apply before 28 November 2025. Find out more information here!!
• the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is looking for an Events Manager to oversee and coordinate multiple activities and events such as, high-level visit programs, information sessions, functions and cultural exchanges to promote Australia’s positive image and culture, and further Australia’s interests in East and Central Java. Apply before 26 November 2025 at 11.30 pm (Jakarta Time). Click here for more information!
• The Global Scholars Club is a new community helping underrepresented young people access international opportunities by sharing real stories, free resources, and practical insights from past scholars. We publish reflections and guides on our Substack – you can check it out here. 
  The founder, Billy Blackett, is particularly passionate about Indonesia, having participated in the Australian Indonesian Youth Exchange Program. He shares regular updates on opportunities and reflections via LinkedIn, and is always happy to field questions or provide application support as a Rhodes Scholar and alumnus of NCP and AIYEP. Connect with Billy for more insight!
• Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is looking for several positions to fill with various closing dates. Click here for more information!
• The Australian Volunteers Program matches skilled Australians with partner organisations across the Pacific, Asia, and Africa to support them to achieve their own development goals. If you’re interested in volunteering check-out a range of opportunitieshere!!
• Indo Beyond Borders (IBB) is an Indonesian tutoring service, where language learning goes beyond the textbook. Join IBB and embark on an immersive learning experience that’s as dynamic and vibrant as Indonesia itself. Here to check more information
• The Jakarta Bintangs is an Australian Football Club with membership open to anyone, beginners are most welcome. The club organizes games throughout the year, mostly in Jakarta, with occasional games across Indonesia and overseas. Tours are planned to Bali, Batam, Vietnam and Thailand this year. Training is mostly held at Lapangan Bola Aldiron in Jakarta on Saturday/ Sunday afternoons. On occasion, training sessions are also held Thursday nights in the GBK complex. To keep up to date with the training schedule follow them on Instagram @jakartabintangs. For more information click here.
• The Australian Government is receiving applications for the Working Holiday Maker program that allows young adults to have a 12 month holiday, during which they can undertake short-term work and study. More info here
• The Australian National University Indonesia Project is offering a number of grants and fellowships. Find out more about the opportunities such as Collaborative Research Grants, and Visiting Fellow Grants.
• The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) helps grow Australia’s prosperity by delivering quality trade and investment services to businesses, accelerates growth in Australia’s tourism sector and promotes Australia’s education to the world. Find a list of available vacancies here.

AIYA at ASEAN for the People Conference: Excited to kick off meaningful discussions on collaboration, culture, and connection across Southeast Asia! Proud to represent and exchange ideas with inspiring young leaders from both Australia and Indonesia. (AIYA National)

In The News

• Indonesia says it expects Australia and PNG to respect its “sovereignty and independence” after the two countries signed a defence treaty. The agreement has raised questions about what role Australia would play if the conflict between Indonesia and West Papuan fighters escalated. (ABC News)
• And then there were none: Australia’s only shrew declared extinct – The tally of Australian mammals extinct since 1788 is now 39 species – far more than for any other country. (The Guardian)
• Indonesia blocks Israeli gymnasts amid Gaza genocide – Indonesia has denied visas to Israeli gymnasts, preventing them from competing in this month’s World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta. (Daily Sabah)
• Indonesia’s film industry embraces AI to make Hollywood-style movies for cheap – Generative AI video and text tools are transforming some of the labor-intensive parts of filmmaking, and are largely welcomed in Indonesia’s homegrown industry. (Rest of World)
• Seizing the Opportunity: Australia should seek a Trilateral Partnership with Indonesia and PNG – As Indonesia champions Papua New Guinea’s bid to join ASEAN, Australia faces a strategic opportunity to deepen ties with its two most important neighbors. (AIIA)
• Indonesian ambassador outlines vision for ag processing partnership with Australia – Indonesia’s ambassador to Australia believes the two countries have a unique opportunity to become an “economic powerhouse” by combining Australia’s agricultural production strengths with Indonesia’s lower labour and energy costs to boost processing and trade. (Beef Central)
  

On The Blog

• People and Culture team have officially launched AIYA Volunteers of the Month Program! This initiative will allow AIYA volunteers to anonymously nominate a fellow volunteer who truly embodies our mission to Connect, Inform, Inspire. AIYA Volunteers, kindly check your email for the link.
• AIYA Annual 2024 is here! Reflecting on 2024, AIYA had a great year of growth in bridging Australian and Indonesian youth. Thank you to all our supporters, making sure AIYA continues to Connect, Inform, Inspire. We hope you enjoy reading our report from 2024!
• AIYA Urges UTAS to Reconsider Closure of Indonesian Language Program – The Australia-Indonesia Youth Association (AIYA) has formally urged the University of Tasmania (UTAS) to reconsider its proposal to discontinue the Indonesian Language Program, which has been flagged for closure due to low enrolment and internal restructuring.

Events

• Join our October Monthly Event! This month we’re hosting a special ReelOzInd screening at Union Cinema from 6pm–8pm. 🍿✨ The venue is just a 2-minute walk from our usual spot — so bring your friends and enjoy an evening of film, culture, and connection!
• JOIN AIYA LANGUAGE EXCHANGE (IN-PERSON or ONLINE!) LX is back in multiple locations across Australia. Connect, chill, and converse with like-minded youth, meet new friends and engage in cross-cultural exchange. Make sure to follow your local chapter on Instagram for updates on the next LX event near you!
• Come and try playing Javanese Gamelan with AIYA ACT and ANUISA every Monday, @5.30pm in Room 630, Level 6 of the Llewellyn Hall at ANU.
• Join AIYA SA on the last Friday of every month for a vibrant and inclusive evening of Indonesian culture, right here in South Australia! FREE for AIYA SA and PPIA UoA members! 🎉Grab your ticket here

Tune In

• SBS Audio, a podcast in Indonesian from SBS Audio covering recent news in both Australia and Indonesia. Listen here to know more.
• Charlotte Setijadi, anthropologist and author of Harnessing the Potential of the Indonesian Diaspora (ISEAS, 2017), has spent years studying how Indonesians abroad push for recognition, build networks, and engage in nation-building from afar. Now back in Melbourne after working in Singapore, she brings both her own research and personal take to the conversation. Tune in to the Perantau Podcast to hear her discussion.

Opportunities

We’re so excited to share our newest partnership: AIYA x Cinta Bahasa! 🎉🤝
All AIYA members can now enjoy 15% off Cinta Bahasa’s online or in-person Indonesian language classes! To register, simply log in to your AIYA membership dashboard > Resource Center > Cinta Bahasa.

• Ingin menginspirasi generasi pelajar Australia berikutnya untuk mempelajari lebih lanjut tentang Indonesia? Jadilah seorang Program Duta Belajar Bahasa Indonesia (ILLA). Para pelajar Indonesia yang sedang belajar di Australia, termasuk penerima beasiswa AAS, Aus4ASEAN, dan ACIAR diundang untuk mendaftar program ini. Daftar secepatnya disini sebelum 26 Okt 2025.
• Nominations for the 2025 Australia-Indonesia Institute Indonesian Studies Awards are now open. The closing date for nominations has been extended to 5pm AEDT Friday 17 October 2025. The Australia-Indonesia Institute’s (AII) Indonesian Studies Awards recognise the achievements and contributions of Indonesian language teachers, researchers, and leaders in Indonesian cultural outreach in Australia. Further information can be found here.
• Asialink Education – Are you concerned about the decline in the numbers of Australian students studying the Indonesian language in Australian schools and universities? A Roundtable on Australian Schools’ Engagement with Indonesia is taking place virtually on 20 November 2025 from 13:00 – 17:00 AEDT. More info here.
• Acicis celebrates its 30th anniversary, we are delighted to relaunch the Bahasa Sesh Challenge (10 September–20 October 2025) – a social media initiative encouraging Australians to reconnect with Indonesia through language. Click here for more info.
• The House Standing Committee on Education – Inquiry into Building Asia Capability in Australia through the education system and beyond. The Committee is seeking written submissions, providing recommendations in response to the inquiry terms of reference by Friday, 7 November 2025. More info here.
• The Global Scholars Club is a new community helping underrepresented young people access international opportunities by sharing real stories, free resources, and practical insights from past scholars. We publish reflections and guides on our Substack – you can check it out here. 
  The founder, Billy Blackett, is particularly passionate about Indonesia, having participated in the Australian Indonesian Youth Exchange Program. He shares regular updates on opportunities and reflections via LinkedIn, and is always happy to field questions or provide application support as a Rhodes Scholar and alumnus of NCP and AIYEP. Connect with Billy for more insight!
• Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is looking for several positions to fill with various closing dates. Click here for more information!
• The Australian Volunteers Program matches skilled Australians with partner organisations across the Pacific, Asia, and Africa to support them to achieve their own development goals. If you’re interested in volunteering check-out a range of opportunities here!!
• Indo Beyond Borders (IBB) is an Indonesian tutoring service, where language learning goes beyond the textbook. Join IBB and embark on an immersive learning experience that’s as dynamic and vibrant as Indonesia itself. Here to check more information
• The Jakarta Bintangs is an Australian Football Club with membership open to anyone, beginners are most welcome. The club organizes games throughout the year, mostly in Jakarta, with occasional games across Indonesia and overseas. Tours are planned to Bali, Batam, Vietnam and Thailand this year. Training is mostly held at 📍 Lapangan Bola Aldiron in Jakarta on Saturday/ Sunday afternoons. On occasion, training sessions are also held Thursday nights in the GBK complex. To keep up to date with the training schedule follow them on Instagram @jakartabintangs. For more information click here.
• The Australian Government is receiving applications for the Working Holiday Maker program that allows young adults to have a 12 month holiday, during which they can undertake short-term work and study. More info here
• The Australian National University Indonesia Project is offering a number of grants and fellowships. Find out more about the opportunities such as Collaborative Research Grants, and Visiting Fellow Grants.
• The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) helps grow Australia’s prosperity by delivering quality trade and investment services to businesses, accelerates growth in Australia’s tourism sector and promotes Australia’s education to the world. Find a list of available vacancies here.