Indonesia will ban social media access for children under 16, the country’s communications minister has announced. It will be the first country in South-East Asia to restrict the access of children to social media. The implementation will start gradually from March 28. [ABC News]

In The News:

In the Blog:

  • Our recent AAS seminar with AIYA Sulsel and Unhas was a massive success! with all 170 seats snatched up in just three days! Attendees gained firsthand application tips from Australian Consul-General Todd Dias and two recent University of Melbourne alumni. If you missed the event, remember that this prestigious and inclusive scholarship remains open for applications until 30 April 2026. Check out our latest blog post for the full recap and a boost of inspiration for your own study journey!
  • In a recent AIYA blog post, we explore how Indonesian passport holders with an active Australian visa can visit South Korea without applying for a traditional tourist visa through the B2 Transit Visa program. Dinda Ichsani, our Blog Editor, shares her firsthand journey and guides readers through eligibility requirements, route planning tips, airport procedures, and practical travel preparation as a Work and Holiday Visa (WHV) holder. Click here to read the full article!
  • 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:

  • KOSAN is back! KOSAN (Kuis dan Obrol Santai AIYA) is AIYA’s interactive online platform that brings members across Australia and Indonesia together through light quizzes and casual discussions. Join us for this special edition, KOSAN AIYA: Ramadan Across Borders, on 14 March 2026 at 3:00 PM WIB | 4:00 PM WITA | 5:00 PM AEST | 6:00 PM AEDT via Zoom as we connect, compete for THR prizes, and celebrate Ramadan across borders.
  • Suara Dance is back in Naarm/ Melbourne with a new course and new style of dance. Led by Uni Aletta, this term we will delve into Minangkabau Culture with Tari Rantak. The six-week program runs on Saturdays from 28 March – 2nd May and is open to all levels. Register here.
  • Om Tom Learning Indonesian: An inspiring and educational comedy show about how one man (Om Tom) learnt Indonesian by accident through the different episodes of his life. Delivered bilingually, Learning Indonesian with Om Tom is not only a comedy show but an effort to build bridges between Indonesian and English-speaking communities. Save the dates: Melbourne show: Fri, 27 – Sun, 29 March. For AIYA members, get 20% discount by simply log in to your AIYA membership dashboard > Resource Center > Om Tom Learning Indonesian. Quickly register yourself in Om Tom upcoming shows! Tickets are selling fast!
  • 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!
  • AIYA ACT – 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.
  • Language Exchange is back! AIYA NSW hosts weekly LX sessions on Thursdays, alternating between in-person at Darling Square or online. Follow our Instagram @aiya_nsw for weekly updates and topics!

Tune In:

  • Bagi seorang Candra Darusman, bukan saja soal ‘ngamen’ yang ada di benaknya – Listen here to know more [SBS Bahasa Indonesia]
  • On January 2nd, 2026, Indonesia entered what officials are calling a “new era” of criminal justice. The country implemented a completely new Criminal code – KUHP – and a new Criminal Procedure Code—known as KUHAP—that changes what counts as a crime and how crimes are identified, investigated and punished. – Tune here to learn more. [Talking Indonesia]
  • Kabar Indonesia: Taman Nasional Tesso Nilo menjadi Dilema Konservasi dan Perlawanan Masyarakat Listen here to know more. [SBS Bahasa Indonesia]

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.

  • Bandung Calling: CAUSINDY 2026 is Here! The flagship forum for young leaders from Australia and Indonesia is back! This year, we’re heading to the vibrant streets of Bandung to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time: the Just Energy Transition. If you’re ready to bridge the gap between two nations and shape a sustainable future, click here for more info including eligibility and how to apply.
  • The University of Melbourne is looking for Senior Associate, Advisory & Insights to join their wonderful Asialink Business, Global, Culture & Engagement department! If you have experience in strategy or commercial consulting, have a strong quantitative analysis skills and interest in Asian business, political, and cultural issues, you may want to look into the further details here! Applications close: ​15 March 2026​ 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.
  • Australia Awards – Are you a future leader from Indonesia aspiring to pursue a Masters or PhD at an Australian university? Australia Awards is now accepting application! Apply and experience a world-class education in Australia. Applications close on 30 April 2026. Visit the website for more information!
  • Monash University is looking for a Project Manager! If you feel like someone who have climate change policy background, extensive experience in project management and education training, you might the perfect fit for this role! find out more information about this role 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.