Links 24 March 2026
In the News
- Indonesia’s Danantara shifts to investment phase, targets 7% returns – Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund Danantara is entering a new phase of capital deployment after spending its first year building governance and institutional structures, with the fund targeting at least a 7 per cent return on investments, its chief investment officer said. [Business Time]
- ‘We need to be vigilant’: PM issues warning to anti-immigration agendas – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has used a speech at a multicultural event to issue a warning that Australia needs to be on the lookout for those who want to turn back the clock to an “Australia that is no longer who we are”. [Sky News]
- Indonesia grants Eid Al-Fitr remissions to 155,908 inmates – The remission decrees were symbolically handed over by the ministry’s Director General of Corrections Mashudi at the Gunung Sindur Narcotics Penitentiary on Saturday, 21 March. [Antara News]
- Laporan Ungkap Dugaan Kerja Paksa Industri Tuna Indonesia yang Ekspor ke Australia – Investigasi Greenpeace Asia Tenggara bersama Uniting Church in Australia mengungkap praktik kerja paksa terhadap 25 awak kapal perikanan di 17 kapal tuna Indonesia, dengan pola utama berupa penyalahgunaan kerentanan, jeratan utang, dan penipuan dalam proses perekrutan. [Mongabay.co.id]
- Aturan Larangan Media Sosial Indonesia Tuai Kritik dan Pujian Dari Anak dan Orangtua – Keputusan Indonesia untuk melarang media sosial bagi anak-anak di bawah usia 16 tahun telah membuat influencer remaja Charissa Putri Chandra Kirana, akrab disapa Cha-Cha, patah hati. [ABC News]
- Siklon Tropis Narele Menguat, BMKG: Indonesia Timur Bakal Hujan Lebat – Jakarta: Badan Meteorologi, Klimatologi, dan Geofisika (BMKG) memperbarui informasi cuaca untuk Minggu, 22 Maret 2026. BMKG mengingatkan masyarakat untuk meningkatkan kewaspadaan terhadap potensi hujan lebat hingga sangat lebat di sejumlah wilayah, terutama di Nusa Tenggara Timur, Sulawesi Barat, Sulawesi Selatan, dan Papua Pegunungan. [Metrotvnews.com].
- Man stabbed in Port Melbourne by unknown offender in early morning attack – Police are searching for a man who stabbed a 71-year-old man three times in an early morning attack in inner Melbourne, a day after a woman was stabbed by a stranger at a shopping centre. [ABC News]
- VIDEO: Is Australia actually running out of fuel? – We’ve all seen the headlines — Australia only has 30 days of fuel in reserve. But is that really the case? Reporting by Luke Radford. #Petrol #diesel #fuel #Australia [ABC News]
- Indonesia Incar Winger Australia Berdarah Medan – Timnas Indonesia kembali menunjukkan keseriusannya dalam mencari pemain diaspora berkualitas. Kali ini, perhatian tertuju pada Luke Vickery, seorang winger yang tengah menunjukkan performa gemilang di Liga Australia. [Readers.id]
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!
- At first glance, lamington and klepon could easily be mistaken for desserts from the same culinary tradition. Both are small, both are sweet, and both are generously coated in white grated coconut. Yet one is a beloved Australian cake, while the other is a traditional Indonesian kue. So what’s the difference? find out more with our Blog Editor Benetta Aditami about the same but difference culinary world of sweet snack in Separated by Seas, United by Coconut: The Story behind Lamington and Klepon
Tune In:
- Terinspirasi oleh percakapannya dengan rekan-rekan musisi diaspora Indonesia lainnya, Rully Roel, seorang musisi asal Malang yang menetap di Sydney sejak 2012 kemudian mempersiapkan sebuah acara musik bertajuk RockIndo yang diisi oleh para pemain rekan-rekan musisi Indonesia di Australia lainnya. Ikuti cerita perjalanan mereka dalam menghidupi panggung di SBS Australia.
- Rural Java has changed enormously over the past half-century. Girls now finish school, women hold community leadership positions, and dual incomes have become the norm rather than the exception. And yet, many Javanese women will tell you they still cook every meal, manage the household, and show up visibly as devoted wives, on top of everything else. Listen more about the perspective with Linda Susilowati in Talking Indonesia.
- Indonesian Community Council (ICC) akan menyelenggarakan kegiatan Harmony Day Morning Tea pada 28 Maret 2026 dengan mengusung tema perayaan keberagaman, berbagi budaya, dan kebersamaan. Dengarkan wawancaranya bersama Ibu Susan Ringo, ketua panitia acara ICC di SBS Bahasa Indonesia.
Events:
- 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!
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. Apply by 27 Mar.
- 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.
