Links 8 September 2025

Introducing the new AIYA Board of Directors, ready to connect, inspire, and empower youth across Australia and Indonesia! Check out the AIYA National Instagram to get to know the new directors.
In The News
- Indonesia taps Australia model to boost local governance policy skills – Indonesian Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya Sugiarto emphasized the importance of strengthening the capacity of local government officials in governance and public policymaking to accelerate regional progress. He delivered the remarks during an event in Jakarta that served as a prelude to the Australia Awards Short Course on [Antara News].
- Cerita Rakyat Lipan Marasende Dijadikan Komik, Kolaborasi Australia – Indonesia – Hadirnya komik cerita rakyat Lipan Marasende, hasil Kerjasama Badan Pengelola Kawasan Geopark Maros Pangkep dengan Wolonggong Universty Australia, melalui dana hibah hasilkan komik kawasan Geopark Maros Pangkep [upeks.co.id]
- Indonesia boosts investment diplomacy at APEC IEG2 forum – Indonesia’s Ministry of Investment is intensifying its investment diplomacy efforts at the APEC Second Investment Experts’ Group (IEG2) 2025 in Incheon, South Korea, on August 7–8. “This initiative will help create a healthy and sustainable investment climate to support our economic development goals,” said Tirta Nugraha Mursitama, the ministry’s Deputy for Investment Cooperation. [Antara News]
- Politicians condemn Neo-Nazis at rallies but not those standing beside them – Politicians have defended “good people” who attended events “hijacked” by Neo-Nazis, raising concerns about whether leaders are turning a blind eye to blatant white nationalism. The demonstrations held across Australia last Sunday were framed by organisers as “anti-immigration protests” and a chance to “stand up for Aussie culture”. [ABC News]
- What is the 17+8 People’s Demands: A Popular Discourse on Indonesia’s Social Media – After a series of mass demonstrations from Monday, August 25 to September 1, 2025, which resulted in chaos in various cities, a group of people finally articulated the points they wanted to convey to the government. They named it 17+8 People’s Demands. [Tempo English]
- Awakening Histories reveals deep ties between Australian First Nations Peoples and Indonesian Makassans – Monash University Museum of Art will next month debut the landmark Indigenous exhibition Awakening Histories, exploring the deep connections between the First Nations Peoples of Northern Australia and the Makassan seafarers of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The exhibition brings together 27 artists and collectives from Australia, Indonesia, China and the Philippines. [Monash.edu]
- S-E Asians sending food and aid via delivery apps to Indonesia’s gig workers following deadly riots – People in South-east Asia are rallying behind gig workers in Indonesia and sending them food and daily necessities through delivery apps, following a weekend of deadly riots that gripped the country. [The Strait Times]
- Behind Brave Pink and Hero Green: How Two Colours Became Symbols of Protest in Indonesia – What may look like a colour trend at first glance is actually a symbol of solidarity and resistance. The story begins with two moments that caught the public imagination. Brave Pink comes from the courage of a woman named Ana, who was filmed confronting authorities while wearing a pink hijab. [Social Expat]
- Australian Parliament passes new law to resettle former immigration detainees on Nauru – With very little fanfare, Australia’s parliament today passed new laws to secure the new resettlement deal with Nauru. It’s a move that will boost the government’s powers to deport hundreds of former detainees known as the NZYQ cohort. The Government has confirmed it could spend $2.5 billion on the plan over the next three decades. [SBS News]
On The Blog

- 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
- AIA SYDNEY CITY CULTURAL WALK – We would like to invite you to come on a two hour walk from Wynyard Park to Dixon St in the city on SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2025. Our guide is Neil Smith President of Blacktown Historical Society and A.I.A committee member. AIYA members can join the walk for the same fee ($5) as AIA members. Register yourself here!!
- The “Carbon Capital: Building the Indonesia-Australia Carbon Market” webinar scheduled for September 11, 2025, focuses on collaboration in carbon trading and environmental finance between the two countries. Industry leaders discuss carbon market mechanisms, bilateral opportunities, and sustainability goals. Interested individuals and organizations can register in here. Apply before 10 September at 5.00 PM.
- Asia Society Australia is pleased to invite you to our Generation Asia masterclass (Wednesday, 17 September 2025) featuring Jeremy Dicker, Managing Editor of the International Intrigue. In a world where geopolitics demands more attention than ever, what role do humour and modern media play? See here for more details and email [email protected] to register.
- 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
- We are so back!! AIYA SA is now continuing to hold Indonesian study sessions every Wednesday at 12.30 PM on Flinders Uni City campus on level 4. Find out more information on this link!
Tune In
- The ambition to develop a career pathway for Indonesian nurses wishing to further their skills in Australia has taken another step following a meeting of industry leaders from both countries. Representatives from the nursing regulatory, training, union and university sectors from both countries attended a two day event in Jakarta to discuss the requirements for a model of work placement and skills exchange. Find out more about the news!
- Governments across Asia are confronting a new kind of policy challenge — one that’s moving faster than most have ever had to legislate for. The astonishing speed of generative AI development has prompted both excitement and alarm in Asia’s capitals, where the potential for economic growth and national prestige is being weighed against serious questions about risk, regulation, and long-term control. Listen here for more.
- The Federal Government has announced plans to scrap import taxes on 500 products, ranging from wine glasses to air conditioners. Listen here for in depth knowledge.
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.
- Host an Indonesian delegate in Melbourne, connect across cultures. Oct 25 – Nov 19, Australia-Indonesia Youth Exchange Program 2025 — Host Family Expression of Interest. As a host family, you’ll receive a $1,050 stipend to cover hosting costs, and full support from our AIYEP team. More info here.
- Nominations for the 2025 Australia-Indonesia Institute Indonesian Studies Awards are now open. 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.
- Austrade is seeking a Business Analyst and Partnerships Manager and a Corporate Services Adviser based in Jakarta.
- 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.
Our 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! - AIYEP 2025 Host Organisation Expression of Interest is now open. In this year’s program, AIYEP participants will complete a three week full-time work experience from 27 October to 14 November 2025. Submit your interest here.
- AIYEP 2025 – For those open to being a Host Family for AIYEP 2025, we are pleased to invite you to take part. In this year’s program, participants will stay in Melbourne with host families for three weeks from 25 October to 16 November 2025. Submit your interest here.
- Palladium is looking a Business Development for Asia Pacific region. Check here for more information.
- 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.
