Photo: CNN Indonesia

Did you miss the first presidential debate last night? Wella Andany, our AIYA Blog Editor, shares some of the highlights from the night!

Read more here

In the news

• University of Melbourne Professor Dave McRae presents his five key takeaways from the first presidential debate last night.
• Economists at home and abroad believe Indonesia’s finance minister is perfect for the top job at the World Bank, but will the Bank let a non-American lead it for the first time in history? The Jakarta post weighs in.
• Alibaba Cloud, the Chinese tech titan’s cloud computing arm, today announced the launch of a second data center in Indonesia, doubling its local capacity. This comes only 10 months after it set up its first data center in the archipelago.
• Indonesia wants to work with other Asean countries to strengthen the regional architecture through Indo-Pacific cooperation, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said in her annual speech last Wednesday (Jan 9).
• Indonesia is ramping up efforts to better prepare for natural disasters, starting with schoolchildren. Jokowi’s administration believes training children in disaster preparedness in schools will raise their awareness and equip them with the skills to survive disasters.
• Indonesia’s Minister of Youth & Sports says the establishment of the soccer “anti-mafia task force” should motivate the Football Association (PSSI) to take “stern action” on match fixing. Police have already arrested six FA officials.

On the blog

• Prior to her debut tomorrow at the Australian Open Junior Championship, AIYA got the chance to speak with rising Indonesian tennis star, Priska Nugroho. Curious what she shared with us? Look out for tonight’s blog!
• Member Spotlight – It’s time to meet another dedicated young person involved in the organisation of AIYA. This week, we have AIYA Jakarta’s Sports Officer, Wira Prabowo Madjid, yuk kenalan!
• Get the wrap up of last night’s first presidential debate here!

Events

• Adelaide, 22 January – Join AIYA SA for a coffee catch up, 6:30pm at San Churro in Gouger Street. The hot chocolate there is enak sekali!
• Jakarta, TONIGHT – AIYA Jakarta is back in full force with Language Exchange! Just head to the Go-Food Festival at Gelora Bung Karno from 7pm. For more info just contact Ilfi (Whatsapp: +62 82123199119).

• Jakarta, 22 January – FKP is a consortium of various institutions in Indonesia, and alongside ANU’s Indonesia Project, hosts a series of research based forums discussing topical policy issues in Indonesia. The next seminar is ‘Overcoming barriers to solar and wind energy adoption in Indonesia: Learnings from India’, lead by Paul Buke (Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University). Register now!
• Melbourne, 23 January – AIYA Vic Language Exchange is back for 2019! Head to RMIT Building 80 every Wednesday at 6pm to practise your Indonesian and/or English language skills!
• Sydney, TONIGHT & TOMORROW – Siti Rubiyah is the first play by feminist horror filmmaker Katrina Irawati Graham, a contemporary Indonesian-Australian work inspired in part by Mochtar Lubis’s classic 1975 novel Harimau! Harimau! (Tiger!). Check it out at Carriageworks from 6pm – it’s free! More details here.  
• Sydney, 19 January – From 2 – 4pm at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, come along to “looking here, looking north” an exhibition by Woven, a collective of artists who each have continuing personal connections to Indonesia. The exhibition includes a performance by Alfira O’Sullivan. RSVP here.
• Sydney, 10 February – ASYIK Casula Indonesian Cultural Day will take place from 10:30am – 3pm at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre. It includes activities for all ages like art workshops, puppet-making activities and dance workshops led by Suara Indonesia Dance. There will also be performances and conversations with the artists involved in the ‘looking here, looking north’ exhibition. Follow the FB event for more details.

Opportunities

• AIYA South Australia is accepting Expressions of Interest to join the 2019 committee. They’re looking for motivated, passionate young people seeking team and leadership experience. Send 50-100 words expressing your interest to Hannah at [email protected] before 10 February 2019. Positions available include secretary, treasurer, events officer, communications officer and general member/s.
• AIYA Victoria is currently recruiting for 2019. If you are passionate about the Australia-Indonesia relationship, please consider applying. Positions available include Treasurer, Secretary, Media Officer, Education Officer, Sociocultural Officer, Professional Programs Officer and Education Facilitator/s (see Position Descriptions). Click here to apply!
• AIYA Yogyakarta is currently recruiting its 2019 committee for position of Communications Officer, Education Officer, Sports Officer, Sociocultural Officer and Secretary. Join the excitement of having new experiences and friendship whilst contributing to the bilateral relationship. Apply via the online form before 23 January 2019. Any queries, contact AIYA Yogya on Facebook or Instagram.
• For 60 years globally and 20 years in Australia, the Asia Society has been building bridges of understanding between Asia, Australia and the US across business, policy, education and the arts. They’re currently seeking a new full-time Associate Director – Development (Melbourne) as well as a Program Officer (Melbourne) for their new Melbourne office. Head to their website to find out more information and apply!
• Study Melbourne is looking for passionate and committed international students and alumni to join them as Study Melbourne Ambassadors in 2019. Learn more and apply here! Applications close 5pm, 28 January.
• Are you currently learning Bahasa Indonesia? Want to visit Indonesia to learn more about the language and culture? Indonesia’s Ministry of Education and Culture is inviting all foreign students to apply for 2019 Darmasiswa Scholarship, with a chance to study in the University of your choice among 71 Universities across Indonesia. For more info, head to their application page. Applications close 1 March 2019.
• Balai Bahasa dan Budaya Indonesia (BBBI) of NSW is seeking people from NSW interested in joining their 2019 executive committee or becoming advisors/supporters. Balai Bahasa help promote the value of learning about Indonesian language and culture across NSW.  If you’re interested, contact the acting Chair of BBBI, Jane Ahlstrand via email: [email protected] or WhatsApp at: +61439248958. Please note that all positions are voluntary.
• Are you looking to improve your business development skills set by working on real problems over the summer? Participate in the Building a Social Business online course, hosted by our director of partnerships and memberships, Sam Shlansky, at econome. Take advantage of the discount to get $100 off the normal price of $199 by emailing your interest to [email protected].
• A reminder that applications for the Hamer Scholarships are opening soon, from 11 February to 17 March 2019. They offer Victorians the opportunity for 5-6 months of intensive in-market language study and cultural immersion in Indonesia, China, Japan or Korea with scholarships up to the value of $15,000. Further information and program guidelines can be found here. See how you can take your career/business to the next level with a Hamer Scholarship in Indonesia!  
• Do you want to make positive change in your community? If you have a bright idea, don’t miss out on this opportunity to apply for the Alumni Grant Scheme (AGS). The Australian Awards are proud to have supported more than 100 projects across Indonesia since 2014, could yours be next? Applications are open to Indonesian nationals until 21 January 2019. For more information, click the link.
• The WEA Sydney provides Indonesian Beginners Courses for adults and is located 5 minutes walk from Townhall Station. It’s perfect for those with no previous knowledge of Indonesian language and who wish to learn the language for business, travel or everyday use. Sign up for the next course, commencing early February!
• The 2018 – 2019 Short Film Competition for the 14th Indonesian Film Festival has begun. The competition is open to everyone and closes on the 3rd of March 2019. This year’s theme will explore “The Unknown”. Show off your creative skills for the chance to win a grand prize of AUD $750! For more information regarding competition rules and regulations, head to their website.
• Applications are now open for Indonesian schools to join the 2019 Australia-Indonesia BRIDGE School Partnerships Program! Apply here, applications close 3 February.
• Learning a language? Get Indonesian & English language help with UniBRIDGE Project.

Photo: East Asia Forum

Indonesian politics in 2018 has been dominated by preparations for elections in 2019, scheduled for 17 April. ANU Professor, Greg Fealy sums up the election strategies of both candidates on the East Asia Forum.

Read more here

In the news

• Prabowo’s ties with a community once wary of him reflect how his presidential appeal may be broader than previously thought.
• Indonesia posted the smallest fiscal deficit in six years in 2018 and less than initially projected, despite turbulence in its financial markets due to capital outflows, its finance minister said in a Facebook post.
• Indonesia, with the help of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Canadian government, has poured funding into polytechnic institutions to increase the number of skilled workers in the country.
• Indonesia’s 15-year-old tennis player, Priska Madelyn Nugroho, is looking forward to her debut at the Australian Open in Melbourne, her first Grand Slam event. Currently 45th in women’s junior ranks, she hopes to reach the quarter-finals.

On the blog

• Kirrilly McKenzie has an amazing Indonesian language learning journey, starting young with zero knowledge of the country to becoming a dedicated Indonesian language teacher! Get her fresh perspectives on the importance of learning languages here.
• Member Spotlight – We want to introduce you to the amazing, diverse range of dedicated young people involved in the organisation of AIYA. This week, we have AIYA Tasmania President, Brolin, yuk kenalan!

Events

• Adelaide, 12 January – AIYA SA is back in the swing of things, kicking off 2019 with a hike from Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty Summit. Make the most of your summer and join them from 10am!

• Adelaide, 22 January – Join AIYA SA for a coffee catch up, 6:30pm at San Churro in Gouger Street.

• Jakarta, 22 January – FKP is a consortium of various institutions in Indonesia, and alongside ANU’s Indonesia Project, hosts a series of research based policy forums discussing topical policy issues in Indonesia. The next seminar is ‘Overcoming barriers to solar and wind energy adoption in Indonesia: Learnings from India’, lead by Paul Buke (Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University). Register now!
• Melbourne, 16 January – AIYA Vic Language Exchange is back for 2019! Head to RMIT Building 80 every Wednesday at 6pm to practise your Indonesian and/or English language skills!
• Sydney, 18 & 19 January – Siti Rubiyah is the first play by feminist horror filmmaker Katrina Irawati Graham, a contemporary Indonesian-Australian work inspired in part by Mochtar Lubis’s classic 1975 novel Harimau! Harimau! (Tiger!). Check it out at Carriageworks from 6pm – it’s free! More details here.  
• Sydney, 19 January – Nick’s youtube and instagram channel ‘Masak masak dengan Nick’ have become an online hit. Now he’s releasing a Indonesian cookbook and hosting a cooking demonstration (traditional Indonesian desserts) from 10:30am to 2pm. Enhance your culinary skills and purchase a ticket now!
• Sydney, 19 January – From 2 – 4pm at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, come along to “looking here, looking north” an exhibition by Woven, a collective of artists who each have continuing personal connections to Indonesia. The exhibition includes a performance by Alfira O’Sullivan. RSVP here.
• Sydney, 10 February – ASYIK Casula Indonesian Cultural Day will take place from 10:30am – 3pm at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre. It includes activities for all ages like art workshops, puppet-making activities and dance workshops led by Suara Indonesia Dance. There will also be performances and conversations with the artists involved in the ‘looking here, looking north’ exhibition. Follow the FB event for more details.

Opportunities

• AIYA South Australia is accepting Expressions of Interest to join the 2019 committee. They’re looking for motivated, passionate young people seeking team and leadership experience. Send 50-100 words expressing your interest to Hannah at [email protected] before 10 February 2019. Positions available include secretary, treasurer, events officer, communications officer and general member/s.
• AIYA Victoria is currently recruiting for 2019. If you are passionate about the Australia-Indonesia relationship, please consider applying. Positions available include Treasurer, Secretary, Media Officer, Education Officer, Sociocultural Officer, Professional Programs Officer and Education Facilitator/s (see Position Descriptions). Click here to apply!
• AIYA Yogyakarta is currently recruiting its 2019 committee for position of Communications Officer, Education Officer, Sports Officer, Sociocultural Officer and Secretary. Join the excitement of having new experiences and friendship whilst contributing to the bilateral relationship. Apply via the online form before 23 January 2019. Any queries, contact AIYA Yogya on Facebook or Instagram.
• Study Melbourne are looking for passionate and committed international students and alumni to join them as Study Melbourne Ambassadors in 2019. Learn more and apply here! Applications close 5pm, 28 January.
• Are you currently learning Bahasa Indonesia? Want to visit Indonesia to learn more about the language and culture? Indonesia’s Ministry of Education and Culture is inviting all foreign students to apply for 2019 Darmasiswa Scholarship, with a chance to study in the University of your choice among 71 Universities across Indonesia. For more info, head to their application page. Applications close 1 March 2019.
• Balai Bahasa dan Budaya of NSW is seeking anyone from AIYA NSW interested in joining their 2019 executive committee. Balai Bahasa help promote the value of learning about Indonesian language and culture across NSW. It’s a fantastic opportunity for young people to build up their skills set while expanding your network. There may be also opportunities to work with schools and the Indonesian Consulate next year. If you’re interested, contact Jane Ahlstrand via email: [email protected] or WhatsApp at: +61439248958.
• If you have relevant work experience or interest in Indonesia’s sustainable tourism sector, don’t miss the opportunity to apply for 2019 Sustainable Tourism Development short course. This is a fully funded scholarship from Australia Awards. Apply here before 13 January to contribute more to tourism development in Indonesia!
• Calling papers for the 12th International Indonesia Forum Conference “Rising to the Occasion: Indonesian Creativity, Ingenuity, and Innovation in a World in Transition”, is open until 31 March 2019. The conference will be held from 26–27 June 2019 in Taiwan. Find out more & submit your proposals here!
• Are you looking to improve your business development skills set by working on real problems over the summer? Participate in the Building a Social Business online course, hosted by our director of partnerships and memberships, Sam Shlansky, at econome. Take advantage of the discount to get $100 off the normal price of $199 by emailing your interest to [email protected].
• Check out the upcoming applications for Hamer Scholarships 2019! The scholarships offer the opportunity for language study and cultural engagement with dynamic markets such as Indonesia. Applications open 11 February 2019 and close 17 March 2019.
• Do you want to make positive change in your community? If you have a bright idea, don’t miss out on this opportunity to apply for the Alumni Grant Scheme (AGS). The Australian Awards are proud to have supported more than 100 projects across Indonesia since 2014, could yours be next? Applications are open to Indonesian nationals until 21 January 2019. For more information, click the link.
• The WEA Sydney provides Indonesian Beginners Courses for adults and is located 5 minutes walk from Townhall Station. It’s perfect for those with no previous knowledge of Indonesian language and who wish to learn the language for business, travel or everyday use. Sign up for the next course, commencing early February!
• The 2018 – 2019 Short Film Competition for the 14th Indonesian Film Festival has begun. The competition is open to everyone and closes on the 3rd of March 2019. This year’s theme will explore “The Unknown”. Show off your creative skills for the chance to win a grand prize of AUD $750! For more information regarding competition rules and regulations, head to their website.
• Learning a language? Get Indonesian & English language help with UniBRIDGE Project.

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!

Photo: Jakarta Globe

The past year has been an eventful one for Indonesia – from major international sporting events and global conferences to economic woes and devastating natural disasters. As we begin 2019, the Jakarta Globe looks back at the events that have impacted the country and its people.

Read more

In the news

• Mr. Sutopo, the spokesman for Indonesia’s disaster management agency, has become a household name as a source of reliable information during a deadly string of earthquakes, floods, landslides and the most recent tsunami. Meanwhile, he has been dealing with his own calamity.
• Belgium, Dominican Republic, Germany, Indonesia and South Africa have begun to assume responsibilities as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council.
• Chatib Basri, finance minister during the presidency of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and Syahrul Yasin Limpo, the former governor of South Sulawesi, are among 11 new appointees to Jokowi’s Presidential Staff Office.
• Indonesia’s scientists’ diaspora are an important resource that can be harnessed by the government for national growth in research and innovation. Despite lagging in scientific publications, Indonesia has the key ingredients to become a major global research hub.
• Vital Signs: In Bali’s ‘deaf village,’ a unique language gives hope to a new generation.

Keen for more news updates on all things Australia-Indonesia? Subscribe to the Australia-Indonesia Centres’ Media Updates for a twice-weekly digest!

On the blog

• Member Spotlight – It’s time to meet another dedicated young person working behind the scenes to help spread AIYA’s mission to connect, inform and inspire. This week, we have AIYA’s Web & IT Officer, Agus, yuk kenalan!

Events

• Jakarta, 7 & 10 January – FKP is a consortium of various institutions in Indonesia, and alongside ANU’s Indonesia Project, hosts a series of research based policy forums discussing topical policy issues in Indonesia. The first two seminars of 2019 will be hosted by WRI Indonesia and are entitled, ‘Towards Cleaner and More Affordable Household Energy Sources in Indonesia’ and ‘Innovative Economic Approaches to Tackle Deforestation in Indonesia’. Register now!
• Sydney, 18 & 19 January – Siti Rubiyah is the first play by feminist horror filmmaker Katrina Irawati Graham, a contemporary Indonesian-Australian work inspired in part by Mochtar Lubis’s classic 1975 novel Harimau! Harimau! (Tiger!). Check it out at Carriageworks, Sydney from 6pm – it’s free! More details here.

Opportunities

• Balai Bahasa dan Budaya of NSW is seeking anyone from AIYA NSW interested in joining their 2019 executive committee. Balai Bahasa help promote the value of learning about Indonesian language and culture across NSW. It’s a fantastic opportunity for young people to build up their skills set while expanding their network. There may be also opportunities to work with schools and the Indonesian Consulate next year. If you’re interested, contact Jane Ahlstrand via email: [email protected] or WhatsApp at: +61439248958.
• If you have relevant work experience or interest in Indonesia’s sustainable tourism sector, don’t miss the opportunity to apply for 2019 Sustainable Tourism Development short course. This is a fully funded scholarship from Australia Awards. Apply here before 13 January to contribute more to tourism development in Indonesia!
• A call for papers for the 12th International Indonesia Forum Conference “Rising to the Occasion: Indonesian Creativity, Ingenuity, and Innovation in a World in Transition”, is open until 31 March 2019. The conference will be held from 26–27 June 2019 in Taiwan. Find out more & submit your proposals here!
• Are you looking to improve your business development skills set by working on real problems over the summer? Participate in the Building a Social Business online course, hosted by our director of partnerships and memberships, Sam Shlansky, at econome. Take advantage of the discount to get $100 off the normal price of $199 by emailing your interest to [email protected].
• Check out the upcoming applications for Hamer Scholarships 2019! The scholarships offer the opportunity for language study and cultural engagement with dynamic markets such as Indonesia.
• Do you want to make positive change in your community? If you have a bright idea, don’t miss out on this opportunity to apply for the Alumni Grant Scheme (AGS). The Australian Awards are proud to have supported more than 100 projects across Indonesia since 2014, could yours be next? Applications are open to Indonesian nationals until 21 January 2019. For more information, click the link.
• The WEA Sydney provides Indonesian Beginners Courses for adults and is located 5 minutes walk from Townhall Station. It’s perfect for those with no previous knowledge of Indonesian language and who wish to learn the language for business, travel or everyday use. Sign up for the next course, commencing early February!
• The 2018 – 2019 Short Film Competition for the 14th Indonesian Film Festival has begun. The competition is open to all public from the 5th of November 2018 until the 3rd of March 2019. This year’s theme will explore “The Unknown”. Show off your creative skills for the chance to win a grand prize of AUD $750! For more information regarding competition rules and regulations, head to their website.
• Learning a language? Get Indonesian & English language help with UniBRIDGE Project.

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!