Links 1 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
- On Monday 25 August, protestors took to the streets outside the House of Representatives (DPR) building in Jakarta under the banner of ‘dissolve the DPR’ (bubarkan DPR). These demonstrations were sparked by anger following an announcement by Deputy House Speaker Adies Kadir that national lawmakers would receive a new monthly housing allowance of Rp50million (approximately AUD4,700). (Indonesia at Melbourne)
- Thousands of Australians have turned out for anti-immigration rallies across the country that were condemned by the government as having far-right links and “spreading hate”. (BBC News)
- President Prabowo Subianto on Saturday canceled a planned trip to China as days of protests spread further outside the capital Jakarta, with several regional parliament buildings set ablaze. (The Jakarta Post)
- The State Logistics Agency (Bulog) emphasized that the Cheap Food Movement (GPM) is an effective strategy to control market fluctuations, ensure the availability of basic necessities at affordable prices, and strengthen food security for all regions. (ANTARA News)
- Three brothers from Edinburgh have claimed a new record for rowing non-stop and unsupported across the Pacific Ocean after almost 140 days at sea. (BBC Australia)
- Menteri Luar Negeri Sugiono menggantikan Presiden Prabowo Subianto untuk menghadiri Konferensi Tingkat Tinggi (KTT) Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) pada 31 Agustus-1 September 2025 di Tianjin, China. Sugiono mendarat di Bandara Internasional Tianjin Binhai sore tadi. (detikNews)
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
- The “Doing Business with Indonesia: Navigating the Legal Landscape” panel on September 4, 2025, hosted by the Australia Indonesia Business Council (AIBC), explores legal challenges and practical advice for Australian businesses engaging with Indonesia. The event highlights key legal frameworks and regulatory updates to support cross-border trade. To participate, register 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
- 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.
- 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.