Links 20 April 2026
In the News
- Australia’s plea to Iran and US as Strait of Hormuz closes again – Australia is calling on Iran and the United States to intensify efforts to negotiate an end to their war after the Iranian regime again closed off the Strait of Hormuz and began firing at ships, just a day after reopening the critical waterway. [Sydney Morning Herald]
- Politik sepekan, Prabowo ketemu Putin hingga JK minta maaf – Presiden Prabowo Subianto bertemu Presiden Rusia Vladimir Putin untuk berkonsultasi terkait situasi geopolitik global yang dinilai penuh ketidakpastian, saat pertemuan di Istana Kremlin, Moskow, Rusia, Senin waktu setempat. [ANTARA]
- Jakarta risks flying blind – Indonesia has this week signed a Major Defence Cooperation Partnership with the United States, fuelling a debate about the future of the country’s long-held “independent and active” doctrine for foreign and defence policy. [The Interpreter]
- Perangkat Sistem Pemantauan Bawah Laut Buatan China Ditemukan di Lombok – Sebuah alat besar menyerupai torpedo yang ditemukan di dekat sebuah pulau di selat yang strategis antara Bali dan Lombok diidentifikasi oleh analis pertahanan sebagai perangkat sistem pemantauan bawah laut China. [ABC Indonesia]
- Indonesia to Renovate 21,000 Uninhabitable Homes in Papua – Indonesian Minister of Housing and Urban Area Development, Maruarar Sirait, stated that 21,000 uninhabitable houses in Papua will undergo renovation. The house renovation program is set to commence on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. [Tempo English]
- Australia secures fertiliser deal with Indonesia – Australia has signed a deal to secure thousands of tonnes of nitrogen-rich fertiliser known as urea from Indonesia, amid disruptions caused by the conflict in Iran. [The Canberra Times]
- Eight people killed in helicopter crash in Indonesia’s West Kalimantan, authorities say – All eight people on board a helicopter were killed when it crashed in Indonesia’s West Kalimantan province, authorities said on Friday as search teams tried to retrieve the bodies and wreckage. [Reuters]
- Historian’s 18-year-long quest to honour Australia’s ‘Second Anzacs’ – While taking a midday swim in 2008, historian and archaeologist Dr Michael Bendon came across a sunken warship, which 85 years ago carried thousands of Australian soldiers from a little-known battle during World War II. [The Senior]
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:
- Australians warned to vaccinate against fast-spreading flu variant – Infectious disease specialists are urging everyone to get a flu vaccination to try to prevent a repeat of last year which saw Australia experience a record number of deaths from influenza. [SBS AU]
- Rassela Malinda – Papua, development and politics from below In his inauguration speech in October 2024 President Prabowo Subianto reiterated his campaign pledge to “achieve food security in the shortest possible time”. Listen more in Talking Indonesia.
- From high-speed ‘electric highways’ that promise seamless road trips to vast regional charging blackspots that could leave drivers stranded, Australia’s EV revolution is racing ahead unevenly – raising the question: is the country really ready to go fully electric, or are we building a future on flat batteries? Listen more in SBS News AU.
Events:
- Youth Link-Up: Art, Stories & Wellbeing – Looking to meet new people in a space that feels real, safe and welcoming? As part of Youth Week 2026, Yes Help Network, in collaboration with the City of Parramatta, is hosting a youth-led connection event designed to create meaningful conversations, creativity, and community 🤍 This is open to young people aged 16 – 25 years old. RSVP here.
- 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.
- 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.
- Palladium is hiring a number of roles as part of the Katalis Phase II partnership between the Australian Indonesian governments, based in Jakarta. The roles include Communications Manager, Finance Manager, Contract and Procurement Manager, and others that can be found on the Palladium website.
- 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.






