(The Australian)

Indonesia will allow foreign universities to start operating in the country in a sign it is becoming concerned about building its economic capacity. Indonesia’s Research, Technology and Higher Education Minister announced that foreign universities would be able to operate in partnership with local private universities.

In the news

  • Australia and Indonesia have signed a new maritime plan of action, with a focus on combating drug trafficking, people smuggling and counter-terrorism.
  • President Joko Widodo thinks Australia becoming a full member of ASEAN is “a good idea”, with a bigger regional role in defense, trade and security matters. Meanwhile, here is what DFAT thinks of it.
  • Are Indonesia and Australia strangers next door? Although Prime Minister Turnbull has built a strong rapport with President Jokowi, it may not be enough to overcome the tensions and manage the bilateral relationship.
  • The Southeast Asia Freedom of Expression Network (SAFEnet) has been tracking the so-called Muslim Cyber Army (MCA) since January 2017. SAFEnet Regional Coordinator Damar Juniarto presents a detailed examination of the shadowy cyber army network, which stands accused of spreading hoax news and hate speech online.
  • Indonesia and Australia failed to meet a deadline on the trade deal late last year. According to the head of Indonesia’s Investment Coordinating Board, Indonesia’s independence day on August 17 is seen to be a good cut off date.
  • From missed media moments, bridge building, to democratic dividends, check out The Interpreter’s ASEAN Summit wrap here.

On the blog

  • We interviewed Robert Chong, a food exports and trade expert, who is the winner of the Food category at the Australia Indonesia Awards 2018. Check out what he thinks of the future of food industry and how the passion of food has led him to success.

Events

We have updated our website chapter pages with Language Exchange sessions! Check out where you can find the latest information on language exchange programs hosted by AIYA near you.

  • Sydney, 26 March – Join AIYA NSW for a panel discussion to wrap-up the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit. The panel will reflect the outcomes of the Summit and assess the future relationship between ASEAN and Australia. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity!
  • Jakarta, 27 March – An Australia Awards Information session will be available for those based in Jakarta. Keep up-to-date with the details by following the AIYA Jakarta Facebook page.
  • Sydney, 27 March – Join Edward Herbst, Director of the Bali 1928 Repatriation Project, for a lecture and film screening on gender, crossing-dressing and androgyny in 1930’s archival films in Balinese dance-drama.
  • Perth, 27 March – AIYA WA will be hosting a Basa-Basi event with Jewel Topsfield, former Indonesia Correspondent for The Age and Sydney Morning Herald. This event will be of interest to anyone interested in pursuing careers in Australia-Indonesia related matters, especially journalism. For more details please follow the AIYA WA Facebook page.

Opportunities

  • Are you based in Bandung this semester? The Jawa Barat Chapter is looking for new committee members! Australians and Indonesians are all welcome to register their interest here, by 26 March.
  • TODAY: The Australian Embassy in Jakarta recognises and honours Australian alumni who have gained unique distinction and made outstanding contributions to their profession, community and country in the Alumni Awards. Online nominations for the 2018 Alumni Awards are now open until 23 March.
  • Australia Awards in Indonesia is pleased to announce that applications for Australia Awards Scholarships are now open until 30 April. The scholarships provide opportunities for individuals to gain an internationally recognised master or doctoral qualification from an Australian university and have the chance to pursue a career that makes a difference.
  • Following the recent announcement of the retirement of ACICIS Founding Director, ACICIS Study Indonesia is inviting interested parties to enquire about the Consortium Director’s role that will be advertised through The University of Western Australia in the coming months. Click here for more information regarding the call for expressions of interest for the role.
  • Check out experiential learning trip in Bali and Lombok this April organised by CERES Global. The trip will focus on building friendships with organisations and groups involved in marine protection with a particular emphasis on plastic waste in our oceans.
  • Don’t miss out Australian Indonesian Association of Victoria’s Term 2 Bahasa Indonesia Language Classes! Take advantage of their early bird offer of 10% discount by signing up online before 7 April.
  • Learning a language? Get Indonesian & English language help with UniBRIDGE Project.

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