At last week’s Indonesia Australia Business Forum, Indonesian VP Jusuf Kalla and Australian PM, the Hon Scott Morrison formally announced the conclusion of negotiations for the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA). Reporting from the event, AIYA National Director of Operations Clarice Campbell explains why the IA-CEPA is a big win for the future of business ties!

Read more here

In the news

• CAUSINDY 2018 is under way in Makassar! Check out the latest updates by following them on Facebook and Instagram, and watch this space for further highlights and wrap-ups from this year’s conference.
• Australia’s new free trade agreement with Indonesia has opened up pathways for Australian universities to build new campuses in Indonesia, representing another set of opportunities for education providers to facilitate “internationalisation at home”.
• An ethnic Chinese Buddhist woman from North Sumatra, was recently sentenced to 18 months prison for complaining about the volume of the call to prayer at her neighbourhood mosque. Indonesia at Melbourne explores how “conflict entrepreneurs” escalated the complaint to conviction under Indonesia’s Blasphemy Law.
• In an attempt to build on success of hosting the Asian Games, it seems Indonesia will bid for the 2032 Olympics. Meanwhile, the Australia Indonesia Centre (AIC) has gathered up all the good news stories from this year’s Asian Games.
• In the New Mandala series, Perspectives on the Past, Elizabeth Kramer writes about the story of Beryl Constantine, who died in a plane crash during Indonesia’s war for independence, and upon exploration of the incident, questions the history written on her behalf.

On the blog

• The Central Bank of Indonesia recently launched Gerbang Pembayaran Nasional (GPN) or National Payment Gateway. What is it about and what are the benefits of this initiative? Our South Sulawesi Committee President Mentari Rahman explains more about GPN and breaks down the pros and cons (article in Indonesian).

Events

• Kupang, 8 September – Come along to Kupang’s LX, ‘Chit Chat Night’! Held at C&A Food Court from 6pm, check out their Instagram for more details.
• Sydney, 8 September – Come along for a casual nongkrong at Forest Lodge Hotel, and meet the AIYA National committee and Australian Chapter Presidents who are in town for a strategic planning weekend!
• Sydney, 8 September – Enjoy a night of laughter at PPIA USYD’s biggest event, Nusantawa at Seymour Theatre! There will be Darto and Danang, Adjis Doa Ibu & Gilang Gombloh as well as Glenn Fredly to perform. Don’t miss out!
• Bandung, 10 September – Ayo, ikut AIYA Jawa Barat’s social futsal from 6 – 7pm! No prior skills required, check out their Facebook page for more information.
• Sydney, 11 September – Join the Australia Indonesia Business Council (AIBC) NSW and the Australia Indonesia Centre, together with host PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) for a special breakfast briefing and panel discussion entitled ‘Indonesia Now: A Political and Education Sector Update’. Register here.
• Melbourne, 12 September – AIYA Victoria LX! RMIT Building 80, 6pm.
• Yogyakarta, every Tuesday – Are you a keen futsal player, or just interested in making new friends? Come along to AIYA Yogya’s futsal event, every Tuesday 5-7pm at Pro Futsal. Check out their Instagram for more details!
• Melbourne, 14 September – Come along to the world premiere of 7 Bidadari (7 Angels) at this year’s Melbourne Fringe. Shot in Aradale Asylum in Ararat, Victoria, 7 Bidadari is an Indonesian horror-thriller feature film premiering in Melbourne ahead of its Indonesian release later this year. Get your tickets here!
• Canberra, 14-15 September – The theme of this year’s annual Indonesia Update is ‘Contentious belonging: the place of minorities in Indonesia’. Held at Australia National University (ANU), don’t miss out on what is to be a fascinating discussion on the status of minorities throughout Indonesian history. Get your tickets here!
• Jakarta, 15 September – Thinking about studying at the University of Melbourne? Register to attend UniMelb’s September Information Day in Jakarta.
• Bandung, 18 September- Register to attend the University of Melbourne’s September Information Day in Bandung.
• Melbourne & Yogyakarta, 26 September – The third ReelOzInd Australia Indonesia Short Film Festival 2018 is set to premiere on September 26! Click here to reserve your tickets! For a taste of what’s to come, check out the festival trailer.
• Sydney, 27 September – Join SSEAC for the launch of Nurturing Indonesia: Medicine and Decolonisation in the Dutch East Indies (Cambridge University Press), by Hans Pols from 5:30pm. The launch will be followed by a Balinese dance performance and refreshments. Register online here.
• Sydney, 27 September – Attend the AIYA NSW AGM 2018! The 2017-2018 Committee will sum up the year’s progress before elections for the 2018-2019 Executive Committee take place. Watch this space for further details.
• Ubud, 24-28 October – Tickets for the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival are on sale now with speakers including Gillian Triggs, Kamila Andini, Fatima Bhutto, and Richard Oh. Get yours here now!
• Gold Coast, 11-13 November – Save the date for the AIBC Conference 2018: Partnering for Prosperity in a World of Change! Registrations are now open for your chance to mingle with the who’s who of the bilateral business community.

Opportunities

• Join AIYA NTT Kupang! If you’re a young, passionate person based in Kupang and are interested in the Australia-Indonesia relationship, join the Kupang team at their AGM on 21 September. See their Instagram for more details!
• Join AIYA NSW! If you’re keen to play a role in the 2018-2019 AIYA NSW, nominate yourself for one of the following positions and attend their AGM on 27 September.  Apply here & follow the facebook event for updates.
• Join AIYA Yogaykarta! If you’re interested in joining the team in Central Java, come along to their AGM on 28 September. Nominate for positions via yogyakarta@aiya.org.au, more details to come!
• The Australian phase of Australia-Indonesia Youth Exchange Program (AIYEP) will be hosted in Melbourne and Bendigo in October and November this year which means the program is looking for host families and host organisations in both locations! If you would like to be a host family or a host organisation for one of the lovely 18 Indonesian participants please apply here.
• Our partner at UniAir Cargo is now offering AIYA members in Australia a discount for over 50kg shipments to Indonesia. Contact your local chapter on how you can take advantage of this opportunity!
• Are you a Sydney Uni student commencing Honours on a topic relating to Southeast Asia? SSEAC has five Honours Scholarships available worth $5000 each to help support your research. Applications close 21 September. Find out more here.
• Want to host a pop-up ReelOzInd! Festival screening at your school/university/office or park? Choose any date within the Festival period (26 September-31 December 2018) to hold your event. Any gathering large or small is fabulous! To register, contact: reelozind@australiaindonesiacentre.org
• The Asia Education Foundation in partnership with Footscray City College are hosting an Australia-ASEAN Youth Forum on 24 October & are inviting schools to register one or more team(s) of 6 students (across years 9-11). Registration is free for government school students thanks to Vic Gov’t funding. Find out more here!
• 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!

Starting next week, this year’s competition in Jakarta promises many familiar sports – and some that are rather less well-known. Get your guide to the most fascinating 2018 Asian Games events!

Read more here

In the news

• Alongside the Indonesian citizenry, several world leaders have joined in the celebrations by congratulating Indonesia for its 73rd Independence  Day. Selamat Hari Kemerdekaan!
• In a surprise move, President Joko Widodo has announced Ma’ruf Amin as his running mate. Yet the selection of a religious leader as vice presidential candidate has raised concern amongst scholars and spectators it will legitimise growing religious intolerance in Indonesia.
• An Australian-led project in Indonesia is showing early signs of success in eradicating one of the world’s most debilitating viruses – dengue fever.
• Outstanding scholar of Indonesian studies and engaged activist, Herb Feith, has once again had his legacy honoured through the establishment of the Monash Herb Feith Indonesian Engagement Centre.
• The World Bank estimates that 43 per cent, of the 26 million small and medium enterprises in Indonesia are women-led or -owned (WSMEs). Despite the substantial contribution of WSMEs to the Indonesian economy, it seems their aspirations are not effectively facilitated by policymakers.
• ACICIS announces New Consortium Director – Mr Liam Prince has been appointed. Read the media release here.
• Canadian-Indonesian youtuber, Sacha Stevenson recently took her husband Angga to Australia to watch the acclaimed Indonesian film “Setan Jawa” for his birthday. Watch the video for Sacha’s hilarious commentary on the trip, as well as a special cameo appearance by one of Indonesia’s award winning filmmakers.

On the blog

• Jalan Bersama 2018, a gathering of the Indonesia Diaspora Network took place last week in Sydney’s Botanic Gardens under the theme of ‘Melangkah Bersama Merajut Merah Putih’. Our new Blog Editor, Wella Andany gives a report on the weekend festivities!

Events

• Brisbane, TONIGHT – AIYA Queensland is going to the IndoOz Business Networking Dinner, with the Indonesian Ambassador to Australia, Pak Yohanes Kristiarto Legowo to attend. Tickets are limited so check the event for details.
• Melbourne, 20 August – Join Dr Robertus Robet, Head of Sociology at the State University of Jakarta, as he delivers a seminar on ‘Academics and Electoral Politics in Indonesia’ at University of Melbourne, 3-4pm. For more information and to register your interest, click here.
• Melbourne, 21 August – Join CILIS for the “Islamic Leadership in Indonesia Seminar & Book Launch: Religious Authority and Local Governance in Eastern Indonesia” by Dr Jeremy Kingsley, 5.30pm -7.30pm, Room 610, Level 6, Melbourne Law School. RSVPs essential.
• Canberra, 22 August – AIYA ACT LX! Llewellyn Hall, 9:30am.
• Melbourne, 22 August – AIYA Victoria LX! RMIT Building 80, 6pm.
• Denpasar, 24 August – Professor Petra Tschakert, Deputy Head of School in the University of Western Australia School of Agriculture & Environment, will present a lecture on “Indonesia’s Position in Rural and International Development: Gender and Equality”. Please RSVP by 23 August.
• Makassar, 25 August – AIYA East Indonesia LX at 7pm! Check out their Facebook page for more details.
• Melbourne, 25 August – Join leading academics on Indonesian politics for ‘Dialog Dua Dekade: Democratisation and Its Challenges’, a forum on the current state of Indonesia’s democratisation at UniMelb, 10am – 3pm. The event is free, however registration is essential for nasi kuning purposes.
• Brisbane, 30 August – Come along to the Indonesia Opportunities Networking Event held by AIYA and AIBC Queensland. It’s a chance for young professionals, business people and entrepreneurs to discover the opportunities that Indonesia provides.
• Jakarta, 1 September – Interested in studying at Australia National University? Come to ANU Indonesia Open Day in Jakarta to explore your study options and scholarship opportunities. Register your interest here!
• Sydney, 8 September – Enjoy a night of laughter at PPIA USYD’s biggest event, Nusantawa at Seymour Theatre! There will be Darto and Danang, Adjis Doa Ibu & Gilang Gombloh as well as Glenn Fredly to perform. Don’t miss out!

Opportunities

• The Australian phase of Australia-Indonesia Youth Exchange Program (AIYEP) will be hosted in Melbourne and Bendigo in October and November this year which means the program is looking for host families and host organisations in both locations! If you would like to be a host family or a host organisation for one of the lovely 18 Indonesian participants please apply here.
• Calling all Indonesian speakers to join National Australia Indonesia Language Awards (NAILA) 2018 competition. Submit a video of yourself speaking in Indonesian on this year’s theme “Diversity”. Head to the NAILA website for more information. Applications are open until 31 August!
• Our partner at UniAir Cargo is now offering AIYA members in Australia a discount for over 50kg shipments to Indonesia. Contact your local chapter on how you can take advantage of this opportunity!
• Swisscontact’s Sustainable Cocoa Production Program has partnered with the University of Sydney to conduct research on the diffusion of good agricultural practices among Indonesian cocoa farmers. As part of this cooperation, UniSyd is announcing a full-scholarship for a postgrad student, including international students, to research this issue. Applications close 31 August.
• RMIT University is seeking someone passionate about the International Education sector for the position of Research Assistant. They will help to facilitate a new project in conjunction with ISANA International Education Association Inc. Click here to apply! Applications close 24 August.
• Focus Group Participants Wanted for research on Indonesian Studies and Australia-Indonesia relations at the University of Melbourne, 27 August, 1-2pm and Monash University, 30 August, 1-2pm. You will receive a $30 gift voucher for your time. Email Dr Avery Poole at avery.poole@unimelb.edu.au to register your interest.
• Calling all RMIT University students to participate in the 2018 Leadership Forum! For one day (27 August), discover inspiration and debate with 1,000 peers committed to standing up as the next generation of global leaders. Apply to participate here.
• New Mandala is offering six young Indonesians with public policy expertise and an interest in writing the opportunity to join their team as Correspondent Fellows for the 2019 campaign season. Click here for more information and candidate criteria. Submit your application with this online form before 21:00WIB, Tuesday 21 August.  
• Applications for all ACICIS programs close 1 September! Study and intern in Indonesia – areas including Indonesian Language, Agriculture, Development Studies, Creative Arts, Law, Business, Sustainable Tourism, Journalism & Public Health. $3,000 – $7,000 New Colombo Plan grants are available for eligible students.
• Early Bird tickets for the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival are on sale now with speakers including Gillian Triggs, Kamila Andini, Fatima Bhutto, and Richard Oh. Learn more here.
• 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!

This year’s ASEAN–Australia Special Summit led some Australian commentators to advocate for Australia to join ASEAN. However as Malcolm Cook writes, Australia’s dialogue partner relationship with ASEAN is more suitable for Australian interests in SE Asia than the idea of ASEAN membership.

Read more here

In the news

• Yesterday Lombok was shaken by its third big earthquake in over a week. The magnitude-6.2 earthquake followed a 6.9-magnitude quake on Sunday that killed at least 259 people, damaged thousands of buildings and left 156,000 people homeless.
• The Australian government recently opened a consulate general in Surabaya, East Java, making it Australia’s fourth post in Indonesia, after Jakarta, Bali and Makassar.
• Indonesia’s gig economy is booming, yet it remains contentious whether it is necessarily a good thing for a big chunk of the nation’s workforce or the overall economy in the long-run, Bloomberg reports.
• With the Asian Games in Palembang and Jakarta due to commence on 18 August, Inside Indonesia gives focus to the expression and uses of sport in Indonesia, highlighting the vitality of sport in the making and remaking not only of the nation, but, also of the different regions and cities throughout Indonesia.
• In a recent interview, New Mandela’s Natali Pearson asked the Indonesian Heritage Society’s (IHS) outgoing President, Isla Winarto, about the work that it has done to support and promote sustainable heritage practices in Indonesia.
• Nurul Shamsul, the daughter of Indonesian and Malaysian parents, has shot to fame as the first hijab-wearing woman to be listed as the finalist of Miss Universe New Zealand.

Events

• Yogyakarta, TODAY – AIYA Yogyakarta will be holding a stall at the ACICIS NGO Fair, held at UGM from 1pm! Check out the Facebook event for more details.
• Bandung, 11 August – AIYA Jawa Barat is hosting a welcome dinner for all new ACICIS Semester 47 students! Come along to Braga Art Cafe from 5:30pm to meet AIYA National members and see how you can get involved. Check out the Facebook event here!
• Melbourne, 11 August – Come along to the Museum of Indonesian Arts at East & West Art, 665 High Street, East Kew. From 3pm, the official opening of ‘Encountering Indonesian Art’ will take place, the exhibition to be opened by Her Excellency Consul of Indonesia, Ms. Spica A Tutuhatunewa. Gold coin donation entry.
• Jakarta, 11 August – Check out AIYA Jakarta’s information stall at the WISH (World Indonesian Scholarship) Forum this Saturday! To find out more details, visit the link.
• Adelaide, 14 August – AIYA SA will be having their Annual General Meeting at 6pm, Flinders at Victoria Square so make sure to come along and have your say! Positions for President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary and General Executive Members will be voted in so if you’re interested in applying please visit the link.
• Melbourne, 14 August – Berbahasa is back for semester 2. If you’re around Monash University, Clayton on a Tuesday make sure you come by AIYA Victoria and PPIA Monash’s Berbahasa sessions. It’s free, fun and a great way to improve your language skills!
• Canberra, 15 August – AIYA ACT LX! Llewellyn Hall, 5:30pm.
• Melbourne, 15 August – AIYA Victoria LX! Building 80, RMIT, 6pm.
• Brisbane, 17 August – AIYA Queensland is going to the IndoOz Business Networking Dinner, with the Indonesian Ambassador to Australia, Pak Yohanes Kristiarto Legowo to attend. Tickets are limited so check the event for details.
• Melbourne, 20 August – Hosted by the Indonesia Forum, join Dr Robertus Robet, head of sociology at the State University of Jakarta, as he delivers a seminar on ‘Academics and Electoral Politics in Indonesia’ at University of Melbourne, 3-4pm. To register your interest, click here.
• Denpasar, 24 August – Professor Petra Tschakert, Deputy Head of School in the University of Western Australia School of Agriculture & Environment, will present a lecture on “Indonesia’s Position in Rural and International Development: Gender and Equality”. Please RSVP by 23 August, early registration is essential!
• Makassar, 25 August – AIYA East Indonesia LX at 7pm! Check out their Facebook page for more details.
• Brisbane, 30 August – Come along to the Indonesia Opportunities Networking Event held by AIYA and AIBC Queensland. It’s a chance for young professionals, business people and entrepreneurs to discover the opportunities that Indonesia provides.
• Jakarta, 1 September – Interested in studying at Australia National University? Come to ANU Indonesia Open Day in Jakarta to explore your study options and scholarship opportunities. Register your interest here!

Opportunities

• Join AIYA National! We are recruiting a social media officer, web officer, and graphic designer for our Communications team. For more information and how to apply, head over to the position descriptions here. Applications are due TONIGHT!
• The AIYA South Australia AGM will be held on the 14 August. To apply, please nominate yourself by TONIGHT! For more info on the positions available and how to apply, visit their Facebook page.
• Join AIYA Jawa Barat! The Chapter in Bandung is recruiting for Semester 2. All Indonesian and Australian ACICIS students are welcome to apply. Fill out an expression of interest form here! Applications are due 15 August.
• The Australian phase of Australia-Indonesia Youth Exchange Program (AIYEP) will be hosted in Melbourne and Bendigo in October and November this year which means the program is looking for host families and host organisations in both locations! If you would like to be a host family or a host organisation for one of the lovely 18 Indonesian participants please apply here.
• Calling all Indonesian speakers to join National Australia Indonesia Language Awards (NAILA) 2018 competition. Submit a video of yourself speaking in Indonesian on this year’s theme “Diversity”. Head to the NAILA website for more information. Applications are open until 31 August!
• Our partner at UniAir Cargo is now offering AIYA members in Australia a discount for over 50kg shipments to Indonesia. Contact your local chapter on how you can take advantage of this opportunity!
• Focus Group Participants Wanted for research on Indonesian Studies and Australia-Indonesia relations! Two focus group discussions will be held at The University of Melbourne on Monday 27 August at 1-2pm and Thursday 30 August at 1-2pm. You will receive a $30 Coles Myer or Co-op bookshop gift card for your time. Email Dr Avery Poole at avery.poole@unimelb.edu.au to register your interest.
• Recruitment consultant, Legal Eagles are seeking qualified solicitors fluent in Indonesian for a paid temporary role (1-2 months) starting soon. It’s a great opportunity to work as a paralegal on an e-Discovery project for an international firm and can be based in Sydney or Brisbane. Contact Jo on 3231 1200 or jo@legaleagles.careers.
• New Mandala is offering six young Indonesians with public policy expertise and an interest in writing an opportunity to join their team as Correspondent Fellows for the 2019 campaign season. Click here for more information and candidate criteria. Submit your application using this online form before 21:00WIB on Tuesday 21 August.
• Early Bird tickets for the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival are on sale now! The first round of speakers has also been announced, including Gillian Triggs, Kamila Andini, Fatima Bhutto, and Richard Oh. Learn more here.
• 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!

AIYA National is looking for volunteers to fill its Communications team!

Go to the Opportunities section below to find out more.

In the news

• The General Elections Commission (KPU) recently passed two regulations designed to limit participation of corrupt candidates, shocking the political establishment and reigniting debates over the best regulatory strategy to end long-standing corruption. Bahruddin proposes a new way to deal with corrupt candidates.
• Negotiations related to the Australia-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) have entered their final phase, due to finish by the end of 2018, provided diplomatic tensions do not reignite between the two nations.
• A recent account inside one of Indonesia’s fake Twitter account factories reveals the increasingly lucrative business of ‘buzzer teams’, teams dedicated to pumping out messages often from fake social media accounts. They hold the potential to influence both sides of Indonesia’s politics, as well as churn up religious and racial divides.
• Researchers in Indonesia report that despite advances in healthcare, the Southeast Asian nation remains saddled with a double burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases.
• The use of English is rising in Indonesia, espousing questions about how best to teach the language to children. As Novi Rahayu Restuningrum writes, it is important to encourage children to learn English provided they first master their mother tongue.
• The tech industry needs more women, and in Indonesia, “Generation Girl”, a non-profit organisation founded by women leaders in GOJEK, is one small step to making this happen.

On the blog

• With the release of the 2018 Melbourne Writers Festival program, we revisit AIYA’s interview with Goenawan Mohamad, founder of Indonesian investigative journalism magazine Tempo, and panellist and guest at the 2016 Melbourne Writers Festival.

Events

• Adelaide, TONIGHT – AIYA South Australia’s Gamelan Workshop is on tonight! Meet at the Flinders Uni Pendopo, 5:30pm and be part of a traditional Gamelan ensemble.
• Melbourne, 1 August – The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is hosting an information seminar about Batam – an area of Indonesia in very close proximity to Singapore and which boasts sheer economic opportunity for investment. The event is free, however registration is essential to secure your spot!
• Brisbane, 2 August – The Australia-Indonesia Youth Association (AIYA) Queensland Chapter in partnership with the Australia Indonesia Business Council (AIBC) Queensland Chapter, presents our second annual Indonesian Opportunities Networking Event. Buy your tickets here and take advantage of AIYA members using code “AIYAmember”.
• Melbourne, 5 August – Join AIYA Victoria for a road trip and gamelan workshop with Mugi Rahayu. No experience required – so everyone can join in! Cost includes workshop, lunch and transport. Registration is essential.

Opportunities

• Join AIYA National! We are recruiting social media officer, web officer, and graphic designer in the Communications team. For more information and how to apply, head over to the position descriptions here. Applications are due 10 August!
• Join AIYA Jawa Barat! The Chapter in Bandung is recruiting for Semester 2. All Indonesian and Australian ACICIS students are welcome to apply. Fill out an expression of interest form here!
• Join AIYA ACT! The Chapter is looking for general committee members, please contact act.president@aiya.org.au to express your interest.
• Join AIYA Eastern Indonesia! The team in Makassar is looking for new committee members for the AGM which will be announced shortly. Fill in this form to apply!
• Applications for the AIC’s ReelOzInd! Short Film Festival are open! Check out this interview with Dr Gaston Soehadi, a film critic and lecturer about ReelOzInd at SBS Radio. This year’s theme is ‘Youth’. Submissions close 31 July. Ayo, bikin film, yuk!
• Calling all Indonesian speakers to join National Australia Indonesia Language Awards (NAILA) 2018 competition. Submit a video of yourself speaking in Indonesian on this year’s theme “Diversity”. Head to the NAILA website for more information. Applications are open until 31 August!
• Volunteer registration for the 15th Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (24-28 October) is now open! New volunteer roles are available, including Indonesian Content Creator, English Content Creator, and Partnership Liaison. Register here by the 1 August.
• Early Bird tickets for the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival are on sale now! The first round of speakers has also been announced, including Gillian Triggs, Kamila Andini, Fatima Bhutto, and Richard Oh. Learn more here.
• Australia Awards in Indonesia is offering another Short Term Award which focuses on the early phase of Indonesian start-ups, aiming to introduce participants to Australian start-up ecosystems. Leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators of start-ups in Indonesia, apply for this fully-funded, two-week course in Australia. Send your applications before Sunday, 5 August 2018.
• The Australian phase of Australia-Indonesia Youth Exchange Program (AIYEP) will be hosted in Melbourne and Bendigo in October and November this year which means the program is looking for host families and host organisations in both locations! If you would like to be a host family or a host organisation for one of the lovely 18 Indonesian participants please apply here.
• Calling all Community Development/International Development students, academics and practitioners, Real Indonesia are partnering with the International Association for Community Development to offer an exclusive 10-day practice exchange in Bali this October! Book by 9 August to secure your place!
• 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!

India announced it will now allow Indonesian tourists to visit without having to apply for a visa. Meanwhile, Australia continues to miss out on the Indonesian tourist market as the visa process remains expensive, slow and bureaucratic, denying citizens of both nations an opportunity to know each other better.

Read more

In the news

• As the trade war between the US and China kicks off, it seems Indonesia is also on Trump’s radar detecting a “suspicious” trade deficit in US-Indonesia trade relations. The US is currently studying whether to impose import tariffs on Indonesian products shipped to the US.
• Whilst the Jokowi administration is doing a good job supporting farmers and their working conditions, it seems fewer young people are looking to work the Indonesian rice paddies. As Indonesia’s farmers continue to age, it is threatening Indonesia’s dream of rice self-sufficiency.
• Indonesia’s plan to address regional disparities must be rooted in issues of connectivity, competitiveness and human capital, Australian ambassador Gary Quinlan stated at the 2018 Indonesia Development Forum. He says Australia can draw upon its own experience in supporting Indonesia’s efforts to tackle regional inequality.
• In recent decades, the growing influence of transnational Salafi movements has been a matter of great concern in Indonesia. For Indonesia’s Buginese population, the As’adiyah movement seeks to promote a form of ‘Middle-Path Islam’ that might counter the influence of violent extremist within its own ethnic group.
• Born in Indonesia to parents of Chinese descent, Theresia Gouw is now America’s richest female venture capitalist. Read her story of success!

On the blog

• With the 2019 applications for the New Colombo Plan (NCP) Scholarship Program due to open soon, Isaac Bennett shares his top ten tips on applying for this unique, extremely worthwhile opportunity.

Events

• Adelaide, 21 July – Gather your friends and come along to the Australia-Indonesia Association (AIA) of South Australia’s Gala Dinner and Wayang at the Art Gallery to experience the tastes and sounds of the Spice Islands. Get your tickets here!
• Melbourne, 23 July – ‘Australia & Indonesia: Can we be friends?’, hosted by the Australia Indonesia Council and Australian Foreign Affairs will examine the turbulent relationship between Australia and Indonesia, and the missteps that have prevented the forging of a friendship. Please register as places are limited!
• Melbourne, 1 August – The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is hosting an information seminar about Batam – an area of Indonesia in very close proximity to Singapore, which boasts sheer economic opportunity for investment. The event is free, however registration is essential to secure your spot!
• Brisbane, 2 August – The Australia-Indonesia Youth Association (AIYA) Queensland Chapter in partnership with the Australia Indonesia Business Council (AIBC) Queensland Chapter, presents our second annual Indonesian Opportunities Networking Event. Buy your tickets here and take advantage of AIYA members using code “AIYAmember”.

Opportunities

• Join AIYA Jawa Barat! The Chapter in Bandung is recruiting for Semester 2. All Indonesians and Australian ACICIS students are welcome to apply. Fill out an expression of interest form here!
• Join AIYA ACT! The Chapter is looking for general committee members, please contact act.president@aiya.org.au to express your interest.
• Join AIYA Eastern Indonesia! The team in Makassar is looking for new committee members for the AGM which will be announced shortly. Fill in this form to apply!
• Applications for the AIC’s ReelOzInd! Short Film Festival are open! This year’s theme is ‘Youth’. Ayo, bikin film, yuk! Submissions close 31 July.
• Calling all Indonesian speakers to join National Australia Indonesia Language Awards (NAILA) 2018 competition. Submit a video of yourself speaking in Indonesian on this year’s theme “Diversity”. Head to the NAILA website for more information. Applications are open until 31 August!
• Volunteer registration for the 15th Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (24-28 October) is now open! New volunteer roles are available, including Indonesian Content Creator, English Content Creator, and Partnership Liaison. Register here by the 1 August.
• Early Bird tickets for the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival are on sale now! The first round of speakers has also been announced, including Gillian Triggs, Kamila Andini, Fatima Bhutto, and Richard Oh. Learn more here.
• The Australian phase of Australia-Indonesia Youth Exchange Program (AIYEP) will be hosted in Melbourne and Bendigo in October and November this year which means the program is looking for host families and host organisations in both locations! If you would like to be a host family or a host organisation for one of the lovely 18 Indonesian participants please apply here.
• Calling all Community Development/International Development students, academics and practitioners, Real Indonesia are partnering with the International Association for Community Development to offer an exclusive 10-day practice exchange in Bali this October! Book by 9 August to secure your place!
• Learning a language? Get Indonesian & English language help with UniBRIDGE Project.

Like what we do and want to join or support your local chapter to contribute to our exciting activities? Sign up as an AIYA member today!

Bahasa Indonesia was adopted to make communication easier across the vast Indonesian archipelago, but as David Fettling from the BBC writes, its simplicity has only created new barriers.

In the news

• A recent visit to Israel by a senior Islamic figure has led to members of Indonesia’s largest Islamic organisation, NU, accusing the nation’s second largest Islamic party, PKS, of behaving like communists out to destroy Indonesia. According to Greg Fealy, such behaviour is emblematic of the fevered state of Islamic discourse in Indonesia.
• Australia and Indonesia share a vital interest to create a resilient neighbourhood by overcoming inequality. Yet, Indonesia, which is estimated to be the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2050, still faces regional disparity that remains a major obstacle to broad-based growth.
• The World Trade Organization’s (WTO) recent ruling in favour of Australia’s plain cigarette packaging law has brought to the global spotlight Indonesia’s notorious policy that puts citizens’ health after business gains.
• Whilst at first glance, Nahdlatul Ulama, has never been in a stronger position, a closer look suggests the organisation’s position is more vulnerable and its future more uncertain. They face an ever more acute dilemma between representing a religious community and securing resources and influence within government.
• Indonesia is predicted become the fourth largest economy in the world by 2050. Political strategist Hugh White says a powerful Indonesia could help limit China’s influence.
• The Indonesian government launched a new online system for business registration to cut the lengthy bureaucratic procedures in a bid to drive more investment from domestic and foreign sources. Individuals or companies can now obtain necessary permits to start a business within an hour of submitting required data.

On the blog

• This week’s blog revisits Jakarta’s celebration of Australia’s rich Indigenous cultures during last year’s NAIDOC week. Of these events was a unique international art collaboration by Australian Indigenous artist Jandamarra Cadd and Indonesian artist Jerry Thung.

Events

• Melbourne, 16 July – Join the Hon Kevin Rudd and Terry Moran AC for ‘Challenges Facing Australian Governance’, hosted by the La Trobe Ideas & Society Program. Don’t miss out on what is certain to be a fascinating and illuminating conversation about governance in Australia. Book early as interest is likely to be high!
• Melbourne, 16 July – Join AIYA Victoria and Asialink Business for the upcoming event ‘Sports, Film & Fashion – The rise of soft power in Australia’s links with Asia’ at Monash University. Don’t forget to register yourself or contact Leanne for more information.
• Adelaide, 21 July – Gather your friends and come along to the Australia-Indonesia Association (AIA) of South Australia’s Gala Dinner and Wayang at the Art Gallery to experience the tastes and sounds of the Spice Islands. Get your tickets here!
• Melbourne, 23 July – ‘Australia & Indonesia: Can we be friends?’, hosted by the Australia Indonesia Council and Australian Foreign Affairs will examine the turbulent relationship between Australia and Indonesia, and the missteps that have prevented the forging of a friendship. Please register as places are limited!
• Brisbane, 17 August – Join IndoOz Business Networking Dinner with His Excellency Yohanes Kristiarto Legowo in Brisbane City Hall! This is the sixth year of the event that brings together high-level government representatives and business people from both Indonesia and Australia. AIYA QLD is offering 6 discounted tickets of $100 each. Contact qld.president@aiya.org.au or 0434886623 to take advantage of this opportunity!

Opportunities

• Join AIYA National! Enjoy our In The Blog section so far? We are now looking for Blog Editors to join the team! Read more about the role here and apply before 15 July.
• Join AIYA Jawa Barat! The Chapter in Bandung is recruiting for Semester 2. All Indonesians and Australian ACICIS students are welcome to apply. Fill out an expression of interest form here!
• Join AIYA ACT! The Chapter is looking for an events officer and general committee members. Please contact act.president@aiya.org.au to express your interest.
• Join AIYA East Indonesia! The Chapter in Makassar is looking for new committee members for the AGM which will be announced shortly. Fill in this form to apply!
• Calling all Indonesian speakers to join National Australia Indonesia Language Awards (NAILA) 2018 competition. Submit a video of yourself speaking in Indonesian on this year’s theme “Diversity”. Total prizes for 10 categories is 11,500 AUD. Head to the NAILA website for more information. Applications are open until 31 August!
• Volunteer registration for the 15th Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (24-28 October) is now open! New volunteer roles are available, including Indonesian Content Creator, English Content Creator, and Partnership Liaison. Register here.
• The Australian phase of Australia-Indonesia Youth Exchange Program (AIYEP) will be hosted in Melbourne and Bendigo in October and November this year which means the program is looking for host families and host organisations in both locations! If you would like to be a host family or a host organisation for one of the lovely 18 Indonesian participants please apply here.
• If you would like to become an Australian AIYEP participant applications are now open until 18 July! To apply you must be between 21-25 years of age, be a team player and want to learn more about Indonesia. Ayo daftar!
• Join talented students around the globe in the 2018 Universitas Hasanuddin International Cultural Program 2018 to be held on the 13-19 August 2018 in Makassar, Indonesia! Further information is available here. Registration closes 15 July 2018, so don’t hesitate to apply!
• Applications for the AIC’s ReelOzInd! Short Film Festival are open! This year’s theme is ‘Youth’. Ayo, bikin film, yuk! Submissions close 31 July.
• Learning a language? Get Indonesian & English language help with UniBRIDGE Project.

Like what we do and want to join or support your local chapter to contribute to our exciting activities? Sign up as an AIYA member today!