In the news

  • Indonesia has beaten the Maldives in a secret ballot to determine the new five members of the UN Security Council. Starting January 1 2019, they will join the U.N.’s most powerful body alongside Germany, Belgium, South Africa and the Dominican Republic.
  • It is less than a year before Indonesia hold its first ever simultaneous national legislative and presidential elections. An investigation into factors that were important for Jokowi’s 2014 victory show economic voting is still important, with voters living in villages with positive economic conditions such as good infrastructure more likely to support him.
  • Decentralisation was first introduced in Indonesian in 1999 as part of efforts to improve public services as well as accelerate government accountability and transparency. Now, decentralisation in education is considered key to making the country’s school system more accommodating to local needs.
  • The challenge of providing connectivity to all of Indonesia is undoubtedly greatest at Idul Fitri, with millions of Indonesian Muslims leaving for their hometowns. To support the Idul Fitri exodus, the Jokowi government has accelerated a number of infrastructure projects at airports, seaports and toll roads across the country.
  • Indonesia will be home to the largest tidal power plant in the world. Located in the Larantuka Straits on the island of Flores in eastern Indonesia, it is expected to provide energy for at least 100,000 people.
  • The completion of the Ahmad Yani International Airport in Semarang, Central Java signifies another infrastructure milestone for Indonesia. Completed six months ahead of its initial deadline, it is the first eco-friendly airport in the country.
  • New Mandala explores a period of Indonesian architecture in the 1950s – 60s called ‘Jengki’ which is now enjoying a revival in contemporary Indonesia. It is famous for its unusual shapes such as pentagons, asymmetrical roofs and cut-out doors.
  • Indonesian-born chemical engineer from the University of NSW, Professor Rose Amal, has received one of the Queen’s Birthday top honours for her work into cost-efficient ways to mitigate the impact of greenhouse gases that are causing climate change.
  • The Australian Consortium for ‘In-Country’ Indonesian Studies (ACICIS) has released its’ 2017 Annual Report. The report outlines recent historical trends in Australian outbound mobility to Indonesia and contextualises ACICIS’ contribution within the broader national picture. Download the report here!

Events

  • Perth, 24 June – AIYA Western Australia is hosting a screening of the incredible Indonesian documentary, Banda: The Dark Forgotten Trail at 7:30pm, University of Western Australia. Grab your tickets using the link to secure your spot!
  • Melbourne, 26 June – What’s happening in the Australia-Indonesia higher education space? On the 26 June, the Australia-Indonesia Business Council (AIBC) Victoria is hosting an education panel with an array of fantastic speakers keen to unpick some of the key issues in a critical sector for Indonesia. Click here for tickets and more information!
  • Canberra, 28 June – The 2018 Indonesia Update book, “Indonesia is the new world: globalisation, nationalism and sovereignty” is being launched on 28 June 2018 at 5:30pm. The book will be launched by The Hon Chris Bowen MP. Please register through the link!

Opportunities

  • Join AIYA QLD! The Chapter is looking for an Events Officer, Sunshine Coast. If you’re interested in joining the team please email [email protected].
  • The Asian Studies Association of Australia is seeking self-motivated, energetic students to volunteer at its premier, biennial conference on the 3-5 July at the University of Sydney. Click here for more information about the positions and email [email protected] by 14 June if you are interested!
  • Are you a masters student in literature, history, computer science or area studies? The Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies (KILTV) are offering 3-month research internships in ‘Digital humanities and traditional Indonesian literature’. Deadline for applications is 28 June.
  • Saksara, an Indonesia-based organisation dedicated to facilitating international research collaboration and transnational education, is searching for a new Research & Communications Associate in Bandung. Details attached. Be quick, applications will close at the end of June!
  • Applications for ACICIS’ Professional Practica close 1 July! Placements available in Law, Business, Creative Arts & Design, Sustainable Tourism, Journalism & Development Studies. Study and intern in Indonesia in Summer 2019. $3,000 New Colombo Plan grants are available for eligible students.
  • For the first time, Ubud Writers & Readers Festival is offering international students the Early Bird rate for the 4-Day Main Program Pass. Early Birds are on sale 16 July, and available until the full program is announced in mid-Aug. Find out here for more information.
  • 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!
  • Applications for the AIC’s ReelOzInd! Short Film Festival are now open! This year’s theme is ‘Youth’. Ayo, bikin film, yuk! Submission 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!