Photo: Lenny K Photography/Flickr

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.

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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

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 [email protected] 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!