Welcome back to Member Spotlight where we introduce you to the personalities behind AIYA. This week, we introduce you to AIYA NT President, Bintang!

 

 

What is your occupation/What do you study?

Health Commission Analyst

 

Fun fact you would like to share with us?

I’ve swum with dolphins while paddling and I volunteer as a lifeguard with the Surf Life Saving Australia.

 

What made you so interested in Australia/Indonesia?

The Australia-Indonesia relationship is very meaningful to me since I moved to Nhulunbuy NT from Bali in 2010. Even with very little English, the people here were very welcoming. There are many others who immigrated to Australia and vice versa. Their stories interest me and I believe that those unique experiences can shape and better both countries. My journey from a small Indonesian village to becoming a Lifeguard in Australia is interesting and was covered by ABC Heywire. If you would like to read or listen to the story please follow this link: https://www.abc.net.au/heywire/heywire-winner-bintang-daly/8970844

 

What is your most memorable culture shock experience?

I lived in a remote area called Nhulunbuy. The first thing I noticed was the lack of traffic. It is very easy to get from one destination to the next, ahah!

 

What is your favourite place to visit in Indonesia/Australia?

My favorite place in Indonesia is Yogyakarta because I was born there. All my families and relatives are still there. In Australia, I love Adelaide! That’s where I did my Tertiary study and I have many friends over there.

 

Favourite meal in Indonesia/Australia?

My Favourite meal is Ayam Betutu

 

How about your favourite word in Indonesian/English? 

My favorite word is Bagus. I use it often that my friends who don’t speak Bahasa even use it ahah.

 

Do you have a favourite Indonesian/Australian film?

Laskar Pelangi. I cried with my mum

 

How did you first become interested in Indonesia/Australia?

I take pride in educating my friends about Indonesian culture. I share stories, songs, movies and language with them. From this, I become more interested in taking it further and join AIYA.

 

Any hopes for the bilateral relationship?

With elections coming up I hope that the current President will stay. I hope that in 2019 our cooperation between countries will increase especially in Trade and Tourism. Our current bilateral relationship is great, we can still make it better.

 

In your opinion, how is Youth like yourself take part in shaping Australia-Indonesia relationship?

There are countless ways of shaping the bilateral relationship between Aus and Indo. Youth are more technology savvy and using social media we are able to express anything we want to hopefully positively influence people. Todays Youth in Indonesia don’t follow the corruption culture anymore.

 

What was getting involved with AIYA like?

I was aware of the organisation of AIYA in other states. However, I didn’t know that the NT has one chapter too. It wasn’t until Max Stretton (AIYA NT President then) approached me at an event in the Parliament House to join that I know AIYA NT exist. The team was very welcoming.

 

What do you like most about AIYA?

I love the team and the community feeling about it. We are here to build each other and the bilateral relationship.

 

Sum up your experience as an AIYA member in three words!

Enlightening, Rewarding, Empowering

 

How can we learn more and connect with you?

Email: [email protected] and Instagram: Binjuice77

 

 

Terima Kasih Bintang  for sharing with us your passions and insights into your personal experience. Stay tuned for AIYA Blog Updates for the upcoming personas under Member Spotlight!