Photo: The Jakarta Post

A new OECD report shows that Indonesian students score among the lowest in science, reading and mathematics. What impact does this have on Indonesia’s economy? The Jakarta Post covered this story.

Read more here

In the news

  • So much is still unknown about China-Indonesia relations during the Cold War, in particular China’s role in the pivotal events of 30 September 1965. Check out Dr Charlotte Setiadji’s podcast with Dr Taomo Zhou on China, Indonesia and the Cold War.
  • Could Australian and Indonesian peacekeepers be co-deployed to a conflict zone in the future? SMH’s James Massola writes  on the annual “2+2” ministerial meeting in Denpasar last friday and its outcome. 
  • Australia and Indonesia have voiced concerns about the state of the South China Sea, issuing warning about China’s militarisation of the contested waters and urging adherence to international law. What can be done? Check out this SMH article.
  • Indonesia is finding out that the lack of comprehensive sexual education can lead to serious social outcomes. Ni Luh Putu Maitra Agastya and Marsha Habib writes on how using fear based approaches to preach abstinence will not improve Indonesia’s poor sexual health public awareness.
  • Who has ordered an Iced Coffee using GoFood? You would be one of 16 million purchasers! But how does this trend contribute to single-use plastic waste? Aduh! Gimana nih? What can be done? Check out this article.
  • One of Australia’s largest exports to Indonesia, live cattle, are again embroiled in scandal. Australian breeder cattle sold to Indonesia are ending up starving or dead. Read ABC’s article on it here.

 

In the blog

  • The AIC, the West Java Provincial Government and the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation have signed an agreement that will see them collaborate on research around integrated transport and logistics, focusing on development in the north-east region of the province, in an area known as the Rebana Golden Triangle. Check out AIYA’s story. 

 

Events

  • Bandung, 14 December – Ayo ikut AIYA Jawa Barat’s Year-end Party at Down to Earth Bandung. Celebrate the end of Semester, and say goodbye to ACICIS’ student from UNPAR.
  • Kupang, 14 December- Ayo datang ke AIYA goes to Campus! Share your experience being in AIYA or learn about english teaching in Indonesia from Mr. Ridwan Sedgwick a.k.a Pak’Le, a volunteer from Australia.
  • Melbourne, 18 December – Come to AIYA Vic’s LX every Wednesday at 6pm, RMIT Building 80.
  • Sydney, 14 December – Join AIA End of Year Dinner at Ayam Ayam restaurant. It is $30 for members and $35 for non-members. Register here.
  • Sydney, 15 December – The Indonesian Art and Culture Club (IACC) are hosting a fundraiser for the NSW Rural Fire Service at Brighton Le Sands Beach, 11am – 4pm. It will feature Indonesian dance, music, food and more. See the flyer.
  • Yogyakarta, 14 December- AIYA Yogyakarta collaborates with Monash University for some discussion and traditional games in “Monash GIG.” Register here.
  • Yogyakarta, 16 December – Stretch your muscles and play basketball with AIYA Yogyakarta, every second Monday from 7 – 9pm at UNY Basketball Court. See their IG for more details.

 

Opportunities

  • The Australian Consortium for ‘In-Country’ Indonesian Studies (ACICIS) is seeking Yogyakarta Semester Buddies/Pendamping Are you a student or fresh graduate of a university in Jogja? Gain invaluable experience by assisting international students and learn Intercultural understanding!⁣ Read more here.
  • The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Melbourne is looking for people to join us in a variety of roles. It is a 1-3 months unpaid internship programs and is a great taster of what it is like to work in a government organization and know how Indonesian Diplomats work. For further information, check here.
  • Attend the VILTA Annual Conference! Held on 6 March 2020, don’t miss out on Victorian Indonesian Language Teachers’ Association’s biggest event with speakers and participants from around the state coming to discuss all things Indonesian. This event will be held in Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne. Register here.
  • Join Australia-Indonesia Partnership for Justice 2 (AIPJ2) as a MEL Support Officer and play an integral role to manage quality reports using AIPJ2 MIS function. Position closes 5pm Jakarta time, Friday, 27 December 2019. Read more information here.
  • Danamon Bank are seeking highly talented fresh Indonesian graduates to be a Danamon Young Business Leader. You will experience the whole aspect of banking business and receive privileged exposure to the Top Executives and Senior Leaders. Your strategic thinking, creativity and business acumen will be incubated through in-class trainings, assignments and leadership challenge.You will also receive your own buddy and mentor in every phase of your journey with us. See the flyer and visit the website for more info and to register. Applications close at the end of December.
  • Apply for an internship with the Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA) NSW! Internships at AIIA NSW are offered to university students or recent graduates who have an interest in international affairs, and who are looking to further develop their skills for future professional involvement in international policy. For Semester 1 internships, applications are open from 15 November to 15 December 2019. Read more here.
  • The Asia Centre’s 5th International Conference will be held in Bangkok in July 2020. The conference will focus on ‘Hate Speech in Asia: Challenges and Solutions and is now accepting abstracts until 15 December 2019. Submit yours and/or register for the conference here.
  • Call for applications for the Alumni Grant Scheme (AGS) 2020! The AGS offers seed funding on a competitive basis for initiatives that create impact by putting your knowledge and skills to good use. The program provides up to AU$15,000, and up to 25 grants are available under the current AGS round. The AGS is open to all Indonesian nationals who have graduated from a recognised Australian tertiary institution, including those who are self-funded. It is also open to alumni of short-term studies or programs in Australia. See the guidelines – Submit your applications before 20 January 2020 at this link.
  • Pemberdayaan Perempuan Memerangi Kemiskinan (PPMK) is a microfinance organisation based in Yogyakarta that work to empower women to fight poverty. They also provide free English classes to children and are currently working to establish an English book library, so children can continue learning at home. They are seeking donations of new and secondhand English books. To coordinate any donations, contact PPMK on WhatsApp at +62 857-7610-7979 or at [email protected]. Learn more about PPMK’s work!
  • ACICIS is inviting all of its alumni to join the all-new alumni platform. It is packed with new features such as alumni directory, jobs and opportunities page, events page, interest-group pages, as well as other exciting features that will be added regularly. To sign-up, please visit their alumni website here.
  • Inside Indonesia publishes original pieces on a wide range of political, social, environmental and cultural issues in Indonesia. They accept articles from a diverse range of people who have an interest in Indonesia. To find out how to contribute, click here.  Applications for Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarships for Semester 2, 2020 have opened. Apply today!
  • 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!