Photo: Caroline Pang, CNBC

CNBC went to Flores to analyse its ambitious plan to become the new Bali. 

Read more here

 

In the news

  • There has been an increasing tendency to corporate Sharia into the legal and public sphere since 1998. This is prevalent in the sector of economics. How does the Sharia economy shape democracy in Indonesia? What impact does it have in the overall multi-cultural society? Read more here. (South China Morning Herald)
  • A coalition of trade unions will mobilize thousands of people next week to block the Indonesian government’s plan to relax restrictive labor laws. The protest could set the stage for what could be a difficult parliamentary debate, despite Jokowi’s coalition controlling 74% of the seats as Reuters explain. (Reuters)
  • Exciting news for all bird lovers! Researchers have found 10 new species and subspecies of songbirds off the coast of Sulawesi. These birds are special as they have distinct songs and genetics from known birds. Hebat ya! Karen Wientraub explores more about the birds. (The New York Times)
  • Hugh White’s latest article discusses the importance of Australia’s planning to defend itself alone. Have Australia relied to heavily on democracies like Indonesia to defend against a rising China? Have Australia under-estimated the potential growth of Indonesia as a major power? Read more here. (ASPI)
  • Calling all Sydneysiders who miss Indonesian food! Timeout has made a list of the 16 best Indonesian restaurants in Sydney. From Ayam Goreng to Martabak, this list will surely make your mouth water. Lapar? Ayo let’s go to these restaurants!

 

In the blog

  • This week we talked to Febrianty, a community facilitator volunteer of UN Migration in Makassar. Learn the issues and meet the people who fights tirelessly alongside it here!

 

Events

 

  • Brisbane, 29 February – Indonesian Diaspora QLD in conjunction with Rotary Club Archerfield are organising a dinner event to raise funds to support communities who are affected by the current bushfire and drought, from 5:30pm at the Australian International Islamic College. Purchase tickets here
  • Jakarta, 12 JanuaryJoin AIYA Jakarta for some exercise in Monas with AIYA touch rugby! Asik! Check it out disini.  
  • Melbourne, 22 JanuaryAIYA VIC Language Exchange is back! Come practice both Bahasa Indonesia and English while playing some fun games to kick-start your new year. More information here.
  • Melbourne, 20 February – 28 March – Asia-Pacific Triennial of Performing Arts (Asia-TOPA) returns to celebrate the creative imagination of artists and cultures in the Asia-Pacific region. The events have shows showcasing the cultures of various Asian countries. Alumni of the University of Melbourne are eligible to receive a 15% discount. Check out out here.
  • Sydney, 13 February, The Indonesian Literature Club in Sydney is holding their next group discussion at Customs House Library. For registration and information email [email protected] 

 

 

  • Sydney, 18 January – Spread the short film love this Saturday Afternoon and catch @Flickerfest’s inaugural ASEAN Film Competition. Celebrating the stories of the ASEAN region. Screening from 4pm, view the full competition program here and Buy Tickets. YOu can also check out the trailer! — 

 

Opportunities

 

  • The Australian Volunteers for International Development Program (Australia Aid) currently have a number of volunteer assignments in Indonesia. Be sure to check out the full range of volunteer assignments 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.
  • 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
  • Learning a language? Get Indonesian & English language help with UniBRIDGE Project
  • Radio Duta Nusantara is looking for volunteers. The Radio has been aired for more than 20 years and are now looking for the next announcer. Based in Sydney, they are aired twice a week for an hour and offer coaching sessions and broadcasting experience. To learn how to be part of them, contact Juliani at +61 412 262 819.

 

 

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!