2nd Annual ALUMNI CONFERENCE examines global challenges and local solutions

Some of Indonesia’s leading thinkers are coming together on Wednesday and Thursday for the second annual Australian scholarships Alumni Conference to enhance links between Indonesians who have benefited from an Australian scholarship.

The Conference will bring together around 200 members of an alumni network of more than 10,000 to share experiences and ideas.

The theme, Global challenges, local solutions, aims to encourage critical thinking about key global challenges that Australia and Indonesia are working together to address through the Australia Indonesia Partnership.

The conference will focus on key issues such as creating sustainable growth and strong economic management; supporting Indonesia’s democracy, justice and good governance; fostering national, regional and global safety and peace; and helping to improve education and health for all Indonesians.

Opening the conference, the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Bill Farmer, said it would provide an opportunity for alumni to network and contribute to debate on global issues faced by Australia and Indonesia.

“It is also a wonderful opportunity for the Australian Government to engage with alumni.” Mr Farmer said. “I hope the theme of the conference will promote critical thinking and discussion about issues we are working to address together”.

The event will showcase achievements of Australian scholarships alumni – many of whom have achieved positions of prominence in government, universities and the private sector. Such prominent alumni include: Dr Boediono (Governor, Bank Indonesia); Dr James Riady (Deputy Chairman, Lippo Group); Mr Mukiat Sutikno (Managing Director for General Motors); Dr Mari Pangestu (Indonesian Trade Minister) and Mawardi Nurdin (Mayor of Banda Aceh).

One new scholarship recipient attending the event will be Butet Manurung, one of 3 Australian scholarship recipients recently named in Globe Magazine’s list of ‘99 most powerful women in Indonesia’.

Australia has been providing scholarships to Indonesian students since the 1950s through its international development agency, AusAID. The Conference brings together alumni from the Australian Development Scholarships (ADS) and its predecessors; the Australian Partnerships Scholarships (APS); the first alumni from the Australian Leadership Awards Scholarships; and ADS awardees about to head to Australia to begin their studies.

ADS and ALA are AusAID’s current scholarship programs. ADS assist Indonesian students to expand their knowledge, skills and qualifications, in order to strengthen their contribution to development in Indonesia. About 300 scholarships are awarded each year for Indonesians to study at Australian universities. The ALA scholarships program promotes leadership within the Asia Pacific region.

Media Enquiries:
Natasha Simpson, AusAID Public Affairs tel. (021) 2550 5609 mob. 0811 187 2365