Young Indonesian Muslims to Explore Australian Cultural and Religious Diversity

A delegation of three young Indonesian Muslim leaders departed for Australia on Sunday on a bilateral exchange program aimed at strengthening mutual understanding and links between Muslim communities in both countries.

Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Bill Farmer said he hoped the visit by the delegates - Reza Ahmad Zahid from Kediri, East Java; Imam Kanafi from Pekalongan, Central Java; and Zacky Khairul Umam from Jakarta - would contribute to a better understanding in Indonesia of the cultural and religious diversity in Australia and the important role Muslims play in Australian society.

“Muslims were some of the first visitors to Australia and helped to build our country into the successful and diverse nation that it is today. Australian Muslims have brought with them new ideas, skills and talents and make an enormous contribution to contemporary, multicultural Australia,” the Ambassador said.

“Australia’s approach to cultural diversity and social cohesion is one of its many national strengths. The Australian Muslim community which is drawn from more than 120 countries – including Indonesia – remains engaged with other Australians, promoting harmony and understanding.”

The program aims to provide opportunities for emerging leaders in the Indonesian Muslim community to engage their counterparts in Australia on a range of important issues affecting people in both countries. As the participants from this delegation all have academic backgrounds, they will have the opportunity to present their views on public religion and intergenerational change in Indonesia at Monash University. They will also tour the “You Am I” exhibition by Australian Muslim artists in Melbourne sponsored by the Islamic Council of Victoria and Victoria’s Hume City Council.

In May, five young Muslim leaders from Australia will make a reciprocal visit to Indonesia to learn firsthand about Indonesia’s diverse, democratic and tolerant society and to meet community, education and religious leaders, academics, government officials and media representatives.

This Muslim Exchange Program was established by the Australian Government through the Australia-Indonesia Institute in 2002.

Media Enquiries:
Sanchi Davis (Cultural Attaché) Phone 2550 5260, Mobile 0811 936302