Media Release
18 August 2017
Young Indonesian Muslim leaders will have the opportunity to participate in a prestigious exchange program and experience how Islam and other religions are practiced in Australia.
Applications are now open for the annual Australia-Indonesia Muslim Exchange Program (MEP), which will see participants travel to Australia, visiting Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra to meet with religious leaders and communities and experience Australia’s multicultural diversity.
They will learn about the early Muslim communities in Australia which date back to 1650 and visit the Islamic Museum of Australia and the historic Gallipoli Mosque.
Recently released data from Australia’s 2016 census confirmed that Islam is the second most commonly practiced religion in Australia, after Christianity. There are over 600,000 Muslims in Australia who come from a wide variety of backgrounds including the Middle East, South Asia, Eastern Europe and South East Asia. They have brought with them a wealth of different ideas, skills and talents.
In Australia people of all cultures and religions are able to express their beliefs and practice their religion without intimidation and without interference. Australia is proud of its vibrant mix of people who are committed to their country and culture.
As part of the exchange, next year an Australian group will undertake a similar program in Indonesia. This year, the Australian participants visited pesantren in Yogyakarta and Makassar, experienced Waisak celebrations at Borobudur Temple and met with several Muslim organisations, leaders and commentators.
The MEP is funded by the Australian Government through the Australia-Indonesia Institute.
Applications close on 8 September 2017. Further information about the program and how to apply is available here.
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