Media Release

8 February 2007

Australian Education Exhibition "Study in Australia" Jakarta, 10-11 February 2007

The Australian Embassy in Jakarta will hold its annual education exhibition ‘Study in Australia’ on Saturday and Sunday, 10-11 February 2007 at The Sultan Hotel (ex Hilton). The Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr Bill Farmer joined by the famous Indonesia guitarist, Balawan, will open the exhibition.

“This high level exhibition will give prospective Indonesian students an opportunity to talk to Australian education representatives about their future studies in Australia. Australia has an excellent reputation for its academic institutions and that is why Australia is the Number One destination in the world for Indonesian students. With so many Indonesians studying in Australia, many Indonesian students tell me they feel very comfortable and safe in Australia”, said Ambassador Farmer.

26 Australian education institutions will participate in the exhibition. Prospective students will be able to talk with representatives from universities, college and high school institutions in details about which college is most suitable for their individual needs and professional future.

More than 16.000 Indonesian students study in Australia every year. Australia has become the most popular destination because of its close proximity to Indonesia (almost the same time zone), low crime rate, low cost of living, its multicultural community and the way that Australian formal qualifications enhance work opportunities and migration opportunities for Indonesians after they graduate.

Australian immigration officers from the Australian Embassy will also be available at the exhibition to explain how to quickly and easily obtain student visas to Australia.

At the opening, the famous jazz guitarist, Balawan, who was born in Bali and studied music at the Australian Institute of Music in Sydney will perform. Balawan, who has toured Europe, is well known in Indonesia and the world for his specialist jazz “Touch Tapping Style”.

The exhibition opening will also provide an opportunity to launch the new website for Indonesian alumni www.ozmate.org.

Visitors to the exhibition have the chance to win 2 return tickets to Australia and 6 iPod Nanos.

All media are invited to attend the opening ceremony on:
Day/Date : Saturday, 10 February 2007
Time : 11am (please arrive 15 minutes in advance)
Venue : Golden Ballroom, The Sultan Hotel (ex Hilton), Jl. Gatot Subroto, Jakarta

Further information:
Irene Pingkan (Australian Education Centre) 0811892976