Visit by Young Indonesian Muslim Leaders to Australia to Build Friendship, Understanding

A delegation of young Indonesian Muslim leaders from Yogyakarta, Jambi and Bandung departed for Australia today on a bilateral exchange program aimed at strengthening understanding and links among faith leaders of both countries.

The delegation will meet Ms Maria Vamvakinou, the first Greek-born woman to be elected to Australia’s national parliament during their visit to Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney from 28 April to 12 May.

Ambassador Farmer said he hoped the dialogue with Ms Vamvakinou would contribute to a better understanding in Indonesia about multiculturalism in Australian society, the important contribution of women to public life in Australia, and about the role of Islam in Australia.

“Islam in Australia is a dynamic, evolving story with a rich history, and one of which our country can be extremely proud,” the Ambassador said.

“The population of almost 400,000 Australian Muslims, made up of over 70 different ethnic backgrounds – including Indonesia - have made an enormous contribution to the success of contemporary, diverse Australia.”

The Australia-Indonesia Exchange Program for Young Muslim Leaders was established by the Australian Government through the Australia-Indonesia Institute in 2002 to provide an opportunity 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.

This is the second of three delegations from Indonesia scheduled to visit Australia under the Young Muslim Leaders Exchange Program between February-June 2008. From 11-25 May 2008, five young Muslims from Australia will visit 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.

Further information:
Fiona Hoggart, First Secretary (Cultural) Phone 25505260, Mobile 0811 936 302