Australian Young Muslim Leaders to Explore Indonesian Islam, Democracy and Interfaith Harmony

Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Bill Farmer welcomed a delegation of young Muslim leaders from Australia to Indonesia today.

“It’s important for young Australians to gain a better understanding of the role of religion in Indonesia and to share their views on how Islam contributes to diverse, democratic societies like Australia and Indonesia,” the Ambassador said.

The Australian delegation consists of three women and two men, all of whom are impressive young leaders in the Australian Muslim community.

During their visit to Jakarta, Banten, Yogyakarta and Bandung from 11-25 May 2008, they will meet religious, community and education leaders, civil society, academics and media.

Their program includes attending the Asian Conference on Religion and Peace, to be opened by Vice President Jusuf Kalla and participating in round-table discussions with students and lecturers from prominent Islamic universities and schools. They will also stay overnight at Pesantren Darul Qalam in Banten and join in monthly Saturday evening prayers and music with renowned poet, writer and speaker Emha Ainun Najib (Cak Nun) in Bantul.

Ambassador Farmer said the make-up of the delegation reflected the broad cultural diversity of Australia’s Muslim community, and comprised:

Dr. Alia Imtoual (Adelaide), a lecturer at Flinders University in South Australia who was awarded Australian Muslim Woman of the Year in 2007;

Ms Fatema Ayubi (Adelaide), a Settlement Officer and Cultural Awareness Trainer with the Australian Refugee Association in South Australia;

Ms Asme Fahmi (Sydney), Secretary of the Mission of Hope, a Muslim welfare organisation in Sydney, and leading member of the Australian Muslim Volunteers Network;

Mr Saeed A. Saeed (Melbourne), a journalist and youth worker who works with Muslim youth to help them challenge themselves through leadership and public speaking courses;

Mr Fatih Erol Tuncer (Melbourne), a Melbourne-born Muslim of Australian-Turkish parents who is coordinator of the Ansaar Muslim Mentoring Program.

The bilateral exchange for Young Muslim Leaders was established in 2002 by the Australia-Indonesia Institute (AII). The program, which is funded by the Australian Government, aims to promote greater understanding between the peoples of Australia and Indonesia. In particular, the program encourages dialogue, tolerance and friendship between Muslims and non-Muslims in both countries.

The Ambassador said the visit by the Australians is complemented by the visit to Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney from 28 April to 12 May of young Indonesian Muslim leaders under the same program.

Local media organisations are welcome to participate in the visit program, by arrangement with the Embassy.

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