Launch of Essay Writing Competition on Australia-Indonesia Relations

Australia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr Bill Farmer, today launched a national essay writing competition in cooperation with the Centre for Indonesian Reform (CIR).

The competition invites senior high school and undergraduate students to write about the relationship between Australia and Indonesia, emphasising the themes of cultural diversity and democracy.

“As neighbours, we need to build strong people-to-people links,” said Mr Farmer. “As two democracies living side-by-side, we need open discussion, critical thinking and a better understanding of each other.”

“This includes knowledge of how much we have in common as two democratic countries, based on diversity,” said Mr Farmer.

“Both the Australian and Indonesian Governments recognise the importance of building better people-to-people links,” said Mr Farmer. “This is reflected in the Lombok Treaty, which lists ‘Community Understanding and People-to-People Cooperation’ as an area for ongoing work.”

“I would like to thank CIR for this initiative,” said Mr Farmer, “and I look forward to the announcement of results on 18 August.”

First prize is a trip for two to Sydney. Further details of the competition can be found through the CIR (Haryo Setyoko: 0815 84031767).

Media Enquiries:
Jenny Dee, Counsellor (Public Affairs) tel. (021) 2550 5290 mob. 0811 187 3175