Australian Idol Jessica Mauboy Visits Indonesia

Australia’s Ambassador to Indonesia Bill Farmer welcomed Australian Idol Jessica Mauboy to Indonesia today.

“With an Indonesian father and Australian mother, Jessica is a living example of the strong cultural and people-to-people ties between Australia and Indonesia,” Ambassador Farmer said.

Jessica is performing in Indonesia for the first time under the IN2OZ: Creative Australia program of Australian cultural events in Indonesia throughout 2008.

As Australian Idol Runner-up in 2006, Jessica is particularly excited to be meeting and performing with her counterparts - Delon, Lucky, Judika and Mike from Idol Divo - on RCTI on 27 June.

She will also perform with Idol Divo in the Plaza Semanggi Atrium at 3pm on 26 June.

A highlight of Jessica’s visit to Indonesia will be singing the Australian national anthem at the pre-match ceremony for the inaugural Western Australia-East Java Friendship Football Cup at Deltras Stadium in East Java on 25 June.

Born in Darwin and taught Indonesian by her father, Jessica enjoys singing Indonesian music with the local Indonesian community living in Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory.

“Jessica’s visit is a great opportunity to celebrate the friendship between our countries and we are delighted to welcome Jessica to her second homeland,” said Ambassador Farmer.

The Australia International Cultural Council (AICC) with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is sponsoring Australia’s extensive program of cultural diplomacy events in Indonesia in 2008. The aim of the program is to strengthen cultural ties between Indonesia and Australia.

Further information on the IN2OZ: Creative Australia program is available at http://www.dfat.gov.au/in2oz

Media Inquiries:
Fiona Hoggart, First Secretary (Cultural) mob. 0811 936 302