Ambassador Announces Winners of National Essay Competition

Australia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr Bill Farmer, welcomed announcement of finalists of the national essay competition on relations between Indonesia and Australia.

“I truly believe that Australians and Indonesians are getting better at understanding each other” said Mr Farmer. “We are, after all, both democratic countries with diverse societies.”

“I am pleased that this competition has played a part in building closer links between our peoples,” said Mr Farmer. “Of course, we still have some way to go.”

Winner of the high school category was Rike Rahmawati, with the runners up Suhite Whini Setyahuni and Mochammad Danur Estu.

Winner of the undergraduate category was Sirajudin Hasbi, with the runners up Nathanael Gratias and Desyta Rahma.

The winners, who were announced tonight at a ceremony at the Sari Pan Pacific Hotel, receive return tickets to Sydney and accommodation.

“The essays we received were overwhelmingly positive about the future relationship between our two countries but also were not afraid to voice criticism,” said Mr Farmer. “It’s appropriate for two democratic counties, who are neighbours, to exchange ideas, even criticism in a mature manner.”

“And as friends, if there is criticism, it can be given and received in an open and friendly manner.”

The Ambassador also thanked the Centre for Indonesian Reform and the Indonesian Department of Foreign Affairs who were partners in the project.

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