Media Release

19 March 2009

Australian Leadership Awards 2010: opportunity for Indonesia's future leaders

Indonesia's future leaders can today apply to study in Australia in 2010 through the prestigious Australian Leadership Awards scholarships.

The Australian Leadership Awards are a regionally-competitive scholarship program that offers 150 awards annually for masters and doctoral study in Australia to future leaders from across the Asia Pacific.

Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Bill Farmer, said Indonesia had received the highest number of awards in the last two years. He is confident that Indonesians will continue to show their leadership potential in this year's round of applications.

"In both 2008 and 2009, Indonesia received the highest number of awards of any one country - testament to the leadership talent here," Mr Farmer said. "I hope they will not only contribute to the economic, social and community development of Indonesia but also strengthen the ties that bind our two countries."

In addition to studying for postgraduate qualifications, awardees also discuss and debate emerging leadership issues with their regional neighbours through a tailored leadership development program.

The priority themes for 2010 are highly relevant to development in Indonesia and the region. They include disability, economic growth, education, environment, food security, gender, governance, health, human rights, infrastructure, regional stability, rural development and water and sanitation.

Applications for 2010 open on 19 March 2009 and close on 30 June 2009.

Further information is available on the Australian scholarships website www.australiaawards.gov.au

Media Enquiries:
Sonya Neufeld 08111872365 / Mia Salim 08121070237