Media Release

3 November 2009

Indonesia’s future leaders awarded scholarships

Twenty-eight future leaders from Indonesia have been awarded Australian Leadership Award Scholarships, more than any other country this year.

Australia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr Bill Farmer, said the awardees were chosen on their strong academic abilities and their potential as leaders.

“This is testament to the leadership talent in Indonesia,” Mr Farmer said.

“I hope awardees will not only contribute to development in Indonesia but also strengthen the people-to-people links and friendship between our two countries,” he said.

Their studies will focus on a wide range of issues relevant to development in Indonesia including education, public sector reform, health and HIV/AIDS.

Australian Leadership Award Scholarships are offered to high achievers from Asia and the Pacific to undertake postgraduate study at Australian universities. The scholarships help develop leadership and set up awardees to potentially influence social and economic development in their own countries and in the region.

The 2009 Allison Sudradjat Awards, named in honour of the former head of the Australian aid program in Indonesia, have also been presented to the top four Australian Leadership Award recipients from Indonesia.

The four awardees will receive additional funding to take advantage of opportunities to expand their knowledge and networks with Australia.

“The recipients of the Allison Sudradjat Awards are, as was Allison, deeply passionate about development and committed to contributing to the future of Indonesia,” Mr Farmer said.

For further information about Australian scholarships visit: www.australiaawards.gov.au

Media Enquiries:
Sonya Neufeld (AusAID Public Affairs) 08111 872 365
Bram Marolop (AusAID Public Affairs) 08111 904 823