Media Release

1 December 2009

Celebrate Universal Language of Music with Australia’s ‘Strike A Chord-The Science of Music’ Exhibition

Secretary to the State Minister for Research and Technology, Prof Dr Benyamin Lakitan and Australian Ambassador to Australia, Bill Farmer launched Strike A Chord - The Science of Music, Australia’s exciting and innovative science education exhibition, in Jakarta today.

“I am delighted we can share this new and interactive exhibition with Indonesia which allows participants to learn about the science of sound in a fun way; from the acoustics and physics of sound through to the musical composition of a masterpiece. Music excites our senses and is central to celebrating culture and important life events,” Mr Farmer said.

“This example of Australian expertise in science education reflects the country’s strong record of innovation and achievement in scientific endeavours. Seven Nobel Prizes for science have already been awarded to Australians for research work ranging from immunology, nerves and the brain, to penicillin and organ transplants,” Mr Farmer added.

Held at Indonesia’s National Science and Technology Centre (PP-IPTEK), Taman Mini Indonesia Indah from 1 December 2009 - 31 March 2010, this award-winning exhibition is being jointly presented by Questacon (Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre) and PP-IPTEK.

At the opening, there were performances by one of Indonesia’s most popular jazz guitarists and Australian alumni I Wayan Balawan and the talented and edgy young Indonesian World Music ensemble Kuno Kini. As part of this exhibition, Kuno Kini will also conduct workshops for hundreds of students from schools in the Jakarta area in January 2010.

Strike A Chord - The Science of Music provides Australia and Indonesia with an important opportunity to work together to strengthen cultural and educational links, particularly in science education, and present the Indonesian public, young and old, with a new and exciting hands-on exhibition. Strike A Chord was sponsored by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in cooperation with the Australia International Cultural Council.

Media Enquiries:
Sanchi Davis, Cultural Attache tel. (021) 2550 5260 mob. 0811 936 302