Outstanding Indonesians awarded prestigious Australian Awards

Twenty-eight future Indonesian leaders have been awarded 2010 Australian Leadership Awards Scholarships, with the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Bill Farmer, hosting a reception this evening in their honour.

“There are more recipients of this prestigious scholarship from Indonesia than any other country,” Mr Farmer said. “This is testament to the leadership talent in Indonesia and I am sure awardees will not only contribute to development in Indonesia but also strengthen the people to people links between our two countries.”

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.

The 2010 recipients will study in areas of strategic importance such as climate change, HIV/AIDS and Education. As well as studying for postgraduate qualifications, awardees participate in a tailored leadership development program providing the opportunity to discuss and debate emerging issues affecting the region.

The 2010 Allison Sudradjat Awards, named in honour of the former head of the Australian aid program in Indonesia, have also been awarded to the top four Australian Leadership Awards recipients from Indonesia. The awardees will receive an additional grant allowing them to take advantage of further opportunities to expand their knowledge and networks with Australia.

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

Each year about 300 Indonesians receive scholarships to study in Australia under the Australian Scholarships initiative, which aims to promote development and education cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

Media Enquiries:
Mia Salim, AusAID Public Affairs, 08121070237
Sonya Neufeld, AusAID Public Affairs, 08111872365