300 Indonesians awarded Australian Development Scholarships

Australia has awarded 300 postgraduate scholarships to Indonesians in the 2010 round of the Australian Development Scholarships.

Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr Bill Farmer, said the scholarships would give Indonesians the chance to extend their education and contribute to the future of Indonesia.

“Australian Development Scholarships have been an important part of our relations for over 50 years,” Mr Farmer said.

“These postgraduate scholarships will help enhance the skills and knowledge of Indonesians through study in Australia.”

Amongst the 300 awardees are officers from the Government of Indonesia’s Centre for Medicine and Health Services, INP (DokPol), the lead agency for disaster victim identification in Indonesia.

The Australian and Indonesian governments have worked side by side following a series of disasters, including the 2002 and 2005 Bali bombings, 2008 Victorian bushfires and the 2009 Jakarta hotel bombings.

“The Australian and Indonesian governments share a commitment to Indonesia’s development and working together in the face of disaster,” Mr Farmer said.

“The officers from Indonesia’s Centre for Medicine and Health Services are amongst an elite group of talented Indonesians who will strengthen the people to people links between our two countries.”

The 2010 awardees will study in fields important to Indonesia’s development including economic management, good governance, health, education, democracy and justice, and safety and peace.

Media Enquiries:
Mia Salim (AusAID public affairs) 2550-5490 / 08121070237