Young Australian Muslims to Experience Islam in Indonesia

A delegation of young Australian Muslim leaders from Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra arrived in Indonesia yesterday to participate in a bilateral exchange program aimed at strengthening the understanding of Islam and inter-faith issues in both countries.

Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Bill Farmer said the Australian delegation was a reflection of the broad cultural diversity of Australia’s Muslim community made up of over 70 different ethnic backgrounds, including from Indonesia. “Islam in Australia is a dynamic, evolving story with a rich history, and one which has made an enormous contribution to the success of contemporary, multicultural Australia,” said Mr Farmer.

Muslim contact with Australia pre-dates European settlement to the sixteenth century when Macassan traders and fishermen shared their lives with local Indigenous people throughout northern Australia.

“It is also important that these young Australian Muslims are able to gain a better understanding of the role of religion in Indonesia and share their perspectives on a range of issues,” the Ambassador added.

During their two week program in Indonesia (16-30 May 2010) they will visit Jakarta, Bandung and Yogyakarta and meet with community and religious leaders, academics and media representatives. The delegation will also experience the Buddhist Waisak celebrations in Yogyakarta and meet highly respected commentator and Muslim intellectual Emha Ainun Najib.

Kate Grealy, one of the delegation members, said she looked forward to learning more about Indonesian culture, the country’s challenges, how it views Australia and gaining a greater understanding of the variations in practice and interpretation of Islam in Indonesia.

From March to June 2010, three Indonesian Muslim delegations are making reciprocal visits to Australia on this annual Australia Indonesia Exchange Program for Young Muslim Leaders. The third and final group will depart for Australia in early June. This exchange program was established in 2002 by the Australian Government through the Australia-Indonesia Institute (AII). The AII fulfils a unique and vital role in fostering friendship and promoting understanding between Australia and Indonesia.

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