Young Indonesian Muslim Leaders Explore Islam in Australia

A delegation of young Indonesian Muslim leaders, Fahd Pahdepie from Jakarta, Achmad Ubaidillah from Bogor, and Muzakkir from Balikpapan, departed for Australia on Sunday on a bilateral exchange program aimed at strengthening understanding in Islam and interfaith issues in both countries.

Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Greg Moriarty said he hoped the visit would contribute to a better understanding in Indonesia of the cultural and religious diversity in Australia and the important role Muslims play in Australian society.

“Islam in Australia is a dynamic, evolving story with a rich history, and one of which our country can be extremely proud. Australian Muslims, made up of over 70 different ethnic backgrounds, including Indonesia, have brought with them new ideas, skills, and cultural traditions and make an enormous contribution to contemporary, multicultural Australia.” the Ambassador said.

The program aims to provide opportunities for emerging leaders in the Indonesian Muslim community to engage with their counterparts in Australia on a range of important issues affecting people in both countries. Participants will also have the opportunity to tour the “You Am I” exhibition by Australian Muslim artists in Melbourne sponsored by the Islamic Council of Victoria and Victoria’s Hume City Council.

This is the first of three delegations from Indonesia scheduled to visit Australia under the Australia-Indonesia Institute (AII) Muslim Exchange Program 2011.

In May, five young Muslim leaders from Australia will make a reciprocal visit to Indonesia to learn firsthand about Indonesia’s diverse, democratic, and tolerant society and meet a wide range of different community representatives.

The Muslim Exchange Program was established by the Australian Government through the Australia-Indonesia Institute in 2002.

Over the past two decades, the Institute has fulfilled a unique and vital role in fostering friendship and understanding between Australia and Indonesia through projects in the arts, music, education, youth, civil society, interfaith, media and sport.

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