Young Australian Muslims Leaders to Experience Islam in Indonesia

A delegation of young Australian Muslim leaders will arrive in Indonesia on Sunday 15 May 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 Greg Moriarty 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. The delegation comprises of three females and two males, all of whom are impressive young leaders in the Australian Muslim community.

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

“It is 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 said.

During their two week program in Indonesia (15-29 May 2011) they will visit Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Bandung and meet with community and religious leaders, academics and media representatives. The delegation will also experience the Buddhist Waisak celebrations in Yogyakarta and spend a day with students and teachers from Pesantren Daar el Qolam in Tangerang.

From March to June 2011, three Indonesian Muslim delegations are making reciprocal visits to Australia on this annual Australia Indonesia Exchange Program for Young Muslim Leaders (MEP). The 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