Applications Open for Australia-Indonesia Muslim Exchange Program

The Australian Embassy is calling for applications for the 2013 Australia-Indonesia Muslim Exchange Program (MEP).

High-calibre, young Muslim leaders are encouraged to apply for this prestigious, bilateral program. MEP aims to build strong links between Muslim communities in Australia and Indonesia.

Australia’s Chargé d’Affaires to Indonesia, Dr David Engel, said participants would become international ambassadors for Islam in their country.

“This exchange program for young Indonesian and Australian Muslims continues to encourage open dialogue and promote greater understanding of faith, tolerance and diversity between both of our countries,” said Dr Engel.

“Two groups of five from Indonesia will be in Australia for two weeks during the first half of 2013. They will visit Muslim communities and organisations, as well take part in Australian cultural activities,” he said. The Australian participants will follow a similar program in Indonesia.

Paramadina University has been the Indonesian coordinator for the selection of candidates of the program since its inception in 2002.

The program is funded by the Australian Government through the Australia-Indonesia Institute (AII). For more than two decades, AII has fulfilled an important role in developing people-to-people links between Australia and Indonesia and promoting greater mutual understanding through projects in the arts, music, education, youth, civil society, interfaith, Australian studies, media and sport.

Information about the program and application process is available at www.indonesia.embassy.gov.au and www.paramadina.ac.id. Applications close on 17 January 2013.

Media Enquiries:
Vicki Miller (Cultural Attaché) tel. (021) 2550 5260 mob. 0811 959 0304