Australian Ambassador Visits Makassar

The Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Paul Grigson will arrive in Makassar today for his first official visit to South Sulawesi.

Ambassador Grigson’s visit comes ahead of the expected opening of the new Australian Consulate-General in Makassar next year.

“As the largest city in the region, Makassar is the gateway to Indonesia Timur. Its economic growth and rapid modernization is outpacing Jakarta,” Ambassador Grigson said.

"The people of South Sulawesi and Northern Australia are bound by strong ancestral ties dating back to the 1700s when Macassans traded and began families with the Aboriginal people of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. Now many Macassans choose to study in Australia and return to build businesses here,” he said.

Ambassador Grigson will use the visit to present a Yirrkala batik to the people of Makassar. The Yirrkala Batik is a cultural collaboration between Pekalongan batik artisans and Australian Aboriginal artists, and will be on display at the Museum of Makassar City.

During the week Ambassador Grigson will also meet with local university students, academics and teachers and students at a local Pesantren.

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