Media Release
18 May 2017
A group of Muslim Exchange Program (MEP) participants will share their experience of Islam in both countries through a collection of writings entitled Hidup Damai di Negeri Multikultur: Pengalaman Peserta Pertukaran Tokoh Muda Muslim Australia-Indonesia.
This publication reflects the success of the MEP program that has been running for fifteen years and captures the life-changing experiences the participants gained through this program.
Since the MEP program was established in 2002 by the Australia-Indonesia Institute (AII) under the Department of Foreign Affairs, nearly 200 young Muslim leaders from both countries have participated, experiencing Islam and diversity in each other’s country.
This month, a group of five young Australian Muslims are in Indonesia to participate in the fifteenth year of the MEP. During the two-week program (7-20 May 2017) they have travelled to Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Makassar to meet interfaith organisations, community leaders, leading academics, artists and other parts of the community.
A reciprocal visit to Australia by ten Indonesian Muslim delegates also took place earlier this year as part of the MEP program.
Australian Deputy Head of Mission to Indonesia Justin Lee said this program has successfully created enduring bonds between young Muslim leaders in both countries, providing them with life-changing experiences. This new publication allows program alumni to share their stories with a broader audience.
“I hope this book will contribute to a better understanding of the important role Muslims play in Australian society and that Australians can learn about the rich heritage of Islam in Indonesia, home to the largest Muslim population in the world,” he said.
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