Media Release
13 August 2024
Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Penny Williams PSM, and Ibu Marulina Dewi, Head of Regional Partnership Bureau DKI Jakarta, opened the Two Nations: a Friendship is Born exhibition at the Jakarta Maritime Museum today.
The exhibition tells the story of Australia’s strong support for Indonesia during its struggle for independence through photos, letters, news reports and other memories from Australians and Indonesians working together at the time.
Shortly after the proclamation of independence on 17 August 1945, Australia was the first foreign country to send a diplomatic mission to meet President Soekarno. Australia was subsequently chosen by Indonesia as its representative in the UN negotiations that ultimately led to independence.
There was strong community support in Australia for Indonesia’s independence, as seen in the ‘Black Armada’ blockade of Dutch ships by Australian workers and the individual Australians who volunteered to help the Indonesian independence movement.
“As Australia and Indonesia celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations, this exhibition offers compelling insights into our shared history and the longstanding friendship between our two countries,” said Ambassador Williams at the launch of the exhibition.
Peter Hobbins, Head of Knowledge at the Australian National Maritime Museum and ‘Black Armada’ expert attended the opening and held a masterclass with staff from several Indonesian museums.
The exhibition is open to the public at the Syahbandar Tower, Jakarta Maritime Museum from 15 August to 1 September 2024. It will also travel to Surabaya, Makassar and Yogyakarta.
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Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBDeRA