Media Release
22 October 2025
Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Rod Brazier, visited Ambon, Maluku Province as well as Morotai and Ternate, North Maluku Province from 18-21 October 2025. Ambassador Brazier was accompanied by Australian Consul-General in Makassar, Todd Dias, and Australian Defence Attaché Brigadier Micah Batt.
During his visit, Ambassador Brazier met with regional leaders to strengthen the relationship between Australia and Indonesia, including the Governor of Maluku, Hendrik Lewerissa and the Sultan of Ternate, Hidayatullah Mudaffar Sjah.
“On my first official visit to Maluku and North Maluku it’s been wonderful to see the strong connections between Australia and Indonesia in these provinces,” said Ambassador Brazier.
In Ambon, Ambassador Brazier visited the Commonwealth Cemetery in Ambon, where he laid a wreath at the memorial for Australians lost in battles in eastern Indonesia. In Morotai, Ambassador Brazier visited several places with strong military history links to Australia, including the Morotai World War II Museum and Australian War Cemetery site.
“I was honoured to pay respects at several WWII memorial sites in these provinces. They are a solemn reminder of our shared history and enduring friendship,” said Ambassador Brazier.
Ambassador Brazier also visited SDN 216 Maluku Tengah which is supported through the Australia Indonesia Innovation for Indonesia’s School Children (INOVASI) program. While in Morotai, Ambassador Brazier observed how women are leading initiatives to create more inclusive and resilient communities through the Australia-Indonesia Partnership Towards an Inclusive Society (INKLUSI).
“Our development partnership in this region reflects our two countries’ strong commitment to inclusive and locally-led development,” Ambassador Brazier added.
Ambassador Brazier also visited the #AussieBanget Corner at Universitas Pattimura and hosted Australian alumni gatherings in Ambon, Morotai and Ternate. In Ternate, alumni gathered at Cengkeh Afo Tourism Village, a project developed by Australian alumnus Kris Syamsudin, after participating in the Australia Awards Short Course on Sustainable Tourism.
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Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kedubesaustralia/albums/72177720329826417