A delegation of 14 Muslims from Australia embarked on an educational and intercultural journey to Jakarta and Jogjakarta, Indonesia From 19 to 28 September 2023 visiting various Islamic institutions, including Nahdlotul Ulama and Muhammadiyah and had interactions with several non-governmental organizations.
They also had the privilege of visiting Indonesia House of Representatives, Islamic educational institutions, and prominent mosques in Indonesia.
The delegates are the alumni of Australia-Indonesia Muslim Exchange Program (AIMEP) in the years 2022 and 2021. AIMEP is a people-to-people exchange program funded by the Australian Government that builds understanding, cooperation and friendship among the participants.
Rowan Gould, the Director of AIMEP stated that the aim of this program is to build people-to-people relations between Australia and Indonesia where AIMEP supports collaborations initiated by the Australian and Indonesian alumni.
Among the initiatives was the intercultural pen pal program between Australian International Academic of Education and Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan Sultan Alyasini.
The AIMEP program was conducted online in 2021 and 2022 due to Covid-19 outbreaks. Nevertheless, the delegates were recently offered an opportunity to visit Indonesia where they immersed themselves with the vibrant cultures and engaged with the AIMEP speakers.
They also forged meaningful connections with their Indonesian counterparts in 2023.
Australian delegates visited Istiqlal Mosque Jakarta, Indonesia.
Ms Aisha Elmir, a youth College Manager at the Islamic Sciences and Research Academy (ISRA) Australia, shared her perspective.
“Coming from Australia, being minority in Australia, and then coming here and seeing that a lot of hopes inshaallah for strength and connection between those countries. I can see very great outcomes in the future,” she said.
She was also looking forward to future research collaboration between ISRA and Indonesian researchers.
Prior to Australian delegates’ visit to Indonesia, 19 Indonesian delegates of AIMEP 2022 had visited Australia. They learned some great works done by the Islamic organizations, including Lebanese Muslim Association, United Muslim Australia, Islamic Council of Victoria, and Women Muslim Association.
They also had an opportunity to visit Islamic Museum of Australia. In addition, they had an interfaith discussion with Rabbi Gabbi Kaltman in the ARK centre.
The Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Ms Penny Williams PSM, stated that AIMEP has built strong alumni community in Indonesia and Australia. This strengthens ties between Indonesia and Australia.
The program will be eagerly accepting applications from change makers in Indonesia and Australia for the upcoming years.
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