Republic of Indonesia Embassy/Consulate scholarships

From the 15th-17th of August 2009 six students from various high schools in Victoria participated in the Indonesian Scholarship program. As part of the competition, students had to submit an essay on how to improve Indonesia's relationship with Australia, as well as sit an interview with a panel of 4 teachers. The six finalists were determined and won a scholarship, which entitled them to spend 3 days in Canberra with a host family and attend the flag raising ceremony for Indonesia's Independence Day.

I would firstly like to thank all the staff and host families involved who gave up their time to make this wonderful experience possible. A special thanks to the Indonesian Embassy, Miss Danni and Mr Yoni Who organised the program and to Mr Pratama, Mrs Yvette Soedarsono and Mrs Astrid Dux who accompanied the students to Canberra. I would also like to say a big thank you to my host family Mr Primo (The Indonesia Ambassador to Australia), Mrs Primo and their daughter, whose hospitality and kindness made my experience all the more valuable and enjoyable.

The highlights included attending an Indonesian festival held at the Indonesian Embassy where the students were lucky enough to participate in a fashion parade wearing traditional Indonesian outfits. Another highlight was having lunch with the Indonesian Ambassador at a Balinese restaurant called Sanur. At the lunch we had the opportunity to talk with the Ambassador about the values of cultural exchange. Exploring the city of Canberra, and visiting places such as Parliament House and the War Memorial were also thoroughly enjoyed by students, as well as the flag raising ceremony as part of Indonesia's Independence Day. The most memorable moment for me was undoubtedly spending time with my host family, developing many new friendships and practising my Indonesian.

Overall the program was very successful. Perhaps for the future the trip to Canberra could be made a day longer in order for the students to meet with over 300 ambassadors from all over the world who gather annually at the Indonesian Embassy the day after the Independence Day. This extra day would allow students to discuss various issues including social and climate change and how to make the world a better place to live in, as well as gaining some more free time to explore the city of Canberra.

Written by Emma Jovanovic