I am pleased to announce that the Australia Indonesia Institute will allocate $100,000 this financial year to help develop the study of Australian history, geography, culture, politics and literature in Indonesia.

The bulk of the money will go to the Australian Studies Centre at the University of Indonesia in Jakarta and the remainder will further Australian studies projects at other educational institutions. 

 This year's grant represents a substantial increase on allocations in previous years and reflects the Institute's commitment to promoting a better understanding of Australia in Indonesia.

In addition, the Australia Indonesia Institute and AusAID have awarded scholarships to 585 students from Indonesia's top two universities to help them complete their studies in various fields in difficult economic times.

I have had the pleasure to meet 36 young Australians and Indonesians who have been awarded Institute scholarships. These young ambassadors will live with host families, undertake work experience and participate in community activities in Queensland and East Java.

The breadth of the Institute's activities and the large number of innovative proposals by both Australians and Indonesians over the past six months show that relationships at the grassroots level are flourishing.

Since its establishment in 1989, the Institute has greatly expanded contacts and exchanges between the people of both countries.   Indonesia's moves towards democracy, strongly encouraged by Australia, have opened exciting opportunities for the Institute's work. 

For further information:
(Ministerial) James Baker (02) 6277  7500
(Departmental) Matt Francis  (02) 6261 1555

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