Kupang, (Metrobali.com)

Celebrating 70 years of Australian scholarships in Indonesia, Australia’s Consul-General in Bali, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Ms Jo Stevens, hosted an Australian Alumni Gala Dinner in Kupang, NTT on 6 December 2023.

Almost 200 NTT-based Australian alumni gathered to mark 70 years since the first cohort of Colombo Plan scholarship recipients from Indonesia arrived in Australia.
Australia’s scholarship program, now called the Australia Awards, is the longest-running foreign scholarship program in Indonesia. For seven decades, Australia has partnered with Indonesia to invest in human capital development, respond to social and economic development priorities, and create and maintain enduring ties between Australia and Indonesia.

“For 70 years, these scholarships have helped to create enduring ties between the people of Australia and Indonesia. You – our alumni – are the embodiment of these ties in NTT. You are the custodians of the deep, personal connections between our two countries,” said Consul-General Stevens.

The NTT Gala Dinner featured MCs Marthilda Christin Finsae and Marcelinus Akoli, a photo exhibition of prominent alumni, and musical performances by Natalino Mella and Inggid Wakano.
“You are an incredible group of thinkers and leaders. Each of you play an important role in your workplaces, organisations, and communities. You are shaping the future of Indonesia, especially its diversity and dynamism,” Consul-General Stevens told the alumni at the dinner.
Australia has more than 200,000 alumni in Indonesia, including senior government and business leaders. Alumni are crucial in deepening cooperation between Australia and Indonesia to advance mutual security and prosperity.

While on her first official visit to NTT as Australia’s new Consul-General in Bali, NTB and NTT, Ms Stevens met with Acting Governor Ayodhia Kalake to discuss Australia’s close ties with NTT. Consul-General Stevens also met with NTT authorities, including the Head of NTT’s Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Mr Ambrosius Kodo, and the NTT Police Chief, affirming Australia’s strong partnership with these agencies.

Consul-General Stevens visited Nusa Cendana University (Undana), where she donated books and information about studying in Australia. She also visited the NTT Office of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection to discuss key issues around gender equality and hear from an Alumni Grants Scheme recipient on her research findings. Earlier in the visit, Consul-General Stevenstravelled to Labuan Bajo and toured the TanaMori sustainable
tourism development to see the positive impact of Australia’s support through the Katalis program.

For more information about the Australian Consulate-General’s activities in Bali, NTB and NTT, follow @KonJenBali
di X dan Instagram. (RED-MB)