DFAT said the ‘AII Grants' program fosters links between Australia and Indonesia by increasing cultural awareness and deepens the already close relationship between our two nations.

 

"Australia's relationship with Indonesia is critical to our strategic, security and economic interests. The 17 projects funded will promote our relationship with Indonesia in the areas of art and culture, education and economic diplomacy," said Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop.

 

Grant proposals include:

• A Griffith University project using Javanese shadow puppetry to promote messages on sanitation, hygiene and disease prevention;

 

• A University of Sydney project to foster collaboration between Australian and Indonesian experts on sustainable peatland management;

 

• An Asia Education Foundation project to mark the 10th anniversary of BRIDGE (Building Relations through Intercultural Dialogue and Growing Engagement) and build connections between Australian and Indonesian teachers and students; 

 

• Promoting sports diplomacy by funding the Indonesia Garudas AFL team to participate in the 2017 AFL International Cup in Melbourne;

 

• A project to develop partnerships between Indonesian and Australian dance centres and elite artists through STRUT Dance based in Perth; and

 

• Supporting the Walkley Foundation to bring a leading Indonesian editor or journalist to Australia for a speaking and networking tour to promote mutual understanding.

 

The AII Grants program was established by the Australian government in 1989 and DFAT said it was an important component of the Australia-Indonesia bilateral relationship. Sixteen grant recipients were announced in March, 2016.

 

More information about the Australia-Indonesia Institute, the grants program and the full list of successful grant recipients is available on the Australia-Indonesia Institute webpage.