UNDIKNAS Students Explore Australia–Indonesia Ties and Australia Awards at Open Lecture
Denpasar, Bali, 29 September 2026 — Universitas Pendidikan Nasional (UNDIKNAS) welcomed Australian Consul-General in Bali Jo Stevens and Lachlan Norton for an open lecture exploring Australia–Indonesia relations and Australia Awards scholarship opportunities. Held following the renewal of the ABC Corner (#AussieBangetCorner) MoU, the event concluded with a networking session with students.
The lecture extended the partnership celebrated during the signing ceremony into an opportunity for students to learn directly from representatives of the Australian Consulate-General in Bali. The sessions connected an overview of bilateral relations with information about further study in Australia.
Exploring Australia–Indonesia Relations with Jo Stevens
Jo Stevens presented an overview of Australia and its relationship with Indonesia, introducing Australia’s First Nations heritage alongside its cultural diversity and contributions to innovation.
Her presentation explored the historical connections between the two countries, including early trade links between the Makassan people of Sulawesi and Aboriginal communities in northern Australia, as well as Australia’s role in supporting Indonesia’s independence.
The session also covered contemporary cooperation across education, trade, development, and regional security. It highlighted how connections between people, including students and alumni, contribute to the relationship between Australia and Indonesia.
Students were introduced to shared challenges and opportunities, particularly climate change, the energy transition, and regional stability. These themes provided a broader perspective on the importance of continued cooperation between neighbouring countries.
Introducing Australia Awards Scholarship Opportunities
Lachlan Norton continued the programme with an introduction to Australia Awards in Indonesia, explaining opportunities for postgraduate study and professional development.
The presentation outlined scholarship options, including master’s and doctoral programmes, and introduced priority fields aligned with the Australia–Indonesia development partnership. These included equitable and sustainable economic transformation, strong institutions, and disaster-resilient communities.
The session also covered application requirements and the selection process, alongside support available before departure, during study in Australia, and after returning to Indonesia. Students learned about English language preparation, living support, and opportunities to remain connected through Australian alumni networks.
For UNDIKNAS students considering further study, the session provided an introduction to the preparation involved in pursuing Australia Awards scholarships and the programme’s emphasis on contributing to Indonesia’s development.
Networking with UNDIKNAS Students
Following the presentations, Jo Stevens and Lachlan Norton joined students for a networking session. The informal interaction created space for further conversation and direct engagement beyond the lecture.
The open lecture complemented the ABC Corner MoU renewal by bringing international dialogue into the student experience. Together, the activities supported UNDIKNAS’s continuing engagement with Australia and encouraged students to explore opportunities for cross-cultural learning and further education.
