Who we are
AIA members have lived, worked, traveled or studied in Indonesia – or they plan to. It includes people who have a fascination for the culture, music and art of Indonesia. Some members have an Indonesian background and family living there while others have an academic interest in the country. Whilst most of our members live in NSW, we have members in several other states and in Indonesia. Everyone with an interest in Indonesia is welcome!
The Australia Indonesia Association was founded in 1945, making it one of the oldest and longest established organizations in the world with an interest in the newly independent country of Indonesia. In 2020 we celebrated our 75th Anniversary. This photo shows an early meeting of the AIA at Paddington Town Hall in Sydney in 1946.
What we do
The AIA have a range of activities to cater for the varied interests of our members.
Australia Indonesia Awards
The AIA initiated this national program of annual awards to recognise and honour Australians and Indonesians who have made significant contributions to the greater understanding and friendship between Indonesians and Australians. The awards are made in 3 categories which are different each year. Nominees for the awards are assessed on the basis of:
- Demonstrated excellence in their field;
- Demonstrated commitment to Australian Indonesian relationships;
- Being a role model for others.
An independent Selection Panel selects the finalists and the winner in each category, with the Awards presented at a gala dinner attended by government and diplomatic leaders and dignitaries.
Zoom Cocktail Sessions
With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, we reached out to our members via Zoom online sessions, held on a monthly basis as life returns to normal with guest speakers on a range of interesting topics. The sessions are very social, not webinars.
Social functions
Members get together for regular dinners (where not restricted by Covid-19), and participate in social functions conducted by other Indonesian community groups.
Education
The AIA endeavours to promote the study of Bahasa Indonesia and Indonesian culture at high schools, universities and adult education courses. We have arranged immersion courses in Indonesia for senior high school students, and provide the Lottie Maramis annual prizes to the top students of Bahasa Indonesia in NSW schools. AIA members welcome Indonesian post-graduate students and offer them subsidised participation at AIA functions and events.
History
The AIA was founded in 1945, making it one of the oldest and longest established organizations in the world with an interest in the newly independent country of Indonesia. In 2020 we celebrated our 75th Anniversary. We are proud of the history and are working on documenting our achievements over the years.
We conduct historical walks throughout Sydney pointing out places where AIA got its origins with commentary on the Indonesians and Australians that spoke out for Indonesia’s independence in 1945.
We also promote discussion and documentation of the history of the relations between Indonesia and Australia.
Communications
We issue a weekly email to members and friends of the AIA, informing them of upcoming Indonesian-related events in NSW and elsewhere. This is based on information received from various organisations, including AIYA, AIBC, AIA in other states, AIC, ICC.
AIA NSW enjoys a close relationship with the Indonesian Consulate in Sydney as well as the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra.
Our Facebook page continues to attract new members and lots of posts.