Following a successful Canberra celebration in September, Acicis brought its 30th-anniversary festivities to Yogyakarta, the city where the very first Acicis program was established. An evening event in Yogyakarta served as a warm and poignant reunion, uniting the very community that has been the foundation of three decades of transformative educational exchange between Australia and Indonesia.
The gathering was honoured by the presence of distinguished guests who have each played a pivotal role in this journey. Deputy Head of Mission Gita Kamath from the Australian Embassy in Jakarta delivered keynote remarks, highlighting the strategic importance of the bilateral relationship. She emphasised the critical value of Indonesian language learning in Australia and reflected on the profound impact of government-supported programs like the New Colombo Plan and Acicis in deepening essential people-to-people ties across the region.
Professor Dr. Puji Astuti from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) took to the stage to celebrate the long-standing institutional partnership between Acicis and UGM. She spoke warmly about the mutual benefits of hosting Australian students, noting how this fosters invaluable academic and cultural exchange, and shared her vision for future opportunities to further strengthen Australia-Indonesia educational collaboration.
Adding a powerful personal dimension to the proceedings, Dr. Elena Williams of the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA) and an Acicis alum, shared reflections on the life-changing impact of the Acicis experience. She articulated how in-country study shapes careers, builds lasting professional networks and deep personal connections. Acicis extends its sincere gratitude to all the distinguished guests who contributed to the significance of the evening, including Acicis founder Prof David T. Hill, the Australian Consul General of Surabaya, Glen Askew; Vice Rector of Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII), Ir. Wiryono Raharjo; Dr. Eko Widodo from Universitas Atma Jaya; Prof. Dr. Ir. Eko Sediyono from Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana (UKSW); Prof. Sabrinah Prasetyo from Universitas Indonesia; our long-time partner Okusi Associates; and the many other university representatives, partners, students, and alumni in attendance.
A highlight of the evening was a board of wishes, where attendees pinned heartfelt messages expressing their hopes for Acicis’ future and their gratitude for its legacy. These notes, filled with personal anecdotes and aspirations, created a mementos of the community’s shared memories and collective optimism.
As the event concluded, guests departed reflecting on the extraordinary achievements of the past 30 years and looking forward with great anticipation to the next chapter. The Yogyakarta celebration was more than a celebration; it was a testament to a thriving ecosystem of partnership. It beautifully reflected the spirit, dedication, and lasting impact of 30 years spent opening doors, broadening minds, and building the human connections that form the strongest foundation for the future of Australia-Indonesia relations.
See more pictures here.
