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Sponsored Supplement: Australian Alumni Awards

JakartaGlobe Monday, May 28, 2012

Monday, May 28, 2012 JakartaGlobe

Sponsored Supplement: Australian Alumni Awards

A Spotlight on the Success of Our Australian Alumni T


he Australian Alumni Awards provide Indonesians with one of the most concrete ways to gauge the value of seeking a higher education Down Under. For the past four years, the Alumni Awards have recognized outstanding talent, achievements and contributions made by Indonesians who have studied in Australia. At present, there are a large number of Australian alumni living and working in Indonesia, many of whom are leaders and innovators in their respective fields. You can find Australian alumni in prominent positions within the Indonesian government, as well as in fields as varied and wide-ranging as finance, academics and music. Well-prepared to make a significant impact on their home country through the excellent education they receive in Australia, these people are contributors to Indonesias sustainable economic and social development. Through the Alumni Awards, the Australian Embassy hopes to shine a light on these individuals remarkable achievements, and as such, the awards serve as the embassys largest public diplomacy event, accentuating the mutually beneficial relationship between the two neighbors. But being selected as an award-winner carries no small amount of responsibility. Winners are hoped to become unofficial ambassadors for Australia within their respective fields, highlighting the benefits and virtues of Australia as an excellent education destination for Indonesian students, academics and researchers. Additionally, the Australian Embassy hopes to increase ties between the two countries in the education and research sectors. Each year, the embassy hands out Alumni Awards to recognize the outstanding contributions Indonesians have made in categories such as education, the arts, national defense and entrepreneurship. On Saturday, the Australian Embassy, along with hundreds of attendees and community leaders, will come together for a gala awards ceremony in Jakarta to honor the finalists and 12 Indonesians selected as this years Australian Alumni Award winners.

A Message From Ambassador Greg Moriarty


Welcome to this special supplement to introduce the finalists in the Australian Alumni Awards 2012. The Alumni Awards celebrate the success of the many Indonesians who have studied in Australia. We recognize the contribution of these alumni to their chosen fields and toward Indonesias own progress. In reaching out to our alumni community, we in the Australian Embassy have once again been overwhelmed by the enthusiastic responses in nominating outstanding Indonesians for these awards. The Australian alumni community universities, colleges, employers, families and friends have put forward an outstanding group of people as nominees and finalists for the awards. Behind each nominee is a story of personal achievement. And these individuals in turn are shaping the future of Indonesia. Alumni play a key role in underpinning the strong relationship between Indonesia and Australia, so these awards are a good opportunity for us to celebrate lifelong friendships and connections between our two countries. The Australian Embassy is proud that Australia is a top destination for Indonesians studying overseas. We are keen to see these educational links continue to grow through scholarships, professional exchanges and continuing education. In this supplement you will also find profiles of some of our past Alumni Award recipients. They come from all walks of life and are achieving great things in their chosen fields. We have also taken this opportunity to look at other important elements of the relationship between Indonesia and Australia. Our two countries are good friends and strategic partners. As you can see by the breadth of articles here, we have strong bonds on many levels including in culture, business, defense, development and education. Please join me in congratulating the finalists in the Australian Alumni Awards 2012. We will publish the recipients in the Jakarta Globe in early June. Greg Moriarty Australian Ambassador to Indonesia

Opening a Wider Window to the World Through the Australian Way of Education

Tunggul Wirajuda or Indonesians determined to make a larger impact on the world around them, studying overseas is one of the preferred ways of opening the doors to a brighter career and future. And no other country is as sought after by Indonesians for this purpose than Australia. According to Australias Department of Innovation, Industry, Science, Research and Tertiary Education, there are roughly 18,000 enrollments from Indonesian students currently studying in Australia, mostly in its universities and other centers of higher education. A Short Trip to Infinite Possibilities Indonesians have long been drawn to Australia due to its quality of life and high educational standards. But for traditionally close-knit Indonesian families, another attractive consideration is the relative closeness of the two neighbors. Studying in Australia is closer to home [compared to Great Britain or the United States], said Esti Wandari, who graduated with a bachelors degree in screen production from Griffith Universitys Queensland College of Art in 2000. Airline ticket fares are cheaper, and most capitals of [Australian] states have flights to Indonesia. Esti, now a lecturer in broadcast communications at the University of Indonesia, added that the competitive price of a university education in Australia was another key to her decision to seek her degree at Griffith University. Like Esti, many Indonesians have taken advantage of the availability of scholarships and the fees ranging from A$9,000 to A$14,000 a year for Foundation Studies and A$12,000 to A$19,000 for English language training. Mastering English, Experiencing Multiculturalism For many prospective Indonesian students, the desire to improve their English skills, particularly at a more advanced level, is a powerful incentive to studying in Australia. The countrys education system is renowned for its English language courses, which are flexible yet regulated to ensure high standards. Students have a number of internationally recognized English proficiency tests to choose from, such as the Cambridge Test, Pearson Test, TOEFL [Test of English as a Foreign Language] as well as IELTS [International English Language Testing System]. However, the best way to learn English is through practical, hands-on application. Education in Australia requires a lot of essay writing, which develops our writing skills in English, said Kathryn Parapak, who graduated from the University of Tasmania in 1998 with a bachelors degree in commerce.

who graduated from James Cook University with a masters degree in clinical and health psychology in 2000. [Postgraduate studies] also gave me the chance to meet professionals with the same interests, said Ninong, who works as a therapist specializing in autistic children. Since my interest is in special-needs education, a field with relatively few [practitioners], my degree improved my competitive edge. That edge is furthered through the state-of-the-art research facilities at many Australian universities, meaning students graduate with the skills and expertise required to excel in a fast-changing world. Since 2008, the Australian Government has invested more than $1.8 billion in world-class science facilities across the nation. The Australian Way Another major factor behind the success of Indonesians in Australias higher education sector lies in the Australian Way of studying, which focuses on practical learning, creativity, independent thought and debate. Lecturers aim to make students thoroughly understand the subject matter instead of merely memorizing it. The methods of teaching [in Australia] are interactive and engaging said Devyandra Kusumaatmadja, who graduated from Griffith University with a bachelors degree in print and broadcast journalism in 1998. The lecturers would encourage their students to ask questions, said Deyvandra, who works in Aora Satellite TVs content division. The experience made me more critical, discerning and perceptive. Interactive, practical and efficient, the Australian higher education system is also built for speed, averaging about three years to complete an undergraduate program. The benefits do not end there. Universities like the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology have formed close partnerships with international institutes and firms like Airbus, BMW, Volkswagen Group and Siemens. One Indonesian who benefited from those partnerships is Eri Setyadi, who graduated from RMIT in 1999 with a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering and works as a technical field manager with BMW. RMIT is a reputable university which has good relations and projects with various engineering companies around the world. So it gave me [an] advantage when it comes [to the job market], he said. This fully supportive, holistic approach to education is the reason why thousands of Indonesians travel to Australia each year to further their educations. The quality of that education can be measured in the stories of this years Australian Alumni Awards nominees. Visit www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/ for more information on studying in Australia.

Take Learning Further With Australian Scholarships


Australia Awards is an Australian government scholarship program to promote sustainable development and excellence in education in the Asia Pacific. In 2010, a total of 459 Australian Awards were provided to Indonesians and 25 to Australians to pursue further knowledge in each country, making Indonesia the largest bilateral recipient of Australia Awards. Australia Awards bring together the two major Australian government funded scholarship programs the Australian Development Awards and Endeavour Awards. Development Awards, administered by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), is a major component of Australia Awards and has played a significant role in Australias development cooperation for more than 60 years. The awards offer short and long term study opportunities to enhance leadership, knowledge and technical skills to partner governments, tertiary institutions and strategic organizations that are driving sustainable development in Indonesia. AusAIDs flagship program, the Australian Development Scholarships, are provided for post-graduate study and research in strategic fields that support Indonesias specific development needs and fall under four priority development areas: sustainable growth and economic management, democracy justice and good governance, investing in people, and safety and peace. AusAID encourages women, people with disabilities, ethnic minorities and people from rural areas to apply for scholarships. It aims to ensure equity and broad participation. Endeavour Awards is administered by the Australian Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education. It is an internationally competitive, merit-based program that provides opportunities to study, do research and professional development in Australia for Indonesians (incoming) or in Indonesia for Australians (outgoing). The Endeavour Awards consist of Endeavour Postgraduate Awards, Endeavour Research Fellowships, Endeavour Executive Awards and Endeavour Vocational Education and Training Awards. The program encourages the establishment of linkages between individuals, organizations and the two countries, while showcasing Australias capacity as a center for quality education, research and innovation. Applications are now open for Australia Awards. Endeavour Awards close on June 30, and Australian Development Awards on August 17. Further information, including eligibility requirements, is available at www.australiaawards.gov.au.

The Australian Alumni Awards are a good opportunity to celebrate lifelong friendships and connections between our two countries See pages 6-7 for the full breakdown of this years categories and list of shortlisted nominees

After the initial round of judging, the remaining nominees were then given a second look by a panel of judges not connected to the embassy. That panel completed the difficult task of choosing one winner in each category, and the names of those winners will remain secret until the awards ceremony on Saturday. Inspiring and Distinguished In addition to the 10 categories open to the nomination process, the embassy will also be selecting outstanding alumni in two other categories. The Inspirational Alumni Award is given to outstanding alumni whose work is truly an inspiration to others. They are Indonesians who have worked tirelessly toward a particular cause, driven by their passion for contributing to improvements in the lives of others. The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes those who have made lifelong career achievements and contributions to Indonesia, as well as maintaining strong alumni links between Australia and Indonesia. The recipients of these two awards will be announced, along with the other winners, at the ceremony on Saturday evening.

The Australian Way of education benefits students by encouraging independent thought, creativity and critical thinking, ensuring a thorough understanding of subject matter.

Australias universities are renowned for their highquality teaching and research facilities. Lecturers are experts in their field who are eager to pass their learning and experience on to students.
Once there, many students are quick to make the most of Australias multicultural society and find room for personal development. [Living and studying in Australia] has taught me to work and socialize with people from different countries, said Kathryn, who currently works as the head of corporate marketing and communications at AIA Financial. Studying abroad also teaches one to be more independent. Over 400,000 students from over 180 countries studied in Australian education institutions in 2011. And traveling to Australia to learn does not mean that prospective students have to begin at square one. The National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition enables Australian institutions to recognize qualifications from other countries, allowing for the recognition of a students previous studies. The Cutting Edge of Academics Australias universities are renowned for their high-quality teaching and research facilities. Lecturers are experts in their fields who are eager to pass their learning and experience on to students. There have been 11 Australian Nobel Laureates, and Australia has an impressive list of scientific achievements; inventions such as the anthrax vaccine, penicillin and the cochlear implant as well as GPS and WiFi, that have had a huge impact right around the globe. Total Australian Government support for science, research and innovation is almost A$9 billion, including A$22 million for international Postgraduate Research Scholarships. A postgraduate degree from Australia has given me more opportunities to explore my chosen fields of education and psychology, said Sri Purwati, known as Ninong,

Choosing the Winners The process of choosing this years award recipients was an exhaustive, multi-stage process. Beginning in February, a call was put out via local media outlets that the embassy was accepting nominations for worthy individuals in 10 of the categories. The nomination period was open until April 30. Then came the difficult part. A panel of judges, consisting of embassy representatives, sifted through the pile of nominations to make the first cut, whittling down the number of nominees to a maximum of four in each category.

Australian Alumni Awards 2012 : Categories & Finalists


This award seeks to recognize significant achievement in any field of research and innovation which contributes to current knowledge. This includes all areas of current scientific research and can include contributions to technological advancements we enjoy today.

Monday, May 28, 2012 JakartaGlobe

AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR RESEARCH IN EDUCATION & INNOVATION


This award seeks to recognize significant contributions by alumni to Indonesian education. Through their work, this individual will have demonstrated leadership, initiative and commitment to education delivery, curriculum development, teaching and pedagogy, school and university management, innovative policy initiatives and reform. This includes those formally employed in the education sector as teachers, lecturers, rectors, department officers and policy makers, as well as those working in the non-government sector or in a voluntary capacity.

AWARD FOR SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT


This award seeks to recognize an individual whose actions have contributed to the development of a prosperous, democratic and safe Indonesia. The contribution can be in a professional or volunteer capacity and focused on such areas that contribute to sustainable economic management, democracy, justice and good governance and/or humanitarian work.

AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MEDIA, CULTURE & IN NATIONAL DEFENSE THE ARTS This award acknowledges the importance of the
This award seeks to recognize outstanding talent, originality, professionalism and flair in media, culture and the arts. national defense sector to Indonesias political, economic and social well-being. Applicants will have made a contribution to national, regional and global defense operations; provided assistance to communities affected by natural disasters; been deployed as United Nations peacekeepers; or developed new legislative reforms.

AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR AWARD FOR AWARD FOR BUSINESS AWARD FOR IN NATIONAL SECURITY OUTSTANDING ENTREPRENEURSHIP LEADERSHIP & BUSINESS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO MANAGEMENT YOUNG ALUMNI This award acknowledges the importance of the This award seeks to recognize innovative and national security sector to Indonesias political, businesspeople in any industry PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION entrepreneurial economic and social well-being. Applicants will sectors in Indonesia. Applicants are contributors This award seeks to recognize business This award seeks to recognize outstanding
have been involved in efforts to deal with transnational crime, environmental degradation, maritime security or other threats to Indonesias integrity, prosperity and security. This award seeks to recognize an individual in the public sector who has made an outstanding contribution to public policy and program development in Indonesia. This may include developing and implementing public reforms programs, mentoring and training staff in order to achieve successful public administration outcomes, and furthering international cooperation with foreign counterparts. to creating new business opportunity and strong growth prospects for their respective industry. leadership and a commitment to responsible business practices that have brought about positive changes to the work place, as well as provided inspiration to others. This award recognizes emerging and current leaders.

talent, achievements and/or contributions made by alumni in their chosen field that demonstrate integrity, initiative and innovation. This award is open to alumni who are under 35 years of age (at the time of nomination) and open to alumni in all fields of employment, community service and voluntary work.

Dr. Wahdi S.A. Yudhi Lecturer, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (La Trobe University)

Dr. Marthen Mullik Project Leader, Universitas Nusa Cendana (University of Queensland)

Dr. Francis Xavier Wahono Executive Director, Yayasan Cindelaras Partitrana (La Trobe University)

Paul Tanjung Tan Principal, Arkipuri Intra Nasional (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology)

Brig. Gen. Herry Noorwanto Head of Administration Bureau, Secretariat General, Ministry of Defense (Defense Strategic Studies Course)

Vice-Marshal Urip Utomo Director, Geospasial Deputi Ka BIN Bid. Teknologi, National Intelligence Bureau (Defense Strategic Studies Course)

Salusra Satria Director of Risk Management and Insurance Directorate, Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (Macquarie University)

Joseph Hong President Director, Green World Group (Central Queensland University)

Harsya W. Prasetyo Senior Vice President, Citibank (University of Melbourne, Melbourne Business School)

Felycia Edi Soetaredjo Lecturer and Researcher, Widya Mandala Surabaya Catholic University (University of Queensland)

Dr. Ratna Sitompul Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia (University of Queensland)

Dr. Rintis Noviyanti Senior Scientist, Eijkman Institute (The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research & University of Melbourne)

Eva Rahmi Kasim Service and Social Rehabilitation, Ministry of Social Affairs (Deakin University)

Dr. Ari S. Widodo Poespodihardjo Director, London School of Public Relations (Wollongong University)

Maj. Gen. (ret.) Anshory Tadjudin (Defense Strategic Studies Course)

Vice-Marshal Johnny Fritz Pandapotan Sitompul Commander, National Air Defense Command (Defense Strategic Studies Course)

Dr. Andry Indrady Special Staff to the Vice Minister of Law and Human Rights, Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Flinders University)

Sugiarto Ongko Director, NOWET Waterless Carclean (University of New South Wales)

Dr. Budi Dharma Notowidjojo CEO, Bima Bisalloy (University of Wollongong)

Dr. Indra Kemal Director, Mitra Industries (University of New South Wales)

Dr. Basuki Senior Lecturer in Economics, Universitas Airlangga (University of Wollongong)

Dr. Eka Srimulyani Deputy Director, Graduate Studies, Institut Agama Islam Negeri Ar-Raniry (University of Technology Sydney)

Prof. Ikrar Nusa Bhakti Head of Center for Political Research, LIPI (Griffith University)

Dirgayuza Setiawan Co-Founder and Producer, Idenesia (University of Melbourne)

Brig. Gen. Jan Pieter Ate Director for International Cooperation, Directorate General of Defense Strategy, Ministy of Defense (Defense Strategic Studies Course)

Dr. Johanna Kodoatie Head of Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Diponegoro (James Cook University)

Handi Irawan Djuwadi CEO, Frontier Consulting Group (University of New South Wales)

Aris Setiawan General Manager, Energi Mega Persada, Gelam Business Unit (Monash University)

Rosita Elianur Educational Consultant, R&D Learning Consultant (Deakin University)

INSPIRATIONAL ALUMNI AWARD


This award is given to outstanding alumni whose work, either in their profession or a voluntary capacity, is truly an inspiration to others. They have worked tirelessly toward a particular cause driven by their passion for contributing to improvements in the lives of others. The Inspirational Alumni Award recipient will be announced on Saturday.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD


This award recognizes those who have made lifelong career achievements and contributions to Indonesia, as well as developing and maintaining alumni links between Australia and Indonesia. The Distinguished Alumni Award recipient will be announced on Saturday.

Dr. Nurul Barizah Vice Dean for Cooperation, Development and Information Systems, Faculty of Law, Universitas Airlangga (University of Technology Sydney)

Prof. Ismunandar Professor of Chemistry, Institut Teknologi Bandung; Director, Regional Center for Science, Southeast Asia Minister Education Organization (University of Sydney)

Febriane Paulina Makalew Lecturer, Politeknik Negeri Manado (University of New South Wales)

Angelina Maria Donna Ariyanti Managing Editor, Beritasatu.com (University of Technology Sydney)

Prof. Ali Ghufron Mukti Vice Minister and acting Minister, Ministry of Health (University of Newcastle)

Veronica Tjong and Fransisca Tjong Founders, Pancious Pancake House (Monash University)

Ficky Maurya CEO and Managing Director, Sunrise Steel (University of Newcastle)

Krishda Tan Graduate Chemical Engineer, Rio Tinto (University of Newcastle)

Sponsored Supplement: Australian Alumni Awards

JakartaGlobe Monday, May 28, 2012

Since 1961, hundreds of Indonesian and Australian soldiers, sailors and airmen have visited each others countries to share skills and training, enhancing the strategic partnership between the two neighbors.

hen President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called on Indonesia and Australia to work harder on developing their extensive people-to-people links in his 2010 address to the Australian Parliament, one member of the audience that day was particularly inspired by his call to action. The Australian Chief of Defense Force, General David Hurley, decided then and there to work with his Indonesian counterparts to formalize an Indonesia-Australia Defence Alumni Association. In 1974, as a cadet at Australias Royal Military College, Duntroon, young Lance Corporal Hurley hosted a group of cadets from the Indonesian Military Academy in Magelang, during the first ever officer cadet exchange between the two countries. It was another 35 years before David Hurley went to Indonesia and caught up with the cadet he had hosted at Duntroon. To his mind, that was far too long. In this age of cyberspace and the Internet, the Australian Defence Force Chief determined that an Alumni Association was the perfect way to keep friends and colleagues in touch across time and space. In March 2011, along with the Indonesian chief of the general staff, David Hurley proudly inaugurated a formal Defence Alumni Association in Jakarta. Defence Alumni bonds between

A Strategy of Co-operation W
Indonesia and Australia are longstanding. In June 1961, two Indonesian army officers, Antonius Witono Sarsono and Edwar Wellington Tambunan, entered the Australian Army Command and Staff College at Fort Queenscliff, Victoria, for an 18-month course. In 1964, Australia reciprocated when Major Colin East began his training at Indonesias Command and Staff College in Bandung. Hundreds of Indonesian and Australian soldiers, sailors and airmen have trained and studied in each others countries since that time. This year, there are Australians studying at Indonesias National Resilience Institute, the Defense University, the Joint Services Staff

The Defence Alumni Association is fast becoming not only a way for members to keep in touch, but also a vehicle for the exchange of ideas

Indonesias Admiral Suhartono, center, is accompanied by Australias Chief of Defense Force, Gen. David Hurley, left, during a visit in 2011.

College, Army Staff College, Navy Staff College and Air Force Staff College. Meanwhile, six Indonesian officers are undergoing similar training at the Australian Defence College in Canberra. In addition, there are two Australian officers and two Indonesian officers embedded within each others staff colleges. Last year, Indonesia and Australia celebrated 50 years of Defence Alumni activities. The formal inauguration of a bilateral Defence Alumni Association in that golden jubilee year was highly appropriate, though some might say well overdue. In its first 12 months, the Association has attracted 700 members from both Indonesia and Australia, mostly younger officers with long careers ahead of them. The Association is fast becoming not only a medium for members to keep in touch, but also a vehicle for the exchange of ideas and opinions that contributes more broadly to military diplomacy and mutual understanding between the two neighbors. The Indonesia-Australia Defence Alumni was borne of a meeting between two officer cadets in 1974 who lost touch for 35 years, then pledged to create a forum so that the young men and women of our two Defence organizations would never again have to lose touch. It answers the call to action by both President Yudhoyono and Prime Minister Gillard to make our strategic partnership a reality from the grass roots up!

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