Australia and Indonesia relations began way back, as early as the 1600s with extensive interactions between Indigenous Australians and Macassan people from Eastern part of Indonesia.

From then on a deep cultural ancestral connection between Macassan people and the Yolngu indigenous community has grown. 

This can be seen today in Yirrkala batik whose motive was initially created by Aboriginal Australian artist, Naw-u-rapu Wu-nung-murra.

In this episode we will explore how the beautiful colours and patterns of batik are a strong link between our two countries.

Our guests, Wayan Jarrah Sastrawan and Marlisa Soepeno, will discuss Indonesian and Australian Batiks that share deep connection. 

Jarrah is a Balinese-Australian and lecturer at the University of Sydney. His research interests include the traditional historiography of Southeast Asia, as well as the 20th century history, modern literature and regional popular music of Indonesia.

Marlisa is is an Indonesian diplomat and an interpreter for President Jokowi. She is a collector of traditional hand-woven fabrics. 

Both Marlisa and Jarrah are 2015 CAUSINDY alumni.

2. The Batik Link with Marlisa Soepeno & Jarrah Sastrawan

There is no doubt that Indonesia, with over 17,000 islands stretched across a vast archipelago, is a complex country. And not far away is Australia, a large continent equally rich in natural resources. But they say there are no two neighbours in the world as different as Australia and Indonesia and we’d like to help bridge the gap. 

Join international affairs enthusiasts Nurina Savitri and Samantha Yap to chat about a diverse range of topics that shape the politics, culture and society in Australia and Indonesia. 

Each fortnight this podcast will present to you in-depth discussions with two emerging leaders from various sectors such as government, academia to social enterprise who have an expert knowledge on issues faced by Indonesia and Australia. 

The host and guests in this series are a part of the growing CAUSINDY (originally the Conference of Australian and Indonesian Youth) alumni group. CAUSINDY is a bilateral youth organisation which aims to strengthen Australia and Indonesia ties.

Aus-Indo in 30 is supported via the CAUSINDY Alumni Grant scheme. In turn, CAUSINDY is supported by the Australian Government through the Australia-Indonesia Institute of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Logo designed by Kreavi.