Young Indonesian ambassadors seek friendship in Australia

A delegation of 80 young Indonesian students from across the archipelago depart for Australia on Tuesday as part of the Foreign Affairs Ministry's Young Ambassadors Program.

An Australian Embassy media release said the program, scheduled for Aug 25 - 29, would divide students ranging in age from 16 to 19 years into three groups, with each visiting either Melbourne, Sydney or Perth. The program's overarching aim is to foster greater intercultural understanding and strengthen ties between the people of both countries.

Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Bill Farmer welcomed the visit and said he hoped it would introduce Australians to high-achieving, aspiring and dynamic young Indonesians, while exhibiting to these future leaders of Indonesia the many commonalities between the two countries and the diversity of contemporary Australia.

"I personally congratulate these 80 talented young students who have been selected to participate based on excellent academic scores and participation in the elite President's National Flag-bearers Program," Farmer said in his statement.

Additionally, he expressed hopes that the program would enable Indonesian and Australian students to develop lifelong friendships, giving them an opportunity to further boost bilateral links.