A photo exhibition that highlights the complete story of the presence of Islam in Australia opened at the Jakarta History Museum in West Jakarta on Monday.

Titled "Boundless Plains: The Australian Museum Connection", the public exhibition initiated by the Islamic Museum of Australia features a host of historical photographs mapping the presence of Islam in the neighboring commonwealth country over the last 200 years. From the earliest cultural exchange between a sailor from Makassar, South Sulawesi and the native Yolngu in northern Australia, to the immigrants from around the world who now call Australia home, visitors will be able to see the full picture of a pivotal period in the country’s history. 

Founded in 2010, the Melbourne-based non-profit Islamic Museum of Australia aims to showcase rich artistic heritage involving the history of Muslims in Australia and abroad.

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“Islam is a big religion in Australia and it grows rapidly at around 20 percent,” Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Gary Quinlan said in a statement. 

“The exhibition shows that similar to Indonesia, Australia draws its power from its melting pot of various peoples and cultures,” he added. 

Jakarta History Museum head Sri Kusumawati said she expected the exhibition to be a worthwhile learning opportunity for the public. 

“Jakarta History Museum is thrilled to collaborate with the Australian Embassy for this exhibition. I hope it will create further opportunities for cultural and tourism partnership between Indonesia and Australia,” Sri said.

The exhibition is slated to run until April 30. (rfa/kes)