Strengthening of cross-cultural connections a key takeaway from AIYA Kongres

The Australia-Indonesia Centre supports the efforts of young people who are the future of the bilateral relationship. We have examined youth issues in our research work, encourage professional development and support a range of groups representing young people from both countries. We value our partnerships and the perspective gained.

The Australia Indonesia Youth Association (AIYA) is one group driven by passion to improve the bilateral relationship and learn more about neighbours. We wanted to learn more about their recent groundbreaking national event.

Young leaders from AIYA in Indonesia and Australia usually hold separate meetings for their respective national divisions. However, in February this year chapter presidents and board members from both countries officially came together for the first time at Kongres 2025 in Bali, “building real connections beyond online zoom meetings”, according to AIYA Australia organiser Claudia Wijaya.

According to Ms Wijaya this first-time joint event led to the “strengthening of cross-cultural leadership and collaboration between the Australian and Indonesian teams”.

“For the first time, chapter presidents and board members from both countries came together in person, building real connections,” Wijaya said.

Ms Wijaya said the “face-to-face interaction” during the Kongres created a shared sense of purpose and understanding as people became “trusted colleagues with a shared vision”.

“It allowed us to openly discuss challenges, align our goals for the year ahead, and co-design initiatives that truly reflect the needs and perspectives of both sides of our bilateral youth network,” she said.

One issue on the minds of AIYA members has been the visa process for Indonesians wishing to travel to Australia. It’s considered to be expensive and limited, an impediment not only to AIYA cooperation but also in growing a viable Indonesian tourist market in Australia.

“So, to be able to really speak about this issue in detail via face-to-face meetings was quite special,” Ms Wijaya said.

The Kongres included a networking session as well as an opportunity for Indonesian delegates to visit the Australian Consulate in Bali and meet diplomats.

Ms Wijaya said the event showed to young Australians the value and opportunities of studying Indonesian language and culture.

Conversely, many Indonesian delegates gained insights, for example in how young Australians typically take on part time jobs as they are studying, with those vocational skills also proving valuable as they develop their careers.

AIYA Victoria chapter president Angus Baranikow said the fact the Kongres was held in Bali made it particularly special.

“The island is almost always the first Indonesian experience that many Australians have, and while many travel there to relax, it’s inevitable that they are exposed to the wonderful, vibrant culture that Bali and the rest of Indonesia has to offer,” Baranikow said.

“Kongres 2025 has further cemented my passion for the Australia-Indonesia relationship, and reassured me that there are so many amazing people who are truly passionate in bringing our countries closer together.”

The Kongres included opportunities for cultural experiences.

Australians experienced classes in designing batiks, playing gamelan music and cooking Balinese food, while Indonesians learned about Australian rules football via a workshop.

Ms Wijaya said they would love to hold another bilateral Kongres in Bali, but the ultimate goal would be to hold the gathering in Australia if issues around visas and costs could be resolved.

“I felt really proud to have something to show for all our hard work and not just people having a great holiday,” she said.

“That spirit of unity and co-leadership, grounded in mutual respect and friendship, was the heart of AIYA Kongres and the biggest takeaway. It set a new standard for how we work together as an organisation going forward.”

As well as AIYA, the Australia-Indonesia Centre has supported the bilateral relationship through the Conference on Australian and Indonesian Youth (CAUSINDY), which last year was held in Perth.

Delegates included the AIC’s research officer Febi Trihermanto, program manager Marlene Millott and former staff member and now lecturer Evelynd.

Feature image from AIYA