For Indonesian Independence Day, Indonesians speak of how they contribute to Australian society while maintaining their own unique heritage and identities, even in the face of sometimes mixed attitudes to their homeland.
Ceremonies and folk events will be held across Australia to celebrate the day.Andre Iswandi came to Australia in 1972 to study textile and fashion at Sydney Technical College, now known as TAFE NSW Sydney Institute.
“I formed a dance group here and taught Indonesian dances, free of charge, for everyone including Australians,” says the former student at Bagong Kussudiardja dance training centre in Yogyakarta.On 17 August, Indonesian Independence Day ceremonies will be held at the representative offices of the Indonesian government across Australia. Folk events are also taking place during the month of August.
Despite Indonesia's geographical proximity to Australia, migrants from the archipelago nation make up only 0.3 per cent of Australia's population, totalling only 89,480 people according to the. The groups is the 20th largest migrant community in Australia. Valentina Utari, a PhD candidate at the University of Western Australia, says that Indonesian students contribute to shaping Australian government policies through the research they do.
Dr Muhidin refers to the role of reaching out to the Australian community as an "unofficial diplomat".
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