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20 May 2024

Celebrating 75 years of Australia-Indonesia Diplomatic Relations and Australian Alumni Awards 2024

The Governor-General of Australia, HE General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and HE Mrs Linda Hurley attended a 15 May Gala Dinner celebrating 75 years of Australia-Indonesia diplomatic relations and the prestigious 2024 Australian Alumni Awards. More than 200 guests, including Australian alumnus HE Dr Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, also attended.

“This year, we celebrate 75 years of Australia-Indonesia diplomatic relations and the history of friendship our two countries share. Personal connections between people are at the heart of this friendship, and our alumni community play a large part in fostering these enduring ties,” said Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Penny Williams PSM.

The Australian Alumni Awards are given to alumni who have made exemplary contributions to their profession and community.

The Governor-General, Mrs Hurley, and Coordinating Minister Airlangga presented awards to this year’s winners:

Meutya Hafid plays a key role in the Indonesian Parliament as Chair of Commission I, covering Foreign Affairs, Defence, Communication and Information issues. She previously worked as a highly successful television journalist and broadcaster. She holds a Bachelor of Manufacturing Engineering from the University of New South Wales.

As President Director of Emtek, Alvin Sariaatmadja is a leading figure in the media, digital infrastructure, healthcare and financial services sectors. Emtek operates significant television networks, digital streaming services, e-commerce platforms and healthcare providers. He holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Finance from the University of New South Wales.

Fandy Dawenan is Chair of the Indonesian Association for the Visually Impaired (Pertuni) in Southwest Papua Province and a teacher at SMAN 10 Raja Ampat. Born with congenital blindness, he strongly advocates for people with disabilities, with a particular emphasis on digital literacy and inclusive education. He holds a Masters of Disability Policy and Practice from Flinders University.

The Gala Dinner also featured Australian alumni MCs Marissa Anita and Tommy Tjokro, performances by Ananda Sukarlan and Dian Mega Safitri, and an exhibition on Australia’s support for Indonesia’s independence.

The original article/media release for this news is available on the Australian Embassy in Indonesia’s website.

Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable David John Hurley AC DSC (Retd), accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Economic and Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr Airlangga Hartarto, grace the Alumni Dinner to mark 75 years of Australia and Indonesia diplomatic relations.
Distinguished guests enjoy and immerse themselves in the Black Armada & Two Nations exhibition.
Distinguished guests engage in joyful conversations while enjoying canapés and drinks.
Distinguished guests engage in joyful conversations while enjoying canapés and drinks.
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable David John Hurley AC DSC (Retd), gives his opening remarks.
Coordinating Minister for Economic and Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Dr Airlangga Hartarto, delivers his remarks.
The Governor-General of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable David John Hurley AC DSC (Retd), presents the 2024 Australian Alumni of the Year award to Ms Meutya Hafid.
Mr Fandy Dawenan receives the 2024 Promoting Women's Empowerment and Social Inclusion Award from Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley.
Coordinating Minister for Economic and Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr Airlangga Hartarto presents the award to the winner of the 2024 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award, Mr Alvin Sariaatmadja.
His Excellency General the Honourable David John Hurley AC DSC (Retd), in the company of Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley and His Excellency Dr Airlangga Hartarto, proudly bestows this year's Australian Alumni Awards winners: Meutya Hafid, Alvin Sariaatmadja, and Fandy Dawenan.
Award-winning musician and composer Ananda Sukarlan introduces his songs for the evening.
Dian Mega Safitri captivates the audience with her enchanting performance, delivering a special rendition of the song "Bayini."
A stunning view of the venue for the 75th Anniversary Gala Dinner celebrating Australia-Indonesia Diplomatic Relations.

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