Bigger, Bolder, Stronger: ILLA Welcomes 63 New Ambassadors

The Indonesian Language Learning Ambassadors (ILLA) program embarks on an exciting new chapter with the launch of its Second Cohort of 2025, welcoming 63 new ambassadors. Our new ambassadors will champion cultural and language exchange while strengthening ties between Australia and Indonesia.

Initially piloted in early 2024 following the Australia-Indonesia Annual Leaders' Meeting in July 2023, the program has grown rapidly. This year, 63 passionate Indonesian scholars will share their language, culture, and traditions with students across 42 schools and five universities in Australia, building bridges and deepening people-to-people connections.

Albizia Akbar, one of the new ambassadors, shared his excitement in joining the program: ‘I see ILLA as a chance to gain first-hand experience in Australian classrooms and enhance my cross-cultural communication skills. It will support my goal of becoming an inclusive communicator by helping me better understand Australian youth perspectives, while also building lasting connections between Indonesian and Australian communities.’

Novi Indriastuti, another ambassador in the 2025 cohort, brings an inclusive approach to the program as an ambassador with a visual impairment. Novi will participate as an online ambassador, enabling her to manage commitments more flexibly and meaningfully, as she describes: ‘Being part of ILLA allows me to gain hands-on experience in university teaching and student engagement, while expanding my academic and professional network in Australia. These experiences support my long-term goal of contributing to a more inclusive and globally connected higher education system in Indonesia.’

Our newest 2025 ILLA ambassadors are ready to engage with Australian students and educators across the country, promoting vibrant cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration, and fostering long-lasting friendships. We thank them, as well as our partner schools and universities, for taking up this important and exciting work!

Explore the video to learn more about our ambassadors.