Australian Alumni Gala Dinner Celebrates Outstanding Alumni Contributions

The Australian Alumni Gala Dinner on 20 November 2025 in Jakarta brought together hundreds of Indonesian graduates of Australian universities to celebrate their achievements and their contributions to Indonesia’s development.

Special Envoy for Indian Ocean Affairs, The Hon. Tim Watts MP, and Australian Chargé d’Affaires, Ms Gita Kamath, attended the celebration. Australian alumna Valerina Daniel and Biondi Sanda Sima hosted the evening, accompanied by a special performance by Indonesian artists Mocca, which brought a joyful and nostalgic atmosphere to the celebration.

The highlight of the Gala Dinner was the announcement of the 2025 Australian Alumni Awards, recognising outstanding alumni who have made significant contributions in their fields and communities. This year’s recipients are:

Australian Alumni of the Year Award: William Sabandar, PhD
A graduate of the University of New South Wales, William Sabandar has made significant contributions to Indonesia’s infrastructure and sustainable development. William currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Indonesian Business Council and as the President of Intelligent Transport System Indonesia. In his previous role as Chief Operating Officer of MRT Jakarta, William led the development and operation of Indonesia’s first modern mass rapid transit system. William’s decades of service also span post-tsunami reconstruction in Aceh and Nias, disaster recovery in Myanmar and the advancement of renewable energy initiatives across the country.

Business Innovation Award: Ms Annette Anhar
A graduate of Monash University in Australia, Annette Anhar is the Director of Tugu Hotel Group, a collection of boutique hotels and restaurants renowned for combining art, culture and hospitality. Under her leadership, Tugu Hotel Group has evolved into a living art museum, preserving Indonesia’s cultural heritage through distinctive experiences that celebrate history, design and culinary excellence. Annette continues to champion innovation in heritage-inspired hospitality, blending creativity and tradition to honour Indonesia’s rich artistic legacy.

Promoting Women’s Empowerment and Social Inclusion Award: Professor Alimatul Qibtiyah, PhD
A graduate of Western Sydney University, Professor Alimatul Qibtiyah has dedicated her career to advancing gender equality and human rights in Indonesia. Prof. Alim is a Professor of Gender Studies at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta and the Lead of the Steering Committee of the GEDSI Australian Alumni Network. She previously served as a Commissioner of Komnas Perempuan, contributing to national policies that support women and marginalised communities.

The Gala Dinner reflected the strength of the Australian alumni community and the ongoing collaboration between Australia and Indonesia. Alumni across the country continue to contribute to Indonesia’s development and to the deep and enduring ties between both nations.

Experience the atmosphere of the Gala Dinner through the highlight video and photos.