Celebrating Ramadan with Australian Alumni in Central Java

The Australian Consulate-General in Surabaya hosted a series of Buka Puasa with Australian Alumni events across Central Java, bringing together alumni in Semarang on 23 February at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Diponegoro, and in Surakarta on 24 February at Novotel Surakarta. These gatherings marked the beginning of the Consulate-General’s Ramadan series across Central and East Java, including Semarang, Surakarta, Surabaya and Malang, throughout February and March.

In Semarang, the event was held in collaboration with Universitas Diponegoro and attended by Dr Teguh Yuwono, Dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Universitas Diponegoro and an Australia Awards alumnus, who delivered remarks alongside Australian Consul-General in Surabaya, Mr Glen Askew. The program also featured a Ramadan reflection by Australian alumnus Abdul Ghofar Ismail.

Continuing the series, alumni in Surakarta gathered the following evening for an iftar hosted by the Australian Consulate-General in Surabaya, creating another welcoming space to reconnect, exchange stories and strengthen networks while celebrating their shared Australian experience.

In his remarks, Mr Glen Askew emphasised the important role alumni play in strengthening the Australia-Indonesia relationship. ‘Alumni are at the heart of the Australia-Indonesia partnership. Their connections, expertise and leadership continue to drive meaningful collaboration between our two nations. Through this Ramadan series, we celebrate our shared experiences and reaffirm our commitment to a strong and connected alumni community that contributes to our enduring friendship,’ said Mr Askew.

Both the Semarang and Surakarta gatherings provided a valuable platform for alumni to reconnect, share professional insights and engage with representatives from the Australian Consulate-General. As alumni broke the fast together, they enjoyed a warm, vibrant atmosphere filled with lively conversations, while a friendly quiz added energy to the evening and further strengthened connections within the alumni community.

The gatherings highlighted the strength of the Australian alumni network and its continued contribution to deepening Australia–Indonesia collaboration. Thank you to all alumni who joined and made the evenings so memorable. We look forward to welcoming you to the next alumni event.