Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Indonesian counterpart Sugiono gathered at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday to promote Bahasa Indonesia learning among young Australians. The federal officials were joined by Special Envoy for Indian Ocean Affairs Tim Watts and Collingwood captain Darcy Moore, who speaks the language, during a visit with pupils from Brunswick North West Primary School and members of the Krakatoas Australian-Indonesian AFL team.
Program Details and Federal Funding Support
The visiting pupils are learning Bahasa Indonesia through the Australia Awards Indonesian Language Learning Ambassador program. According to federal officials, this initiative is part of a broader government effort to strengthen Australian engagement with Indonesia and other Asian countries through targeted language learning, cultural programs, and student exchanges. In May, the government committed $2.5 million through the Community Language Schools Grants Program to support Asian-language learning. Furthermore, an additional $11.4 million has been allocated over four years to the Australia-Indonesia Institute under the Jakarta Treaty signed in February, which expands existing cultural exchanges and grant programs.
Did You Know? Collingwood AFL captain Darcy Moore speaks Bahasa Indonesia and joined federal officials at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to meet students from Brunswick North West Primary School who are learning the language through the Australia Awards Indonesian Language Learning Ambassador program.
Regional Connections and Future Security Implications
Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized that studying regional languages carries practical value for Australia’s future engagement with the region. According to Wong, building these skills strengthens the nation’s ability to engage confidently within the region and directly supports future security and prosperity. Highlighting the contribution of Collingwood captain Darcy Moore during Tuesday’s event, Wong stated that language study opens doors to new experiences and deeper cultural understanding. Special Envoy Tim Watts echoed these sentiments, noting that building Australia’s Asia capability is critical for long-term success and should lead to opportunities in classrooms, exchange programs, and future careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who attended the language promotion event at the Melbourne Cricket Ground?
Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Indonesian counterpart Sugiono, Special Envoy for Indian Ocean Affairs Tim Watts, and Collingwood captain Darcy Moore attended the event alongside pupils from Brunswick North West Primary School and members of the Krakatoas Australian-Indonesian AFL team.
How are the participating students learning Bahasa Indonesia?
The pupils are learning the language through the Australia Awards Indonesian Language Learning Ambassador program.
What financial commitments has the federal government made for regional language learning?
In May, the government committed $2.5 million through the Community Language Schools Grants Program. Additionally, it allocated $11.4 million over four years to the Australia-Indonesia Institute under the Jakarta Treaty signed in February.
How can cultural sports partnerships and targeted grants change the trajectory of language education and regional engagement for younger Australians in the years ahead?
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