In partnership with Northern Territory Government, CAUSINDY 2019 was successfully held in Darwin, 26-29 of April 2019. This 7th year of the conference has brought together 23 delegates from Australia and Indonesia, as the representatives from each year CAUSINDY since it started in 2013.
The first day was started with a speech from Michael Gunner, Chief Minister of Northern Territory, Tamasin Young, CAUSINDY 2019 CEO, and a warm welcome to country from a representative of Larrakian people. Then the delegates visited Charles Darwin University for a networking and cultural event, which was an amazing opportunity to hear the history of the international diplomacy and trading between Makassan and Larrakian people and to witness the artwork installation around the campus. After that, the delegates were invited to the History of Trade Exhibition and the launch of Arafura Business Engagement Program at the Darwin Convention Centre, and after the VIP networking event, all the delegates witnessed the opening ceremony of the Arafura Games 2019. Indonesia contributed to the lively attraction by performing a Balinese dance and bringing a strong representation of athletes.
The first panel on the second day was about Government, Business and Politics. The speakers were: Dr. Ross Tapsell, Mr. Erris Herryanto and Dr. Nicholas McClean, moderated by Ms. Farina Situmorang.
As a result, the speakers hope that Indonesia will have young people type of movement for greater activism to find new credible performers. In addition, better defense stability is also important to improve Indonesia economy. The second panel examined the role of Youth Action in the context of social activism. Researchers Dr Dina Afrianty and Dr Pamela Nilan and journalist Dewi Layla Sari discussed the ups and downs of youth movements, from the Australian far-right to Indonesian citizen journalism, the rights of those with disabilities to election volunteerism. Our all-female panel promoted women’s rights, LGBTIQ+ issues and the importance of health education.
In the evening, the Indonesian Consulate in Darwin hosted CAUSINDY Delegates for dinner. The event was joined by Indonesian athletes participating in the Arafura Games 2019 and Indonesian Ambassador to Australia, H.E. Mr. Kristiarto Legowo. The Ambassador stated, “There’s nothing more rewarding and satisfying when I see that the young generations from our both countries have become important parts to enhance the strong relationship further.”
In light of Christchurch and Sri Lanka terrorist attacks, Interfaith discussion on the third day of CAUSINDY has talked about the importance of interfaith awareness. The forum was moderated by Fahad and Adel from Charles Darwin University Muslim Student Society and Darwin Muslim Community. Three panel members: Ian Gerard from Australian Embassy Jakarta, Nuraini & Toto Iksan from Indonesian community in Darwin have shared insights and future plans to increase awareness among multicultural society in Darwin and Australia in general. In the afternoon, CAUSINDY delegates were enjoying several sports of the Arafura Games such as indoor volleyball, tennis and football. Being part of the Northern Territory’s sporting event has totally enhanced the conference experience.
To mark the culmination of the CAUSINDY 2019 program, delegates gathered with conference speakers, mentors, team members and special guest speakers for a gala dinner, included an opening speech by Mrs Kate Worden, MLA, Assistant Minister for the Arafura Games, Multicultural Affairs and Small Business and the Member for Sanderson in the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly and a keynote address from comedian Sakdiyah Ma’ruf. CAUSINDY 2019 CEO, Tamasin Young presented a special shout-out for the ‘behind-the-scene’ work of CAUSINDY volunteer team during the preparation of this special ‘Alumni Conference’.
The highlight of 2019 conference was the strategy workshop. The aim of the workshops is twofold: to develop an alumni-led legacy project and, simultaneously, to strengthen alumni community engagement going forward. Divided into several groups, the delegates brainstormed ideas and created projects to maximise the extensive network of CAUSINDY alumni, to strengthen the relationship of both countries, and open more access through the Australian and Indonesian youth connection. The legacy project created by the 2019 delegates will be put into action collaboratively by alumni and the CAUSINDY committee. The workshop was supervised by our four mentors: Prof Pamela Nilan, Dr Dina Afrianty, Dr Ross Tapsell and Kate Dennis and led by member of boards Ele Williams, Jay Stevens and Tim Graham.
CAUSINDY 2019 has ended, but the team is looking forward to welcoming and preparing for CAUSINDY 2020 which will be held in Indonesia!
Text and photo: Fika Yunan Haris
