Indonesia Council Digest - October 2025
After something of a bumper newsletter last month, this edition is shorter but no less important. It’s all worth reading (especially our member update from Hammad Shahin, whose energy and commitment to inter-cultural learning is inspiring), but there are two highlights in particular.
First, the parliamentary inquiry into building Asia capability in Australia, which presents an important opportunity to advocate for stronger regional literacy; and second, the Call for Papers for the ASAA 2026 Biennial Conference, which we strongly encourage Indonesia Council members to consider submitting to—especially with the new joint membership arrangements in place. Conveniently, both close on 7 November, so mark the date in your diary and get cracking!
Acicis Bahasa Sesh submissions are still open – this is such a fun way to learn new words and phrases. Check out the submission from our Treasurer Elly Kent, who chose the phrase MACET TOTAL and had the footage to prove it (wkwkwk).
Sampai bulan depan!
Natali
What’s happening
The Decline of Bahasa Indonesia
Australia's security and prosperity are closely tied to those of our region. But enrolments in Southeast Asian languages at Australian universities have plummeted—dropping by 75% between 2004 and 2022. At the current rate of decline, Bahasa Indonesia may no longer be taught in any Australian school by 2031, heralding an astonishing decline in our capacity to engage with our Southeast Asian neighbours.
Tim Watts MP recently appeared on ABC Radio National’s Saturday Extra to discuss the urgency of building Asia capability through education and the risks posed by these declining language enrolments. With this in mind, he is leading an inquiry into building Asia capability in Australia through the education system and beyond. Submissions are open until 7 November 2025. The Indonesia Council will be making a submission and we encourage colleagues and members to consider lodging individual submissions as well. Read more and make a submission, or read the submissions made to date.
We were thrilled to hear Tim's shoutout to the Indonesia Council as part of this discussion – seems he is a fan of the ‘prawn behind the rock’ idiom too!
Credit: Billy Adison Aditijanto
Festival Indonesia 2025 at Melbourne
Festival Indonesia returns to Melbourne over the weekend, with the outdoor festival happening just yesterday, Sunday 19 October. This year’s theme focused on “Glorious Sriwijaya”, highlighting the heritage and culture of southern Sumatra. The outdoor festival featured vibrant food, trade, and cultural exhibitions, with live performances and culinary showcases that brought Indonesia’s diversity to Melbourne.
Editor's note: Billy here! It was a whole day event from angklung and Reog performances to culinary workshops (and even a Batik cat walk fashion show!) back-to-back-back from 10am-5pm. Carlton's Argyle Square was absolutely packed and it was heartening to see a range of people – families, young adults, Indonesians, non-Indonesians – enjoying the warm weather and upbeat atmosphere. I made a video here for you to take a look!
Other cool stuff
Support Law Degrees for Indonesian Trade Union Leaders
Courtesy of FSEBUMI.
FSEBUMI (Federasi Serikat Buruh Militan) is raising funds to support two inspiring women—Susi Rahayu Transiska and Suharti—garment factory workers and trade union leaders from West and Central Java. Both are in their fourth semester of law school and are determined to become lawyers who advocate for workers’ rights from within the working class.
With tuition fees of around USD 150 per month and average wages of USD 300 per month, financial support is crucial for them to continue their studies. Susi represents workers at PT Kaho Indah Citragarment (a supplier for Under Armour and GAP), while Suharti represents workers at PT Changshin Indonesia (a supplier for Nike). Even a small contribution can help them complete their degrees and strengthen grassroots legal advocacy in Indonesia.
Call for Papers
CFP: ASAA 2026 Conference Now Open!
Abstract submissions are now open for the 2026 Asian Studies Association of Australia (ASAA) Conference, hosted by Deakin University.
Conference Dates: 29 June – 2 July 2026
Location: Deakin Geelong Waterfront
Theme: Beyond Borders: Reimagining Asian Societies in and across a Shifting World
CFP closes: 7 November 2025
This conference will explore the evolving connections within and between Asian societies in an era marked by rapid change – geopolitical realignments, climate challenges, digital transformation, and shifting cultural identities. It encourages a rethinking of traditional boundaries – geographic, disciplinary, ideological – and promotes dialogue on how best to co-create inclusive, resilient, and innovative futures. Contributions are invited that interrogate the concept of ‘borders’ – physical, cultural, intellectual – and explore how (and how much) societies are being reconnected and reshaped in the 21st century. Whether through the lens of migration, heritage, media, diplomacy, or digital innovation, this conference seeks to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and reimagine what regional connections means today. ASAA 2026 is predominantly an in person conference, although a parallel online stream will be available if there is sufficient demand. However, please note that your abstract will only be included into the final program if at least one of author is registered for the conference.
We’re especially keen to see strong participation from Indonesianists, particularly with the introduction of joint ASAA–Indonesia Council memberships. If you haven’t attended an ASAA conference before, this is a great opportunity to get involved.
Jobs
Monash University: Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Indonesian History
Monash University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Indonesian History, within the School of Philosophical, Historical and Indigenous Studies – but you’d better get cracking, as applications close TOMORROW, 21 October.
Publications and Podcasts
"Prabowo’s policies won’t fix Indonesia’s problems"
In a new piece published by the Lowy Institute, Hilman Palaon argues that President Prabowo’s heavy-handed, top-down approach is unlikely to resolve Indonesia’s deep-rooted issues of corruption, inequality, and investor uncertainty. Despite ambitious programs like Free Nutritious Meals and calls for ‘Indonesia Incorporated’, it argues that without structural reform and stronger governance, Indonesia risks drifting further into inefficiency and authoritarianism.
Analysis: Melbourne Bergerak
Meanwhile, this new piece by Prasakti Ramadhana (Dana) Fahadi, Angus Baranikow and Monika Winarnita for Indonesia at Melbourne explores the assertive, oppositional activism emerging among Indonesian diaspora communities in Australia. Building on Dana’s reflections in last month’s Indonesia Council newsletter, it traces how long-distance nationalism is being reshaped by diasporic voices.
Latest from Straight Talk Southeast Asia
The Straight Talk Southeast Asia podcast recently featured co-host Zachary Abuza in conversation with Verve Research’s Dr Natalie Sambhi on Indonesia’s evolving civil-military relations. The episode also features Wasisto Raharjo Jati on the recent cabinet reshuffle and the growing political role of Gen Z.
Latest from The Perantau Podcast
Our Digital Engagement Editor, Billy Adison Aditijanto, is keeping up the great work with The Perantau Podcast, which focuses on sharing stories from Australia's Indonesian diaspora.
The latest episode featured Billy in conversation with Jordan Setiawan, a Melbourne-based café owner, talking about reconnecting with his Indonesian identity, battling burnout as a café owner, and why food is his bridge between Melbourne and Indonesia.
Stay tuned for next month's episode where Billy talks with Alfin Nurul Firdaus, an environmental activist and advocate for youth and female empowerment currently wrapping up her Masters degree at The University of Melbourne.