From the 16th to the 18th of August, I was fortunate enough to travel to Canberra as a recipient of the Indonesian Independence Day Scholarship, provided by VILTA (Victorian Indonesian Language Teacher’s Association) in cooperation with the Indonesian Embassy in Australia.
Our trip began with an early trip out to the airport, where I met my four fellow students – Luke, Isaac, Amelie and Orlagh, who all travelled from different parts of Victoria.
After touching down in Canberra, we were driven to the Indonesian Embassy where we were taught the basics of gamelan – a traditional Indonesian ensemble constructed from various percussive instruments. Playing the gamelan (lacking any musical bone in my body) was certainly challenging, but also rewarding, and deeply culturally enriching.
We then visited the residence of the Indonesian Ambassador to Australia, Dr Siswo Pramono, where both Amelie, Orlagh as well as our two accompanying teachers would be staying. Luke, Isaac and I were introduced to the Vice Ambassador, Ibu Mita (who we would be staying with) and her two children, Alex and Dhira.
We were lucky enough to dine with Dr Pamono and his family for dinner, eating well known Indonesian staples in a buffet style setting.
Throughout the second day, the group attended the Upacara Bendera (Flag Raising Ceremony) at the embassy, to celebrate the 80th Indonesian Independence Day. We saw an angklung performance, met high ranking Indonesian military personnel, students and diplomats, and were treated to catering before heading off to visit Canberran tourist attractions.
We visited the war memorial, toured as much of the WWI and WWII exhibitions as possible, before seeing the national museum, and learned about early contact between the Makassan and Yolngu people – the first known relationship between people from Australia and Indonesia.
We then took a hike up a track near Ibu Mita’s house, and snapped some photos with some of the local kangaroos.
We then ended the day by sharing a meal at Ibu Mita’s, where I tried bakso for the first time!
On the third and final day we said our goodbyes to the incredibly hospitable hosts, toured parliament house, and spent some final time together before heading to the airport, and returning to Melbourne.
Our final fond memory was getting a photo with a fellow traveller on our flight back, who just so happened to hold a small political position – the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, Richard Marles!
Overall, this trip has been remarkable, a truly once in a lifetime experience that I’ll appreciate forever. I’d like to thank Daniel Bradbury, Jill Kube, Ibu Dux, Ibu Mita, Dr Pramono and VILTA for their efforts in making this unforgettable trip possible.
Henry Lake
