Introducing Indonesian To Batik, The Indonesian Consulate General In Sydney Holds 'Indonesia Goes To School' At Macarthur Anglican School

The introduction of batik tradition. (Source: Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney)

JAKARTA - The control of the Indonesian language is important for Australian students, along with increasing cooperation between the two countries, said an Indonesian diplomatic official in Sydney, Wednesday.

Supporting Indonesian learning in the Kangaroo Country, as well as introducing a number of knowledges about Indonesia, the Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney held the 'Indonesia Goes to School' program. This time it is located in Macarthur Anglican School on Wednesday, August 24.

"The stronger the relationship between Indonesia and Australia opens up various opportunities in the fields of trade, investment, tourism, cultural exchange, and so on, as well as opening up many jobs," said Consul for Information, Social and Culture of the Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney Abdul Nazar in a written statement from the Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney, August 26.

"Learning Indonesian languages and culture can make people-to-people connections between the two countries stronger," he stressed.

Meanwhile, the Principal of Macarthur Anglican School, Dr David Nockles, welcomed the implementation of the Indonesia Goes to School program.

He quoted the Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, as emphasizing the importance of studying Indonesian for the Australian people in strengthening relations with Indonesia.

"Macarthur Anglican School is a school that has long opened Indonesian language programs, and produced alumni who are proficient in Indonesian," he hoped.

The 'Indonesia Goes to School' program was attended by more than 200 students from grades 7 to grade 12. This program consists of 8 activities, including simulations of buying and selling, batik workshops, Balinese dance workshops, Bali gamelan workshops, presentations of interesting facts about Indonesia, career talks and 2 traditional Indonesian games, namely bakiak racing and fortification.

In the buying and selling simulation activities, students are divided into groups of sellers and buyers. By using a sample of the Rupiah currency, they have to transact and buy some Indonesian food and beverage products, such as instant noodles, packaged tea, coffee, candy, and other snacks, as well as a number of Indonesian MSMEs and products from Two Basketers.

On this occasion, students used several Indonesian phrases in bargaining at the purchase simulation.

They had the opportunity to get to know 9 interesting facts about Indonesia, from tourist attractions, food, musical instruments, history, ethnicity, to Indonesian. With interactive presentations, the students looked very enthusiastic.

Not only that, a number of other activities were also held, such as how to make batik, to gamelan workshops and Balinese dances.

Meanwhile in the school yard, students cheered for the fortification and bakiak racing games guided by volunteers from PPIA UNSW.

There is also a career talk session for grade 9-12 students, presenting virtually Dan Trevinon, a young lawyer who is proficient in Indonesian.

"The program is very fun," said Charlie, a grade 8 student.

To note, the development of the Indonesian language at Macarthur Anglican School cannot be separated from the full support of the principal and the dedication of Indonesian teachers, including husband and wife, Alan and Asti nefes, and Nyoman Putroyasa.