Thousands of Australian Students Learn Indonesian Culture Through Batik to Culinary

IGtS at International Grammar School Sydney. (Source: KJRI Sydney)

JAKARTA - The sound of angklung echoed in the classroom, the students were enthusiastic about trying batik, wearing traditional Indonesian clothing, to tasting lemper, risoles and typical snacks from the archipelago.

The atmosphere was part of the Indonesia Goes to School (IGtS) series held by the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) Sydney at two schools in New South Wales, Australia, and managed to reach more than 1,100 Australian students.

Through the implementation at the International Grammar School Sydney on July 31, 2026 and Claremont College Randwick on August 3, 2026, the Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney presents Indonesia not only as a neighboring country, but also as a living learning experience.

Students not only get to know Indonesia through stories, but also experience the art, culture, language, and taste of the archipelago through various interactive activities.

At the International Grammar School, nearly 1,000 students visited the Indonesia Country Room, which was presented as part of the annual celebration of International Day, a school activity that introduces the culture and diversity of various countries to students.

IGtS at International Grammar School Sydney. (Source: KJRI Sydney)

Through a special room that represents Indonesia, the students attended batik and angklung workshops, tried traditional clothes from various regions, took photos in the Wonderful Indonesia themed area, and enjoyed various Indonesian culinary and products available in Australia.

Meanwhile, at Claremont College, as many as 125 students participated in an experiential learning program through a batik workshop with Wukirsari Tourism Village, Yogyakarta, Tari Narnir from Taro Tourism Village, Bali, angklung game, friendship bracelet making from hanjeli seeds, and storytelling sessions and practice bargaining in Indonesian language facilitated by the Indonesian Language and Culture Center (BBBI) NSW.

The program was held by the KJRI Sydney in collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, BBBI NSW, as well as Indonesian art and culture actors.

Indonesian Consul General in Sydney Leonard Sondakh emphasized that cultural diplomacy is one of the most effective ways to build closeness between the two countries.

"The relationship between Indonesia and Australia is not only built through intergovernmental cooperation, but also through inter-community relations. Through Indonesia Goes to School, we want the younger generation of Australia to get to know Indonesia more closely, not only through its cultural and tourism wealth, but also through learning Indonesian as a window to understand the values, traditions, and diversity of the Indonesian nation," explained the Indonesian Consul General, launching the statement of the KJRI Sydney, Wednesday (5/8).

IGtS at Claremont College Randwick. (Source: KJRI Sydney)

"We hope that this experience can foster curiosity, strengthen friendships and one day encourage them to visit and experience the beauty of Indonesia firsthand," he added.

This program is also a momentum to promote Indonesian tourism. The presence of the delegation of the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, together with representatives of Taro Tourism Village (Bali) and Wukirsari Tourism Village (Yogyakarta), introduced the concept of Indonesian tourism villages that combine cultural wealth, traditions and sustainable tourism to Australian students.

Meanwhile, Acting Principal of Claremont College, Janelle Ford, expressed his appreciation for the implementation of the program.

According to him, this activity provides authentic learning experiences because students can get to know Indonesia through participatory, creative, and fun activities.

The enthusiasm of the participants was visible throughout the activity. In fact, the music teacher of International Grammar School expressed his interest in exploring the opportunity to introduce angklung learning at school as part of music art activities.

This shows that Indonesian culture is not only interesting, but also has the potential to become part of the cross-cultural learning experience in Australia.

The implementation of IGtS also involves the Dharma Wanita Association of the Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney, the Indonesian Language and Culture Center in NSW, and the Indonesian diaspora in Sydney.

This collaboration is a tangible manifestation of Indonesian public diplomacy that strengthens Indonesia-Australia relations through education, culture, and tourism, as well as instilling cross-cultural understanding to the younger generation of both countries.