posted on September 01, 2008 04:17
The month of July was packed with alumni activities in Indonesia. It began with the University of Sydney hosting an alumni gathering in Jakarta on 4 July as part of its broader strategy of engagement with Indonesia. This was followed by an alumni dinner in Medan on 15 July, hosted by Australian Education Centre (AEC) Jakarta and Rob Law from Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The dinner was attended by prominent alumni in business, education and government.
During the following week, Darren Turner of Flinders University hosted an alumni dinner in Jakarta on 22 July at Cilantro Asian Bistro and Lounge, a restaurant owned by an Australian alumnus Andrew Nugroho. More than 20 alumni were in attendance and networked while enjoying the spectacular view of Jakarta from one of Jakarta’s tallest skyscrapers.
That same evening, Griffith University, represented by Ms. Suzanne Geraghty (Regional Manager) hosted an alumni gathering in Jakarta. The event was attended by more than 40 alumni, not only from Jakarta but also from neighbouring cities. The highlight of the evening was the awarding of an honorary professorship to Indonesia’s Minister of Environment, Mr. Rachmat Witoelar.
The University of Western Australia’s AusAID Liaison Officer, Christine Kerin, networked with alumni both in Jakarta and in Bali. In Jakarta, Christine hosted an alumni gathering for all UWA AusAID alumni on 20 July. In Bali, Christine then met and networked with alumni on 23 July.
The last event in July was the alumni gathering of The Australian National University, held in Jakarta on 23 July. The event was hosted by Ms. Carol Laslett (AusAID Liaison Manager) and well attended by more than 40 alumni keen to connect with their university.
On 20 August, more than 20 alumni enjoyed sunset cocktails and unique Middle Eastern cuisines at the Australian Alumni Cocktail Party held at Samarra Restaurant in Jakarta. It was a great opportunity for alumni to network and socialise after a hard day at work.
OzMate members in Surabaya also like to catch up with each other and on 22 August, held an informal alumni gathering in La Rucola restaurant. The night was full of laughter as alumni shared old stories of studying in Australia and the common feeling of missing Australian ‘delicacies’ such as Lamingtons and Vegemite!
On 24 August, Australian alumni were invited, through OzMate, to a private party at Shy Rooftop Bar in Jakarta where the 2006’s Australian Idol Runner-Up
Jessica Mauboy gave a guest-star appearance showcasing her beautiful voice.