Australian Embassy Jakarta Media Release - 20 November 2009

Celebrating 20 successful years of friendship

Celebrations were held in Bali today to mark 20 years of English language learning and people-to-people links between Australia and Indonesia through the Kang Guru Indonesia program.

Funded by Australia since 1989, Kang Guru Indonesia has helped hundreds of thousands of students, teachers and communities across Indonesia to develop their English language learning.

This program has provided assistance to thousands of Indonesians who would have otherwise been unable to access such language resources.

Kang Guru Indonesia has also helped further strengthen understanding and the partnership between Australia and Indonesia.

Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Bill Farmer, attended today's celebrations at the Australian Consulate-General in Denpasar, Bali.

Mr Farmer acknowledged the program's significant efforts over the last 20 years.

Kang Guru Indonesia brings together interesting people to people activities which really reflect the close bonds that exist between the people of both of our countries. This program is helping to ensure future generations of Australians and Indonesians know and understand each other better, further strengthening our friendship,” he said.

Over the last two decades, the program has distributed magazines to over one million English language learners. It also broadcasts a weekly English language learning program through 170 radio stations across the country. Thousands of schools throughout Indonesia have also benefited from the program’s English language materials and online learning resources.

Further events celebrating this 20 year milestone are planned across the weekend, and will bring together various government, non-government and community partners and beneficiaries.