The Aussie Banget Corner (ABC) in Semarang was officially launched on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, on the 1st floor of the Diponegoro University Library, Semarang. The Australian Embassy in Indonesia conducted a roadshow to launch the ABC in collaboration with higher education institutions in Indonesia as part of the 75th anniversary celebration of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Australia.
Steve Scott, the Australian Consul General in Surabaya, along with the Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Collaboration, Wijayanto, S.IP., M.Si., Ph.D., representing the Rector of UNDIP, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Launch of the Aussie Banget Corner at UNDIP. The inauguration event was witnessed by the Vice Rector for Communication and Business, Deans of Faculties/Schools, officials within UNDIP, and representatives from the Australian Consulate General, including Hafiz Al Asad (Public Diplomacy Officer), Marie Purba (Strategic Communications Officer), and Wilda Anggraeni (Senior Media Officer).
Steve Scott, the Australian Consul General in Surabaya, mentioned that the launch of the Aussie Banget Corner aims to support the continuity of education, which is a crucial focus of the Indonesia-Australia relationship. “Let’s work together to produce outstanding students with sustained support for academic activities, enhance students’ understanding, and create an inclusive space for learning. Best of luck!” he said.
Wijayanto, S.IP., M.Si., Ph.D., Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Collaboration, expressed his appreciation for the long-standing diplomatic relationship between Indonesia and Australia. He hopes that through the launch of the Aussie Banget Corner in several cities, including Semarang, the cooperation between Indonesia and Australia will become even better and stronger. Wijayanto, S.IP., M.Si., Ph.D. said, “As conveyed by the Rector of UNDIP, collaboration in education, research, and community service is an essential element in the implementation of UNDIP’s vision and steps towards becoming a World-Class University.”
The Aussie Banget Corner is equipped with study space facilities and a mini-library, making it suitable for student gatherings or discussion forums. The launch event of the Aussie Banget Corner was followed by an Australia Awards Scholarships Information Session, which aims to help students develop their quality according to their study program and level of education. The speakers included Ayesha N Zulazmi (Communication and Public Diplomacy Coordinator for AAS in Indonesia), who presented on “Australia Awards Scholarships Intake 2026,” and Dzunuwanus Ghulam Manar, S.IP., M.Si. (Lecturer at FISIP UNDIP), who shared insights on “Personal Reflections of AAS 2025 Intake Recipients.” (Titis – Public Relations)
