Semarang (23/02) – The spirit of togetherness and warmth during the holy month of Ramadan became a meaningful moment to strengthen international ties. This spirit was reflected in the Iftar Gathering with Australia Alumni in Semarang, held on Monday, February 23, 2026.
The annual event organized by the Australian Embassy was held for the first time on a university campus, with the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) serving as the host.
The event was attended by the Consul General of Australia in Surabaya, Glen Askew, who, in his remarks, emphasized that the values taught during Ramadan align closely with the foundations of the relationship between the two countries.
“Ramadan teaches us discipline, perseverance, and devotion. These values also form the foundation of the relationship between Australia and Indonesia,” said Glen Askew in front of alumni and guests.
He further explained that the cooperation between the two countries has existed since 1949, covering collaborations in education, trade, security, and cultural exchange.
On that occasion, Glen Askew also highlighted the vital role of individuals within the alumni community. According to him, the networks and cross-cultural understanding developed among alumni are among the most valuable assets in maintaining the sustainability of bilateral relations.
“If Australia is your partner, then you are the one who drives it forward. If we open the door to collaboration, you are the ones who step in and make it successful.” Attendees warmly received this message from a range of professional backgrounds, including academics, healthcare practitioners, and entrepreneurs.
As the host, Dean of FISIP UNDIP, Dr. Drs. Teguh Yuwono, M.Pol.Admin., expressed gratitude and appreciation for the trust given to FISIP UNDIP. He emphasized that the event represents a tangible manifestation of the collaboration that has developed over the years.
“This warmth is an important part of our efforts to continue strengthening networks and collaboration,” he stated in his opening remarks.
Dr. Teguh also highlighted several concrete cooperation programs between the Australian Embassy and UNDIP, including the Aussie Banget Corner, the Double Degree program with Australian universities, and the upcoming Australian Day event.
The atmosphere became more reflective during the Ramadan Tausiyah session, delivered by Abdul Ghofar Ismail, an Australian alumnus who currently serves as the Chairman of the Muhammadiyah Youth of Central Java. In his brief sermon, he invited attendees to reflect on the meanings of Surah Al-Asr and Al-Ma’un as foundations for building social awareness and meaningful collaboration.
The event was also attended by several prominent alumni from UNDIP and other universities in Semarang. Their presence reflected the strong professional networks formed through Australian alumni programs. More than just an iftar gathering, the event became a space for alumni to reconnect with old colleagues while building new professional networks. The Ramadan moment also symbolized the strengthening of close, sustainable, and mutually reinforcing relations between Australia and Indonesia through the active contributions of their alumni community. (Public Communication/FISIP/Rif’at/Ed. Nurul)