Star of Indonesian Movie Guest of Honour at Darwin Screening

The female star of the newly released Indonesian Movie - "Dibawah Lindungan Ka'bah (Under the Protection of Ka'bah)", Ms Laudya C Bella was the Guest of Honour at its recent screening in Darwin.

Produced by Hanny R. Saputra, the movie, set in West Sumatra in the 1920's, tells the story of a young muslim girl - Zainab - born of wealthy parents, who falls in love with a young muslim boy - Hamid - the son of Zainab's parent's servant.
While the union is forbidden, the story follows the efforts of Zainab and Hamid to have the union accepted by their community and explores the impact of religious and cultural practices on their attempts at doing so.

A workshop post the screening was held at CDU to discuss the themes and the religious and cultural dilemmas encountered in the movie.

The event was the initiative of the Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia and the Indonesian Students Association of the NT.

For more information, please click here, to download the flyer promoting the movie. (pdf, 5.03MB)

Visit to CDU coincides with the arrival of six UNHAS student sailors

Professor Barney Glover (left) receives a gift from Prof Dr Idrus Andi Paturusi at the conclusion of the UNHAS visit to CDU.

The Rector of Universitas Hasanuddin (UNHAS), Makassar, Indonesia - Prof Dr Idrus Andi Paturusi - recently led a team of eleven academic and administrative staff members on a visit to Darwin and CDU.

The visit coincided with the arrival of six UNHAS students who had sailed to Darwin from Makassar in a renovated "Perahu Sandek" - a traditional sailing boat from the region. The students retraced the trading route of Sulawesi sailors.

UNHAS is Indonesia's key marine science university and is looking to develop a strong partnership with CDU in marine science research and teaching.

As well as meeting with the Vice Chancellor of CDU, Professor Barney Glover and several CDU academic staff and Indonesian students; the team visited the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT to view in particular, the Natural Science collection, notably the biodiversity section which has relevance for the proposed Coral Centre in Makassar; the Regional History Collection notably the Maritime Gallery and exhibition of Southeast Asian historic boats and ethnographic watercraft including the Haiti Marege a traditional Makassan vessel previously donated to the Museum by UNHAS; and view the three traditional Makassan flags newly acquired for the Museum by Dr Joanna Barrkman.

They also managed a tour of the Arafura Timor Research Facility and the Territory Wildlife Park to view its marine aquariums.

CDU welcomes UMS delegates

Dr Sutanto (left) and Dr Supriyono and in front of CDU’s Casuarina Campus Information board.

Staff from the International Office of key partner university Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Indonesia visited CDU in late November.

Dr Supriyono (Head of the Bureau for Internationalisation) and Dr Muslich Hartadi Sutanto (Head of Cooperation of International Affairs) spent two days meeting with several CDU academic and administrative staff and UMS scholars currently studying at CDU; and touring the campus.

The purpose of the visit was to further explore opportunities to expand the already strong collaborative relationship developed with CDU over the past two and a half years; discuss the implications of the newly registered Indonesian Law 37/1999 - Foreign Relations; and to promote the 2012 Dharmasiswa Scholarship Program funded by the Indonesian Government.
Next year UMS will be one of a selected group of universities who will be able to host international students to study Bahasa Indonesia.

CDU welcomes 16 scholars funded by the Timorese Ministry of Finance

The newly arrived Timorese students enjoy their welcome dinner at NFIH!

After lengthy negotiations with the Ministry of Finance, Timor-Leste and a rigorous selection process, CDU recently welcomed 16 scholarship recipients to study at Navitas English prior to commencing academic studies in accounting and financial management principles and processes.
The scholars are fully funded for the duration of their studies at CDU by the Ministry as part of its capacity building program to upskill staff through education and training.

Ten candidates will complete undergraduate studies while six will complete CDU's Master of Accounting (Professional Practice).

10 candidates at the BCom level (normally 3 years of full-time study) and 6 candidates at the MAcc level (normally 2 years of full-time study).

We wish them all great success in their studies.

Timorese Ambassador to Australia visits CDU

His Excellency Mr Abel Guterres (centre) surrounded by Timorese students.

The Timorese Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Mr Abel Guterres, made a whirlwind visit to CDU during a recent visit to Darwin.

He spoke at length with selected Timorese students about their experiences at CDU and as residents of Darwin.

Mr Guterres was very pleased with what he heard and hopes to return in the New Year to spend more time at CDU and with the Timorese students.

Timorese CDU students perform on Human Rights Day 2011

The East Timorese performance troupe in national costume - all students of CDU!

CDU was the venue for this year's Human Rights Day celebrations.

The celebrations featured performances from several ethnic communities who have made Darwin their home including the growing community of East Timorese students and residents.

Children in detention were invited to attend the event which also featured short films and other musical entertainment.

UNTL hosts First Scientific Seminar

CDU representatives Dr Aggie Wegner and Theo Litaay enjoying a break in the UNTL Seminar proceedings.

The Universidade Nacional de Timor-Lorosae (UNTL) hosted its First Scientific Seminar at its Dili campus in November. The Seminar was designed to stimulate interest by UNTL students in scientific investigation.

Students from UNTL's global network of partners were invited with 3 representatives from CDU participating. They were PhD students Kayte Reid-Smith and Theo Litaay and Dr Aggie Wegner, Associate Dean (Research and Training), LEBA.

Papers presented by the CDU representatives addressed the important topics of Cultural Tourism; Biosecurity; and Tourism in Protected Areas.

The Seminar was deemed a great success with a high level of engagement between UNTL students and staff, and international participants.

CDU jumps into World Rankings

CDU has recently been ranked by the prestigious Times Education Higher Education Rankings 2011-12 within the top 400 universities in the world for the first time, with a very respectable ranking of 306, see the following link for more details.

It is noteworthy that CDU is ranked 13 in Australia on the list which is based on data provided by Thomson-Reuters. This is a fabulous endorsement of the years of great work in research which has been consistently not only highly cited by international benchmarks but reflective of the high productivity of CDU staff and its postgraduate students.

This puts CDU firmly within the top 4% of world universities and is very much something to be proud of.
Click here to view a recent article in The Australian newspaper.

"My Family" Theme of 2011 NFIH Dinner

A diverse range of international NFIH residents and friends enjoy the end of year dinner.

The theme of this year's annual End of Year Dinner at North Flinders International House (NFIH) was "My Family"
Manager, Dean Preddy reinforced with guests that residents were all part of a family - that families come in all different shapes and sizes and share good times with the bad.
He highlighted that although at times families could be frustrating and hard to deal with, the binding elements were love, trust and respect.
NFIH he proposed was a growing family, in many different ways - from the expansion of new accommodation buildings, to the development of its personal and professional growth model which will be offered in 2012 and beyond. This growth model has been developed to assist all NFIH residents understand the 5 key benefits of an NFIH/CDU experience: Location, Cross Cultural Engagement, Personal Wellbeing, Professional Experience and Academic development.
The main purpose of the dinner is for residents and friends to get together; meet new people; share cultures, stories and experiences with each other and to recognise exemplary contributions made by selected residents to the NFIH community.

Banyuwangi Day 2011

Participants at Banyuwangi Day 2011.

Banyuwangi, located at the easternmost tip of Java and within a ferry ride of Gilimanuk, Lombok is a region known for its spectacular scenery - Ijen Plateau - and the Baluran National Park.
The Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia Darwin in association with CDU and the Government of Banyuwangi Region, recently hosted a cultural event to promote the region.
"Banyuwangi Day 2011" featured traditional dances, gamelan performances, Dandgut songs and an appearance by the Indonesian pop singer Andre Hehaussa.

Indonesia Independence Day 2011 celebrated

Acting Consul Mr Muhamad Nazirwan Hafiz watches as the Indonesian flag is raised.

The Acting Consul of the Republic of Indonesia Mr Muhamad Nazirwan Hafiz presided over the annual Indonesia Independence Day celebrations at the Consulate in Darwin on Thursday 17 August.

The event featured a colourful flag raising ceremony. This year marks the 66th Anniversary of Indonesian Independence from Dutch colonial rule.

The Acting Consul and his wife Mrs Lies Dyana Nazirwan also hosted a reception at their home to further celebrate the occasion.

Research partnerships build goodwill across borders

Prof Ian Falk makes a point during his presentation.

During a recent visit to Darwin, Professor Ian Falk, Chair of CDU's Remote and Rural Education, was invited by the Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia to make a presentation entitled "The Value of Research Partnerships in Building Goodwill across Borders".

AusIndoBIOCOM has been researching in Indonesia for 5 years on developing a management strategy for biosecurity to find answers for sustainable change management.

Based upon the excellent results achieved from research conducted by cross disciplinary researchers and experts on science and social science from Australia and Indonesia under the auspices of AusIndoBIOCOM, Professor Ian Falk was able to demonstrate that research partnerships can build goodwill across borders.

For more information about AusIndoBIOCOM, please click here.
An informative book - Managing Biosecurity Across Borders - also based on the research has been published: http://www.springer.com/life+sciences/agriculture/book/978-94-007-1411-3.

CDU hosts "Opening a Door into Asia" event

Students listen intently during a small group discussion.

Darwin based secondary school students had an opportunity to learn more about Asia-related course offerings at CDU, during the "Opening a Door to Asia" event.

A series of cultural workshops to enable interactive exploration of Indonesian, Chinese and Japanese traditions and practices was a feature of the program along with small group discussion about the personal and professional opportunities available to graduates who are considered "Asia Skilled".

Current CDU students, graduates and staff were invited to participate in small group discussions and were encouraged to share their own experiences of connection to the Asia region, respond to students' questions and to explore with them their motivation for engaging with Asia.

ABC TV tapes first "Future Forum" program in Darwin

Darwin was chosen as the location in which to tape the first ABC TV’s new programming initiative "Future Forum".

Entitled "How will the Asian Century shape Australia’s future", a panel of eight experts and leading figures including CDU's Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and International, Professor Sharon Bell debated the critical issues in Australia's relationship with Asia.

The audience including several international students and staff of CDU posed some challenging questions around the proposal that in a century dominated by the rise of Asian economic, political and military power will Australia be left behind? Will it ever be an Asian nation? "Future Forum" is a co-production by ABC News 24 and the HC Coombs Policy Forum at the ANU. ABC lateline presenter Ali Moore hosted the program.M

To view the live video of "Future Forum" click here.

Pesona Indonesia

Indonesian musicians perform with Gamelan instruments at "Pesona Indonesia".

Darwin residents embraced the return of "Pesona Indonesia" to the Darwin Festival with hundreds of people flocking to enjoy a full program of entertainment including Indonesian music, dance and food.
The Amphitheatre at Darwin Botanical Gardens was the venue for the activities.

Pesona Indonesia Sunday 14 August 2011

"Pesona Indonesia" - part of this year's Darwin Festival - is a huge celebration of Indonesian culture.

For more information about this vibrant event click here

AIBC NT Chapter welcomes new Acting Indonesian Consul for Indonesia

The Chairman of the AIBC NT Chapter, Professor Barney Glover (left) welcomes the new Acting Indonesian Consul Mr Muhamad Nazirwan Hafiz to Darwin (right).

Professor Barney Glover, Vice Chancellor of CDU and Chairman of the Australia Indonesia Business Council (AIBC) NT Chapter, together with the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, the Hon Paul Henderson MLA and the Leader of the Opposition of the NT Parliament, Mr Terry Mills MLA, recently welcomed the new Acting Indonesian Consul Mr Muhamad Nazirwan Hafiz to Darwin.

The aim of the AIBC is to develop and promote trade, commerce and investment between Australia and Indonesia.

The NT and Indonesia have long been friends and partners in this pursuit with strong and diverse business links the result. Much of the success of this partnership is due to the important role that the Consul of the Republic of Indonesia plays in facilitating and strengthening those ties.

The event to welcome the Acting Consul was held in CDU’s impressive Indonesian garden and was attended by AIBC NT Chapter members, CDU staff and students, and members of Darwin’s Indonesian and business community.

Islamic Awareness Day

Associate Professor Mohamad Abdalla addresses the audience at Darwin’s Islamic Awareness Day.

The Islamic Society of Darwin recently hosted an Islamic Awareness Day at the Darwin Mosque. This event is the major annual community awareness and outreach event for the local Islamic community.

Both the Chief Minister, the Hon Paul Henderson MLA, and CDU's Vice Chancellor, Professor Barney Glover, addressed the visitors while the current Islam Society of Darwin Iman Mr Abdul Kader recited the Holy Quaran and introduced some key principles of Islam.

The program this year featured key note speaker Brisbane-based academic and scholar Associate Professor Mohamad Abdalla. Associate Professor Abdalla is the Director of Griffith University's Islamic Research Unit. He made two thought provoking and topical presentations: "Is Islam alien to Australian Culture?" and "Slaughtering the Islamic way".

President of the Islamic Society of Darwin and CDU academic Mr Farooq Haq was the Master of Ceremonies who also invited a number of visiting scholars from Indonesia, in particular CDU's valued partner Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), to assist with the decoration of the auditorium .

ATSEA Project Research Expedition launched

The RV Solander at Darwin's Stokes Hill Wharf prior to departure

The Australian Institute of Marine Sciences' (AIMS) research vessel, the 35m RV Solander recently embarked on a 5 week Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action (ATSEA) research expedition with scientific researchers from Indonesia, Timor-Leste and Australia on board.


The scientists will be gathering information on the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the Arafura and Timor Seas.

The expedition is one of a number of projects being undertaken by the North Australian Marine Research Alliance (AIMS, CDU, ANU and the NT Government) which is working on research to sustainably develop and manage Darwin Harbour and NT coastal waters.

Dinner dance hosted by Darwin's East Timorese community

Mr Lourenco Fontes and colleagues enjoy the music and dancing which was a feature of the night.

Darwin's East Timorese community recently hosted a dinner dance to celebrate a number of events:

• the recent CDU graduation of and farewell to soldiers of the Falintil-Forca Defesa de Timor-Leste (F-FDTL);
• a welcome to two incoming AusAID students: Mr Sanio Goncalves Fernandes who will shortly commence a Bachelor of Commerce degree and Mr Bertanizo Guro Da Costa who will shortly commence a Bachelor of Environmental Science (Environmental Management) degree at CDU; and
• the visit to Darwin by Mr Lourenco Fontes, Director General, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries who was in transit to Perth to participate in a 1-day workshop, entitled, "Marine Science, Connectivity, and Research Cooperation in the Arafura and Timor Seas", to be run in parallel with the Australian Marine Science Association (AMSA) Conference in Fremantle, Western Australia, 3 - 7 July 2011.

It was a terrific night with great food and lots of singing and dancing!

Fourth group of F-FDTL soldiers graduate

The ADFET graduates with Australian Defence Force colleagues!

Colonel Late Raek Falur of the Timor-Leste Defence Force attended the recent graduation of the fourth group of Falintil-Forca Defesa de Timor-Leste (F-FDTL) soldiers.
All the soldiers successfully completed a Certificate of General Education for Adults III.

Captain Chris Edwards of Australia's NORFORCE and the NORFORCE Liaison Officer for the F-FDTL English Language Program presented the "Student of Merit" award to Rozina De Araujo and the "Most Improved" award to Antonio Gomes.

Colonel Late Raek Falur congratulated each of the students on their achievements and thanked the Australian Defence Force for providing the opportunity for these students to improve their English as well as widening their experiences globally.

Rector of UMS - a Valued CDU partner - visits Darwin

CDU Vice Chancellor Professor Barney Glover (left) with UMS Rector Professor Bambang Setiaji (right).

CDU hosted the Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), Indonesia - Professor Bambang Setiaji - during his recent 4 day visit to Darwin.

Since a Memorandum of Understanding between CDU and UMS was signed in November 2009, the relationship between the two universities has grown in strength while the level of engagement has expanded across Faculties.
Professor Setiaji completed a busy schedule of meetings with the Vice Chancellor of CDU, Professor Barney Glover and other senior members of the University's academic and administrative team.

It is pleasing to note that during the recent visit to CDU by Professor Setiaji, a Plan of Collaboration was signed between CDU's School of Engineering and Information Technology (SEIT) and UMS's Department of Chemical Engineering (DCE) to pursue joint research in renewable energy; the joint publication of subsequent journal articles and further exchange of faculty staff.

Professor Setiaji also met with the current group of four UMS academic staff completing a 12 week residency at CDU as part of the Rector’s broader program of internationalisation of UMS staff; met with other UMS academic staff currently pursuing PhD degrees as recipients of Indonesian Government (DIKTI) scholarships; and made a presentation to staff and students of the Faculty of Law, Education, Business and Arts entitled "Islamic Bank Development in Indonesia".

The objective of the paper was to evaluate the progress of the Islamic bank through an industry wide analysis in Indonesia and examined its efforts in boosting Islamic Economics and Business studies in prestigious universities in Indonesia.

The paper also explored the potential for creating a zero interest bank to support the enormous population of unemployed and strategies that the Islamic Bank was implementing to generate family economic activity and income.

Professor Setiaji is a Professor of Economics at UMS and a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Sharia Bukopin Bank.

He is also a prolific author across a range of topics relating to Indonesian economic and financial matters.

Chief Minister hosts farewell function for outgoing Acting Indonesian Consul

The Chief Minister (centre) is pictured with Bapak Bambang Daranindra and his wife Ibu Kustiana Daranindra (right); the Hon Jane Aagaard MLA (left) and Sally Hodgetts, CDU (far left).

The Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, the Hon Paul Henderson MLA recently hosted a function at Parliament House to farewell the Acting Indonesian Consul Bapak Bambang Daranindra and his wife Ibu Kustiana Daranindra.

Bapak Bambang has completed an 18 month posting to Darwin and his efforts over this time have been rewarded with a further strengthening of ties between the Northern Territory and Indonesia.

Timorese ADFET students perform interpretation of folk tale "Cinderella"

The cast of "Cinderella"

On Friday 24 June, the Australian Defence Force East Timorese (ADFET) students performed their interpretation of the popular folk tale Cinderella.
Learning parts by heart can be a difficult task but when English is your second, third, fourth or fifth language, the task is even more difficult. As well as mastering the English pronunciation and diction the students also had to identify with the role of the character they were playing.
The performance proved to be entertaining and colourful with all of the favourite characters represented: the captivating Cinderella; the very handsome and charming Prince Pablo; the Fairy Godmother; the ugly stepsisters Muriel and Priscilla; the wicked stepmother and of course the wise and regal Queen Mother.
The performance concluded the Certificate III in General Education training that the students have completed since their arrival in February.

CDU PhD candidate again published in "Inside Indonesia"

CDU PhD candidate Asriana Kebon researching human trafficking and people smuggling in Indonesia recently had her article: "Stars and Stereotypes - The big business of Indo celebrities creates illusory expectations but things may be changing" published in the January - March 2011 edition of "Inside Indonesia".
For the full story, please visit "Inside Indonesia" webpage

Asriana is supervised by Dr Richard Curtis, School of Creative Arts and Humanities.

CDU hosts group of Indonesian teachers as part of the 'Indonesian School Partnership Program'

Monica Turvey, Director International Strategy and Development provides the Indonesian teachers with an overview of CDU's education, research and training expertise.

CDU recently hosted a group of Indonesian teachers as part of the "Indonesian School Partnership Program" being implemented by South East Asian Ministers of Education Organisation (SEAMEO) through its Regional Open Learning Centre (SEAMOLEC) in Jakarta.

The purpose of the program is to develop open and distance learning in Indonesia. Australia, as an English speaking associate member of SEAMEO, is a favoured destination country to establish school partnerships. The objectives of the program are:

• To build collaboration between schools in Indonesia and Australia;
• To improve the quality of learning through collaborative study;
• To provide pathways for teachers to do research; and
• To share knowledge, culture and values.

While at CDU the teachers were introduced to its online language delivery facilities; provided with an overview of the education, research and training expertise that CDU can provide for capacity building purposes and exposed to the social networking tools - Facebook and Twitter - being pursued by Navitas English for teaching, promotional and communication purposes.

Eminent UMS law academic presents a comparison of constitutional powers between Australian and Indonesia

Danial Kelly (Left) discusses a point of interest with Dr Azhari (right).

Dr Aidul Fitriciada Azhari, a lecturer in legal studies at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) recently presented an interesting paper entitled "Control of Economic Activity in Australia and Indonesia: A Comparison".

The parliaments of the Commonwealth of Australia and the Republic of Indonesia both enjoy constitutional powers to regulate and control economic and social activities in order to promote general welfare. Dr Azhari's paper compared the constitutional powers to regulate economic activities in both of these countries. The Australian Constitution gives 'trade and commerce power' and 'corporations power' to the Australian Parliament, while the Indonesian Constitution gives a 'right to the State to control' economic production and natural resources exploitation.

The primary finding in his paper is that although recent times have seen the evolution of liberalization and privatization in the economy, the constitutional law in both countries tends to retain a broad approach of permitting the government to control the economy.

Dr Azhari is also currently completing a 12 week visiting residency at CDU as part of a broader program of internationalisation of UMS staff initiated by the University's Rektor, Professor Bambang Setiaji. His CDU collaborator during his residency is Mr Danial Kelly, Lecturer in Law within the School of Law and Business.

Dr Azhari is a former Dean of the Faculty of Law at UMS; a member of the Institute for Democracy of Indonesia (IDe Indonesia), Jakarta and holds the position of Chief of the Assembly of Strategic Policy (Majelis Hikmah) Muhammadiyah. He is also a prolific author across a range of topics relating to Indonesian constitutional law and democracy.

Visiting academic provides overview of the Department of Chemical Engineering at UMS

Pak Malik explains to his audience an alternative flow process.

Pak Malik Musthofa, a lecturer within the Faculty of Engineering at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), Indonesia recently made a presentation to interested staff of CDU's School of Engineering and Information Technology (SEIT) entitled "An Overview of the Department of Chemical Engineering at UMS".
Pak Malik holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering and a Master of Chemistry. His substantive position is within the Department of Chemical Engineering at UMS.

In his presentation, Pak Malik outlined the structure and size of the Department; introduced his academic colleagues and their areas of expertise; showcased the Department's facilities; and spoke about its main areas of research: the production of bioethanol and transesterification of used Fried Oil.

Pak Malik is currently completing a 12 week visiting residency at CDU as part of a broader program of internationalisation of UMS staff initiated by the University's Rektor, Professor Bambang Setiaji. Ms Daria Surovtseva a Lecturer in Engineering in SEIT has been collaborating with Pak Malik during his residency.

It is pleasing to note that during the recent visit to CDU by Professor Setiaji, a Plan of Collaboration was signed between CDU's SEIT and UMS's DCE to pursue joint research in renewable energy; the joint publication of subsequent journal articles and further exchange of faculty staff.

East Timorese community celebrates Restoration of Independence

Representatives of the Timor-Leste Defence Force (F-FDTL) perform the flag-raising ceremony.

Darwin's East Timorese community celebrated the ninth anniversary of the restoration of Timor-Leste's Independence with a series of activities held throughout Saturday 21 May 2011.
The celebrations commenced at 9.30am with a flag-raising ceremony performed by representatives of the Timor-Leste Defence Force (F-FDTL) at the Northern Territory Timor Chinese Association Inc. Club, Berrimah.
This was followed by a Mass at 11.30am under the guidance of His Most Reverend Bishop Daniel Eugene Hurley DD at Saint Mary's Cathedral in the city.
A formal dinner again at the Northern Territory Timor Chinese Association Inc. Club, Berrimah concluded the celebrations. The dinner featured formal presentations and cultural performances.
Dr Zacarias Albano da Costa, the Timor-Leste Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Mr Abel Guterres, the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to Australia also participated in the celebrations.

Visiting UMS lecturers present

Pak Banu Witono (left) discusses a point with Associate Professor Ram Vemuri (right) during his presentation.

Two visiting lecturers from CDU's valued Indonesian partner institution Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) made presentations as part of the Faculty of Law, Education, Business and Arts regular seminar series.
Pak Banu Witono and Pak Muhammad Sholahuddin, both lecturers within the Faculty of Economics at UMS are currently completing 12 week visiting residences at CDU as part of a broader program of internationalisation of UMS staff initiated by the University's Rektor, Professor Bambang Setiaji.
Pak Banu Witono presented a paper entitled Local Government Accountability in Indonesia while Pak Muhammad Sholahuddin presented a paper entitled Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) of Islamic Microfinance for Small (Micro) Enterprises.
Both lecturers are working in collaboration with Associate Professor Ram Vemuri, School of Law and Business and while in residence are working towards finalising research proposals with the intention of pursuing PhD studies; gaining exposure to the education, teaching culture and pedagogy of CDU; and exploring future opportunities for cooperation including student exchange, joint research and research publications.
In addition to their academic endeavours, both visitors are also completing some intensive English language training at Navitas English.

CDU signs MOU with UMY

From left: UMY's Rector, Professor Dasron Hamid and CDU's Vice Chancellor Professor Barney Glover proudly hold the signed MOU's.

CDU has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), Indonesia. It is the second MOU to have been signed by CDU with universities within the extensive Muhammadiyah network.
The MOU supports the mutual desire of both universities to promote further cooperation for the purpose of undertaking academic and cultural exchange, and research.
Staff within CDU's School of Law and Business, in particular Professor Les McCrimmon and Mr Jeswynn Yogaratnam were integral to the establishment of this relationship and subsequent signing of the MOU by CDU's Vice Chancellor Professor Barney Glover and UMY's Rector, Professor Dasron Hamid.

UNDANA VRF presents work in progress to develop a research project grant proposal for nutrition improvement in NTT

From left: Dr Selma Liberato, MSHR; Dr Petrus Kase and Professor Daniela Stehlik, Director, The Northern Institute at the conclusion of his presentation.

Dr Petrus Kase, a Visiting Research Fellow (VRF) from Universitas Nusa Cendana, (UNDANA) Kupang recently presented a paper on his work in progress to develop a research project grant proposal to improve nutrition intake in children under five years of age in the Indonesian province of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
Dr Kase reported in his presentation that the Indonesian and provincial governments as well as international organisations working on the ground have long recognised that malnutrition in this population is a key health issue to address but their collaboration in improving the situation has not yet delivered any breakthrough results.
The severity and persistence of the problem requires some sort of collaboration between these stakeholders. Dr Kase's project will focus upon an analysis of their collaboration thus far and on recommending alternative ways of working together to reduce malnutrition in these children.
Dr Kase is a lecturer in the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, UNDANA. His CDU collaborators are Dr Kate Golebiowska, The Northern Institute and Dr Selma Liberato, Menzies School of Health Research (MSHR).

Lembuswana statue unveiled by the Governor of East Kalimantan

Professor Barney Glover, Vice Chancellor of CDU; The Acting Consul of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr Bambang Daranindra; His Honour, Mr Tom Pauling AO, QC, Administrator of the Northern Territory; The Governor of East Kalimantan, Dr. H. Awang Faroek Ishak; and The Hon. Rob Knight, MLA stand in front of the impressive statue of Lembuswana.

The Governor of East Kalimantan, Dr. H. Awang Faroek Ishak, in the presence of the His Honour, Mr Tom Pauling AO, QC, Administrator of the Northern Territory; The Hon. Rob Knight, MLA; The Acting Consul of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr Bambang Daranindra; The Hon Sally Thomas, Chancellor of CDU and Professor Barney Glover, Vice Chancellor of CDU recently unveiled in the University's beautiful Indonesian garden, a most impressive statue of Lembuswana.
The statue Lembuswana is a gift from the Governor of East Kalimantan and reflects the growing friendship and interest in collaboration between the Province of East Kalimantan and CDU.

Lembuswana is a mythical animal aligned to the ancient Hindu Kingdom of King Kutai dating back to 500 BC. Lembuswana has all the elements of life and power that is the secret of the universe, thus becoming a source of strength and inspiration for all the Kings of Kutai. Some of its features include:

CDU signs MOU with UGM to establish a Law Twinning Program

Danial Kelly, Lecturer in Law at CDU and Far Right: Professor Dr Marsudi Triatmodjo, SH, LLM, Dean of the Faculty of Law, UGM look on as Centre Left: Professor Les McCrimmon, Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Law, Education, Business and Arts at CDU and Centre Right: Professor Ir. Sudjarwadi, M.Eng., Ph.D., Rector of UGM sign the MOU. p style="margin-bottom: 0;">

The relationship between CDU and Universitas Gajah Mada (UGM), Yogyakarta, Indonesia took another positive step forward recently with the signing of a law twinning program MOU between the two universities.
Under the new arrangements, UGM law students will be able to complete a law degree at CDU and have their UGM law studies recognised for advanced standing purposes towards the CDU degree.
Students will graduate from both universities with degrees in law that are recognised as the academic requirements to become legal practitioners in both Australia and Indonesia.
The first students will arrive in Darwin from 2012.

MSHR signs MOU and Twinning Contract with the Ministry of Health Timor-Leste

Dr. Ana Magno, representing the Ministry of Health (left) and Professor Jonathan Carapetis, Director, MSHR (right) sign the important documents upon which it is hoped a strong and successful partnership will develop.

The Menzies School of Health Research (MSHR) and the Ministry of Health, Timor-Leste recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU); and a Research and Development Twinning Contract - an arrangement between the Cabinet of Health Research and Development, Timor-Leste and MSHR.
The MOU aims to strengthen the commitment of both the Ministry of Health and the MSHR to inform health practice and policy through fostering an environment supportive of evidence-based health practice and research in Timor-Leste; strengthening governance and technical competence in health research and use of data and evidence in health policy and practice in Timor-Leste; and developing a program of collaborative research to address critical knowledge gaps.
The Research and Development Twinning contract is expected to contribute to the implementation of the new National Health Strategic Plan in Timor-Leste ad a more effective health sector through increased use of evidence informed health policy, management and service delivery. This exciting opportunity has been made possible by funding support from AusAID and the World Bank.
Dr Ana Magno, National Director for Hospitals and Referral Services signed the documents on behalf of the Director General of the Timor-Leste Ministry of Health.

Head of Provincial Education Agency - Papua visits CDU

Dr. Modouw (centre) exchanges gifts with CDU staff.

Dr. James Modouw, Head of the Provincial Education Agency - Papua visited CDU on the 18 April and spent a most productive few hours at the Casuarina Campus.
He met with several members of the School of Education. The focus of discussions was models of teacher training management including the Growing Our Own (GOO) and Remote Indigenous Teacher Education (RITE) models developed by CDU.
Following a presentation by the School of Education team, Dr Modouw indicated that he was keen for the School to work with the Provincial Government of Papua to collaborate on two projects, in particular - one on Multigrade Teaching Models of Delivery and the other on the Capacity Building of Papuan School Principals to develop their skills in leadership and administration.
The School of Education team plans to further explore these opportunities as Dr Greg Shaw and Professor Kathryn Moyle are already working on a similar AusAID funded Capacity Building of Indonesian School Principals project.
Dr Modouw is a proud alumnus of the Northern Territory University, CDU's predecessor university, and was very pleased to revisit Darwin and Casuarina campus.

Timorese PhD student features in CDU's ORIGINS magazine

Mr Abilio da Fonseca, the first recipient of the CDU/Timor-Leste Ministry of Education Capacity Building Research Scholarship program has been featured in Edition One 2011 of the University's ORIGINS magazine. The article entitled 'Staring Down Climate Change' explores Abilio's journey from a small fishing village in the Sub district of Tutuala, Timor-Leste to Darwin; the research he is pursuing as part of his Doctorate - an investigation of how climate change impacts coastal communities of Northern Australia and Timor-Leste; and his efforts to educate his people about the impacts of climate change. To read the article in full go to:
http://www.cdu.edu.au/corporatecommunications/Origins_Issue1_2011_web.pdf, page 14.
or
click here (pdf, 500kB)

CDU hosts International Film Festival

Pak Bambang Daranindra, the Acting Consul of the Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia opens the Festival.

An International Film Festival, a combined initiative of the Consulate of Indonesia and the Honorary Consuls of Germany and Belgium was held at CDU's Casuarina Campus on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 April 2011. Three films were screened, one from each country:
From Indonesia, the comedy: NAGA Bonar become 2;
From Germany, an adaption of Cornelia Funke's charming children's novel: Hande Weg Von Mississippi/Hands off Mississippi; and
From Belgium, the comedy/drama: In Bruges.

Professor Bob Wasson completes his term at CDU

Professor Bob Wasson.

Professor Bob Wasson, the inaugural Chair of both the Indonesia and Timor-Leste Reference Groups in his capacity as Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and International, completed his term at CDU at the end of March 2011. He will take up a Visiting Professorship with the National University Singapore while retaining an association with CDU as an Adjunct Professor. His leadership of and contribution to the establishment and growth of the both the Indonesia and Timor-Leste Reference Groups since their inception has been greatly appreciated, with the level of engagement between CDU and its partners in both countries increasing steadily. Professor Wasson will remain an active participant in a range of collaborative research, education and training activities across Indonesia and Timor-Leste so his valuable input will continue. Professor Wasson will be replaced in April 2011 by the incoming Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and International, Professor Sharon Bell.

New MOU with UNTL signed!

Professor Barney Glover (left) and Professor Aurelio Guterres exchange signed copies of the new MOU.

CDU recently signed a new MOU with the Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosae (UNTL). UNTL's new Rector, Professor Aurelio Gutuerres visited CDU on the 18 March 2011 for the signing ceremony. The MOU aims to further consolidate the ties of friendship and mutual trust already established between the two universities, and to further explore opportunities for cooperation in areas of shared interests in research, education and training and in capacity building requirements in the following areas:

UGM hosts DREaM 2011

The third DREaM International Students Summer Program will be hosted by Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) from the 26th June - 6th July 2011. This year's theme is "Social Entrepreneurship" and aligns with UGM’s mission to contribute to the development of society. The proposed keynote speaker is former UN Secretary-General, Mr Kofi Annan.

Registrations are invited from suitably qualified students.
The deadline for registrations is 1st April 2011.
For more information click here (pdf, 890kB) , email ugm.dream2011@gmail.com or go to http://oia.ugm.ac.id/dream/index.php/about-dream-2011

Indonesian Language Electives at CDU

Dr Richard Curtis, Lecturer in Bahasa Indonesia at CDU recently attended a National Colloquium on the Future of Indonesian in Australian Universities held at Murdoch University, Perth, from 9th- 11th February 2011. Details of which can be seen at altcfellowship.murdoch.edu.au/nationalcolloquium.html
Indonesian language has now been deemed a "language at risk" in Australia. Over the last 10 years there has been a dramatic collapse in the number of secondary and tertiary institutions offering Indonesian language and in the number of students taking Indonesian language in those remaining institutions. In order to try and encourage increased enrolments in Bahasa Indonesia at CDU Dr Curtis has prepared a flyer outlining Indonesian language electives available at the University. Click here to see the flyer.
The flyer emphasises the strategic importance of Indonesia to Australia and the need for Australians with specialist Bahasa Indonesia skills along with cultural training to communicate and engage effectively with our northern neighbours. It is also designed to actively encourage those with a personal interest in developing their understanding of Indonesian to do so.
Students can study on-campus, externally (on-line) and through in-country programs (in either Lombok or Java). Go to: your.usc.edu.au/wacana/lombok and www.acicis.murdoch.edu.au for more information.

Indonesian language units can be studied either as:

CDU PhD candidate published in Inside Indonesia

CDU PhD candidate Asriana Kebon researching human trafficking and people smuggling in Indonesia recently had her article: "Of fishers and men - Indonesians held in detention in Australia for people smuggling are there because of poverty" published in the January - March 2011 edition of "Inside Indonesia".
For the full story, click here.
Asriana is supervised by Dr Richard Curtis, School of Creative Arts and Humanities.

New intake of East Timor Defence Force members

CDU’s new Timorese students and their teachers.

The Language and Literacy area welcomed a new intake of eleven East Timorese Defence Force members to the CDU campus on Monday 21 February. The seven women and four men are enrolled in the Certificate III in General Education for Adults. They are being hosted at Larrakeyah Barracks by the North West Mobile Force (NORFORCE) and will undertake periodic military training with NORFORCE during their stay. Students enjoyed a welcome morning tea, induction and orientation activities during their first week and have since commenced their formal study programme. The group has already made connections with the East Timorese community in Darwin and are keen to be involved in wider community activities, both on and off campus.

Darwin's Indonesian Community hosts Gala Dinner Fundraiser

Musicians perform at the fundraiser on traditional Indonesian Kolintang instruments.

Darwin's Indonesian Community hosted a Gala Dinner Function on Saturday 12 February 2011 to raise funds for those affected by Queensland's recent floods. Over 100 people were entertained during the evening with performances of traditional Indonesian and national pop songs, dance and music performed on Kolintang instruments. All funds raised - a total of $2,250.00 - were donated to the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal administered by the National Australia Bank. The event - themed "Because We Care" - was supported by the Indonesian Consulate, Darwin; the Northern Territory Government; the Australian Red Cross Northern Territory Regional branch; the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Colemans Printing.

Indonesian Consulate Darwin represented at CDU's Orientation Day 2011

Staff of the Indonesian Consulate Darwin, CDU students and friends during Orientation 2011.

The Indonesian Consulate Darwin further demonstrated its strong relationship to and support of CDU with its recent participation in the University's Orientation 2011 program at the Casuarina Campus. A team of representatives from the Consulate were available to advise both Indonesian and other students and visitors on a range of services the Consulate can provide; promote the Perhimpunan Pelajar Indonesia Australia - Northern Territory (PPIANT) branch; encourage participation in a number of activities that the Consulate organises and of course, encourage travel to Indonesia to experience its rich language and culture, and the warmth and generosity of its people.

2011 Indonesian Arts and Culture Scholarship Programme

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia invites applications for the 2011 round of The Indonesian Arts and Culture Scholarship.
The non-degree arts and culture scholarship is offered for a three month period: 25 April - 29 July 2011.
The scholarship covers tuition fees (including extra-curricular activities); round trip economy class airfares. Accommodation (board and lodging); health insurance and a monthly allowance of Rp.1.500.000,-.
Awardees will be placed in one of five arts centres throughout Indonesia: Bandar Lampung, Lampung; Bandung, West Java; Denpasar, Bali; Solo Central Java; and Surabaya, East Java.
All applications must be received by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia no later than Sunday 20 March 2011.
Please see the attached document for more details including the Application Form. (pdf, 438Kb)
You are encouraged to circulate information about this initiative to friends and colleagues.

Amazing discovery! 10,000 year-old carvings found in East Timor cave.

An Australian scientist searching for the fossilised bones of giant rats in a cave in East Timor has discovered ancient stone carvings of human faces, the first found on the island.
To read more click here.

CDU graduate from Timor-Leste profiled in STL

CDU graduate, Mr Liborio Pereira, the President of Timor-Leste's Civil Service Commission was featured recently in the Suara Timor Lorosae (STL), Timor-Leste's daily newspaper.
The original article was published in Tetun, however click here to read the English language translation(pdf, 14Kb)

Lombok in-country Indonesian Language Program 2011

Sally Hodgetts, Manager International Projects and Operations within CDU's Office of International Services recently completed Study Period 1 of the In-country Indonesian Language Program 2011 hosted by Universitas Mataram, Lombok, in cooperation with Charles Darwin University (CDU), the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC), the University of New England (UNE) and the University of Tasmania (UTas).
Click on the following link to view a photographic record of her experiences(pdf, 1.038Mb)

Workshop on Timor-Leste Domestic Violence Law presented at International Conference

Jeswynn receives his award from the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development - Senator Dato' Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil.

Jeswynn Yogaratnam, Lecturer in CDU's School of Law and Business ran a 2 hour workshop entitled: "Liberating Women from Post Conflict Gender Violence" focusing on his project work in Timor-Leste, during the Nam Institute for the Empowerment of Women (NIEW) Malaysia Conference held in Kuala Lumpur on the 29 and 30 November 2010. The theme of the Conference was The Health and Well-Being of Displaced Women. The purpose of his participation in the Conference was to socialise the Timor-Leste Domestic Violence Law which was promulgated in July 2010. This law a is significant development for Timor-Leste in complying with the international obligations under the Convention of Elimination and Discrimination Against Women. During the Conference an award was presented to Jeswynn by Senator Dato' Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Malaysia as a gesture of gratitude for the work done by he and his project partner Dr Suzanne Belton, for marginalised women in Timor-Leste

Visit to CDU by Chief of the East Timor Defence Force

Major General Ruak greets soldiers on arrival at CDU

The Chief of the East Timor Defence Force, Major General Taur Matan Ruak and a delegation comprising senior military officials from Australia and East Timor visited the Casuarina Campus on Saturday 27 November 2010. Major General Ruak requested the visit as part of his stop-over in Darwin on the way to visit military facilities elsewhere in Australia. He wanted to view the CDU facilities where previous groups of East Timorese Defence Force personnel had been studying and to meet with the eleven students who were in the final stage of their study program. The visit was hosted by Lorraine Sushames and Beth Marr of CDU's Language and Literacy Division and involved a short presentation, guided tour of key areas around campus and afternoon tea.   Major General Ruak and delegation later attended an informal dinner with the teaching team and other Language and Literacy Division staff, which provided an opportunity for him to spend some time with the students.

Completion of Training Ceremony for East Timorese Soldiers

Eleven happy graduates!

Completion of Training certificates were presented to the eleven East Timorese students at a ceremony conducted on Monday 29 November 2010. The students had commenced their studies at CDU in July. CDU Vice Chancellor, Professor Barney Glover gave a Welcome Address which highlighted the importance of the relationship between CDU and East Timor. Certificates were presented by Pro Vice Chancellor Vocational Education and Training (VET), Dr Barry McKnight, following his congratulatory speech. The event was attended by CDU staff, students, members of the East Timorese community and representatives from the Australian Defence Forces. The formalities were followed by an afternoon tea.

New Diplomatic Appointment - Ambassador to East Timor

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kevin Rudd has today announced that Mr Miles Armitage is Australia's new ambassador to East Timor. Mr Armitage is expected to take up his appointment in February 2011. He replaces Mr Peter Heyward who has been Ambassador since January 2008. Click on the following link to download a copy of the press release(pdf, 34kb)

Darwin's Indonesian Community hosts Christmas Celebration

Father Christmas greets several excited youngsters at the celebration

Darwin's Indonesian community, with the support of the Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia, recently hosted a Christmas celebration at the Chinese Timorese Club. The celebration held on Saturday 11 December featured a special Christmas Service and message delivered by the Rev. Jenny Tymms, Chairperson of the Presbyteries, Northern Synod.

Climate Change in Timor-Leste - a brief overview of future climate projections

Click on the following link to download a copy of Climate Change in Timor-Leste - a brief overview of future climate projections(pdf, 4Mb)
The Review was prepared for the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency (CDCEE).

New Rector of UNTL appointed

The Council of Ministers elected, through secret ballot, Dr. Aurelio Guterres to the position of Rector of the Timor Lorosa'e National University (UNTL). The outgoing Rector present three candidates to be submitted to the Council of Ministers by the Minister of Education. The candidates list was composed by: Dr. Aurelio Guterres, Dr. Faustino Gomes and Dr. Francisco Martins. To read more, download the press realease (pdf, 90kb)

Final UNTL VRF Presentation for 2010 : The Rise and Fall of Secular Nationalism in East Timor

Caption: Mr Maia during his presentation

Visiting Research Fellow Mr Armindo Maia gave a presentation on 18 November 2010 on the topic "The Rise and Fall of Secular Nationalism in East Timor". The presentation showed that nationalism in East Timor only began to emerge in the late 1960s, achieved its full development during the armed struggle against Indonesia, and culminated in the victory of the pro-independence referendum in August 1999. The presentation revealed that there was a significant shift from the initial secular and somewhat "revolutionary" nationalism of the mid-1970s to a "marriage" of nationalism and religion in the 1980s and 1990s. While that did not necessarily imply an ideological change, it was nevertheless a strategic change that was highly critical for the fate of the independence struggle. The presentation examined the reasons for the rise of secular and "revolutionary" nationalism, its strengths and weaknesses, and tried to understand the reasons for the change and its implications. Mr Maia is a Senior Lecturer of the National University of Timor-Leste (UNTL) and became one of the founders and the first Rector of UNTL in 2000-2001.

Colin Trainor completes his PhD

Active CDU researcher Colin Trainor recently completed his PhD, a study of Timor's fauna which includes a biogeographic analysis of factors controlling bird occurrence on 51 Lesser Sunda Islands - the largest of these being Timor; bird chapters comparing East versus West Timor, and patterns in relation to the extent of fragmentation (area sensitivity). His thesis also contains a chapter on ants prepared in collaboration with Alan Anderson of CSIRO; and a Chapter on mammals and reptiles.
Click here to download a copy of Colin Trainor's thesis(pdf, 16Mb)

NT researcher wins PM's award

PhD candidate, Sarah Hobgen

Research by a Charles Darwin University postgraduate student has been recognised with a prestigious Prime Minister's Australia Asia Award. PhD candidate, Sarah Hobgen is one of 20 successful Australian postgraduate recipients recognised among the best and brightest university students from Australia and Asia. Currently undertaking a Doctor of Philosophy by research, Sarah's thesis focuses on the Kambaniru River catchment in Sumba, Indonesia which provides the domestic and agricultural water for the town of Waingapu and the surrounding rice fields.

>>Read more>>>

Lunch held at the Indonesian Consulate Darwin

Acting Consul Pak Bambang Daranindra (middle front) and guests.

The Acting Consul of the Republic of Indonesia, Darwin, Pak Bambang Daranindra hosted past and present students of CDU's in-country Indonesian language program delivered in partnership with the University of Mataram, Lombok to a lunch designed to give outgoing CDU students the opportunity to find more out about the program and what to expect as resident students in Indonesia. The intensive in-country program in Lombok allows students to immerse themselves in Indonesian language and culture doing the equivalent of a one semester unit over three weeks or two semester units over six weeks. The next program will be held over January and February 2011. Other guests included staff and ladies from the Indonesian Consulate, staff from the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, Republic of Indonesia and CDU; and representatives of the Indonesian Students Association of the NT. For more information about the in-country Indonesian language program go to:

>>http://your.usc.edu.au/wacana/lombok/

CDU establishes PhD scholarship for Timor-Leste women

CDU's Vice Chancellor Professor Barney Glover with His Excellency Mr Joao Cancio Freitas, Timor-Leste's Minister for Education.

Charles Darwin University is expanding its scholarship program for Timor-Leste residents with a PhD scholarship for women valued at more than $AUD 160,000. This initiative is in addition to the Charles Darwin University (CDU) / Ministry of Education (MOE) Timor-Leste Capacity Building Research Scholarship Program; the Charles Darwin University (CDU) / Menzies School of Health Research (MSHR) PhD Health Scholarship Program for the Ministry of Health, Timor-Leste and the Charles Darwin University Visiting Research Fellowships (VRF's) program with 3 being allocated to academic staff from the Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosae (UNTL). This new scholarship initiative will not only contribute to further developing the Northern Territory's near neighbour, but will also provide personal and professional development for the successful woman recipient. The Vice Chancellor announced the scholarship following a meeting at Casuarina Campus with the Timor-Leste Minister for Education, His Excellency Mr Joao Cancio Freitas. The Minister said the scholarship will allow a high-achieving Timor-Leste woman to specialise in an area that is of strategic importance to his country. The scholarship will include a stipend of $25,000 a year, the waiving of tuition fees and six months of intensive English language training.

Mass held in rememberance of the 12th November Santa Cruz Massacre

Members and friends of the Darwin's Timorese community who joined the mass held at the Holy Family Church, Karama.

Darwin's Timorese, Chinese and Portuguese communities along with friends of Timor-Leste celebrated Mass in rememberance of those who died at the gates of the Santra Cruz cemetery in Dili on the 12 November 1991. It is estimated that over 250 East Timorese were killed in the massacre including many of the local youth. The event and its outcomes attracted global attention and action.

Alola Foundation Fundraising dinner a success

The Jape Group Australia is happy to share the blog posted by Ann Turner about the successful fundraising dinner organised last 29 October 2010 at the NTCCA Club, Boulter Road, Marrara. Please click on the following link:

>>http://ferikmalae.blogspot.com/2010/11/timor-leste-flag-autographed-by-xanana.html

"We know that without your attendance, support and kind generosity the Fundraising Dinner would not have been as successful. On behalf of HE Kirsty Sword Gusmao and the Alola Foundation, we sincerely thank you. Your support for Alola will help them achieve their 'Strong Women, Strong Nation' vision."
The Jape Group Australia

Mass in remembrance of the 12th November 1991 Santa Cruz Massacre

flyer promoting a Mass in remembrance of the 12th November 1991 Santa Cruz Massacre, Timor-Leste.

November 12, 1991 is the day when unarmed Timorese youth were massacred at the gates of Santa Cruz cemetery in Dili. This day opened up the plight of the Timorese to the World. For more information, please download the flyer. Flyer(pdf, 184Kb)

CDU represented at Alola Foundation Fundraising Dinner

Members of Darwin's Timorese community perform a traditional dance at the Alola Foundation Fundraising dinner.

CDU's Director of International Strategy and Development, Ms Monica Turvey, accompanied by colleague Ms Sally Hodgetts represented CDU at a recent Timor-Leste Alola Foundation Fundraising Dinner. In the presence of Her Excellency Kirsty Sword Gusmao, members of Darwin's business community generously supported the Foundation through their attendance at the event and the donation or purchase of gifts auctioned during the evening. The Alola Foundation (http://www.alolafoundation.org) which was founded by Ms Sword Gusmao is a not for profit organization engaging in an impressive range of activities in maternal and child health, education, and in empowering women through advocacy and livelihoods initiatives. In an address to the participants, Ms Sword Gusmao outlined the work being pursued by the Foundation which complemented another paper she presented in September at the 33rd Australian Council for Adult Literacy (ACAL) held at CDU's Casuarina Campus. The focus of that address was on the challenges facing Timor-Leste in terms of literacy, for both children and adults.

"Locating Democracy" book published

Dr Steve Farram's book.

A selection of papers presented at the highly regarded symposium Locating Democracy: Representation, Elections and Governance held in Dili on the 26 and 27 April 2010 has been published. Edited by Dr Steve Farram, a research associate at CDU with a particular interest in the history and politics of Timor-Leste, the book includes papers that focused on local government and decentralisation reform policies of the Timor-Leste Government under consideration at the time, including the establishment of municipal assemblies and proposed municipal elections in 2010/2011 with the aim of making democracy more representative. Despite only days before the Symposium the President announcing that more time was needed for the selected districts to be ready for municipal elections (2014 at the earliest), the Symposium went ahead with participants engaged in spirited discussions of the reform process and how best to move forward. Erudition, clarity and a keen comprehension of the issues at hand are features of the papers published. Copies of the book can purchased through CDU Press or using the order form included below.

Email: cdupress@cdu.edu.au
Order Form (pdf, 487Kb)

Indonesian popular music of the early to mid 1960s examined

Dr Steve Farram midway through his presentation.

CDU academic Dr Steve Farram showcased another aspect of his active research portfolio with his recent presentation entitled "Songs for an Unfinished Revolution: Soekarno Government Policies reflected in Indonesian Popular Music of the 1960's." His presentation revealed that throughout the Independence Revolution of 1945-1949 and into the 1950s, Indonesia's President Soekarno promoted 'nationalist music' as a way to unify the Indonesian people, but by the late 1950s he was dismayed by inroads being made by Western popular culture. Soekarno declared that 'the Revolution' would not be complete until all Western influences were removed. Steve's examination of Indonesian popular music of the early to mid 1960s suggested that Soekarno's policies were highly acclaimed. Numerous songs praised Soekarno's leadership and his attempts to reconcile nationalism, religion and communism. Others dealt with his attacks on Western imperialism. Many songs dealt with Soekarno's policy of Confrontation with Malaysia, whose formation in 1963 he considered to be a neo-colonialist plot. The presentation examined the Soekarno policies that were praised in popular songs and tried to understand why these themes were so popular with the Indonesian public. During the seminar a number of songs referred to were played, with English translations provided. Dr Steve Farram is a Research Associate in the School of Creative Arts and Humanities.

Indonesian Movie Workshop

AyatAyat Cinta

The Indonesian Student Association of the NT (PPIA NT) recently held a screening of the popular Indonesian movie AyatAyat Cinta (Verses of Love). AyatAyat Cinta is based on the best-selling novel of the same title by Habiburrahman El Shirazy. It is a romantic, religious film that tells the tale of a virtuous young Muslim man who in the pursuit of marriage, finds himself caught between two beautiful, distinctly different women which results in conflict and a clash of love, trust and religion. Following the movie, audience members were invited to discuss the major themes that arose from the movie.

Social Soccer Competition won by team from Timor-Leste

Members of the winning Crocs 5 a side soccer team. Back (from left): A. De Jesus Pinto, N. Melo, L. Valente and J. Pacheco. Front (from left): O. De Araujo and D. Marques Da Costa Freitas.

Soldiers from Timor-Leste formed two teams: United and Crocs, to compete in the CDU Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Top End Invitational Social Soccer Competition. Students and staff from LLN, CDU's Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) and ACL Darwin English Language Centre (ACL) also entered teams. Games were held every Friday. The Grand Final, held on Friday 3 September 2010 was a play off between Crocs and United. Both teams played hard with Olderico De Araujo, the Crocs' Captain leading his team to victory scoring 3 goals to United's 1. Goal scorers for Crocs were: Lazaro Valente (1) and Nicolau Melo (2). Albino De Assis scored for United. Following the Grand Final, trophies were presented to the winning team and the season's top goal scorer Jose Daci Buti. Everyone relaxed and enjoyed a BBQ. Thanks go to Philippa Hamilton-Smith (LLN) for organising the Competition.

NFIH hosts End of Year Dinner

Residents and guests enjoying the NFIH 2010 End of Year Dinner.

Popular CDU on campus accommodation facility North Flinders International House (NFIH) hosted its 2010 End of Year Dinner on Wednesday 22 September. Approximately 250 residents and guests enjoyed an evening under the stars. The theme for this year's event was "Peace and Harmony" and celebrated the friendships and experiences shared over the year by residents of NFIH. During the dinner the recipient of the prestigious Resident of the Year Award was announced. The Award is presented to the resident who has consistently demonstrated leadership, motivation, encouragement and maturity in their engagement with residential peers and approach to their studies. This year the winner was Peter Clouting. Several NFIH residents from Indonesia and Timor-Leste attended the event. They collectively agreed that the dinner was one of the highlights of the activities and events calendar coordinated by NFIH which made their stay at NFIH a most enjoyable and memorable experience.

Research progress on the taxonomic and evolutionary framework of freshwater crayfish reported

Rury Eprilurahman at work on his Master project.

Academic member of the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia and a currently enrolled CDU Master by Research student, Rury Eprilurahman, recently made a presentation outlining the progress made to date with his research project. His Master project is investigating the molecular genetics and evolution of freshwater crayfish of the Genus Cherax (Decapoda: Parastacidae) while his current research is focused on northern Australian and New Guinean freshwater crayfish species using mitochondrial genes (12S, 16S, and COI) and nuclear genes (GAPDH and 28S) to build the relationship between species. Molecular researches of freshwater crayfish of the Genus Cherax from northern group (Papua-Indonesia, northern Australia and Papua New Guinea) are still limited. This genus represents one of the most common and well known groups of freshwater crayfish in the region. The principal aim of this project is to place these poorly known species of the Genus Cherax into a taxonomic and evolutionary framework using molecular genetic data. Rury's supervisors are: Prof. Chris Austin, Dr. Vivian Wei, and Dr. Mark Schultz - all from CDU's School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Health maps help prevent disease in Indonesia

A vital health program in Indonesia is helping to assist local communities to restore health and prevent disease. Charles Darwin University Senior Research Fellow Dr Bronwyn Myers said basic health levels in Indonesia were a major concern, especially maternal and neonatal health and particularly among the poor, rural communities of eastern Indonesia. For the whole article, please click on the following link:

New book published about the Australian Consulate in Portuguese Timor

Dr Farram with a copy of his recently published book.

Prolific CDU Research Associate and author, Dr Steve Farram has recently had published a new book entitled "A Short-Lived Enthusiasm: The Australian Consulate in Portuguese Timor". The book, illustrated with many rare photographs, seeks to discover why it was that Australia established the Dili consulate with such enthusiasm in 1946, but by late 1949 was considering withdrawing its consul and closing the facility altogether. Dr Farram has published widely on the history and politics of East Timor, Indonesia and the Northern Territory. It is coincidental that the first Australian Consul appointed to Portuguese Timor - Mr Charles Eaton - was a pioneer aviator in the Northern Territory and the subject of another book entitled "Charles "Moth" Eaton: Pioneer Aviator in the Northern Territory" also authored by Dr Farram. Copies of the book can purchased through CDU Press. Email: cdupress@cdu.edu.au

HE Kirsty Sword Gusmao presents at 33rd ACAL Conference held at CDU

HE Kirsty Sword Gusmao presents her keynote address at this year’s ACAL Conference.

The Australian Council for Adult Literacy (ACAL) promotes adult literacy and numeracy policy and practice. This year, CDU was the venue for its 33rd Annual Conference, the theme being ‘Hands up... Hands on... ’. The focus of this year‘s Conference was on how members can make a difference through their work in adult literacy and numeracy. ACAL is currently in the process of forging links with educators in Timor-Leste and was privileged this year to secure HE Kristy Sword Gusmao, Timor-Leste’s First lady, Chairwoman of the Alola Foundation and her countr’s Goodwill Ambassador for Education as a keynote speaker. The focus of her address was on the challenges facing Timor-Leste in terms of literacy, for both children and adults. Her presentation discussed her involvement in the establishment of a National Language Policy for Timor-Leste and the importance of citizens learning to read and write in their own mother tongue. She elaborated on the complexities of Timor-Leste, with 17 National languages and two official languages; as well as the importance of its implementation at both practical and policy levels. In celebration of HE Kirsty Sword Gusmao’s participation at the Conference and ACAL’s efforts to forge links with Timorese educators, ACAL awarded three scholarships to selected Timorese to allow their attendance at the ACAL Pre-Conference Forum entitled ‘At the front line: context, pedagogy and practice’ (9 September 2010) held at the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT and the ACAL Conference (10 – 11 September 2010). The scholarships included Forum and Conference registration, airfares and a travel allowance. Scholarships were awarded to: Mr Jose Monteiro, National Coordinator for Inclusive Education, Ministry of Education, Mr Marcos Antonio Amaral, Dean of Faculdade de Ciencias da Educacao, Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL) and Mrs Inacia Tamele from the Alola Foundation. Mr Jose Monteiro also presented a paper entitled ‘Inclusive Education in Timor-Leste’ while Mr Marcos Amaral presented a paper entitled ‘The Problem of Languages in Teaching and Learning Processes’.

Ambassador-Designate to Indonesia visits CDU

Professor Bob Wasson (left) and Mr Greg Moriarty (right) in CDU’s Indonesian garden.

Mr Greg Moriarty, Ambassador-Designate to Indonesia visited CDU on Tuesday 14 September and met with Professor Bob Wasson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation; and senior academic and administrative staff. The visit was a pre-posting consultation to gather information about CDU’s activities in Indonesia including its international student recruitment activity and current enrolments; active and current relationships with partner institutions; collaborative research activities; and other CDU achievements and initiatives in the region. Professor Wasson also took Mr Moriarty on a tour of CDU’s beautiful Indonesian garden.

CDU student selected to represent Australia in Indonesia.

Matt Couzens (front) with his Indonesian lecturer Dr Richard Curtis (back) pictured in CDU’s Indonesia Garden.

Matthew Couzens, enrolled in CDU’s Bachelor of Arts, International Relations has been selected to represent Australia for two months in December 2010 and January 2011 as a member of the Australian Indonesia Youth Exchange Program (AIYEP). Open to young people around Australia between the ages of 21 and 25, Matt is the only recipient from the Northern Territory. Matt, born and raised in the Territory, said he couldn‘t wait to immerse himself into a completely different language, lifestyle and culture. ‘Although I am a Territorian, my background is Indonesian and I‘ve always wanted to experience the culture and find out about my roots,’ he said. With a view to enter International Relations in the south-east Asia region on completion of his degree, Matt believes the experience abroad will provide invaluable career experience. Matt’s Indonesian Lecturer and Coordinator of CDU’s Indonesian language programs, Dr Richard Curtis, said CDU students such as Matt also had the opportunity to study Indonesian language and culture in-country as part of their degree program. ‘In January-February each year we run an intensive Indonesian in-country program at the University of Mataram in Lombok,’ he said. ‘Here small daily language classes, catering for total beginners through to those with advanced language skills, are integrated with a variety of cultural activities and excursions.’ For more information on Indonesian studies at CDU contact Dr Richard Curtis on 08 8946 7171 or at richard.curtis@cdu.edu.au

CDU PPIANT representatives attend events in Melbourne.

Muamaroh Maftuhin (Aam) presents her paper at the KIPI Conference.

The Chairman of the recently inaugurated Perhimpunan Pelajar Indonesia Australia - Northern Territory (PPIANT) branch – Achmad Maulana Miraz - recently attended two major events in Melbourne organised by the parent body PPIA. The first – the Konferensi International Pelajar Indonesia (KIPI) focused on the theme ‘Thinking of home while away: The contribution of Indonesian students studying overseas for education in Indonesia’. The Conference attracted speakers from within Australia and around the world including Egypt, the UK, the USA and Taiwan. Well known CDU PhD student Muamaroh Maftuhin (Aam) presented a paper entitled "Action Research on improving Indonesian Student Autonomy in Speaking English" produced as part of her doctoral studies. The second major event was the 17th Annual PPIA Congress and election of the incoming Chairperson for the 2010/2011 term. Two candidates could not be separated at the end of polling with the agreed outcome being that Mochamad Subhan Zein would take the position of Chairperson and Dirgayuza Setiawan the position of Vice Chairperson. The Congress also provided an opportunity for members to create new and consolidate established networks and connections, and exchange ideas.

CDU PhD student delivers cultural briefing to Australian Defence Force Personnel.

PhD student Kate Reid-Smith at her CDU desk.

CDU PhD student Kate Reid-Smith recently participated in a cross-cultural briefing for a group of around 100 Australian Defence Force (ADF) Personnel who are soon to be deployed to Timor-Leste. She prepared a customised 12 slide powerpoint presentation which contains valuable advice and insight into developing intercultural awareness to bridge the Australian/Timor-Leste culture gap. Kate previously worked as an ADF Officer and over her lengthy career was often deployed to Southeast Asia including Timor-Leste, as well as undertaking her own travel to Timor-Leste due to her personal interest in the empowerment of Timorese women.

Timor-Leste Referendum Day Celebrated!

The celebrations featured lots of singing, dancing and eating.

The Darwin community, including its many Timorese residents, commemorated on Sunday 29 August the anniversary of Timor-Leste’s Referendum Day with a Mass held at St Paul’s Catholic Church, Rapid Creek followed by lunch and energetic celebrations! Timor-Leste’s historic Referendum Day was initially held on the 30 August 1999. The objective was for the people of East Timor to choose between autonomy within Indonesia and independence. Independence was the clear choice. Timor-Leste subsequently became a fully independent republic on the 20 May 2002 and the Referendum Day is commemorated annually.

Reference Group Member Wins National Award

Indonesia and Timor-Leste Reference Group member and CDU lecturer Jeswynn Yogaratnam, was recently named the winner of the Australasian Law Teachers Association‘s (ALTA) Best Early Career Academic Conference Paper Award. He was honoured for his academic work involving Guantanamo Bay.

>>Click here to read the article

Timorese Visiting Research Fellow makes presentation

Antero Benedito da Silva mid-way through his presentation on the 27 August.

Antero Benedito da Silva, an academic and Visiting Research Fellow from the Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosae (UNTL), Timor-Leste recently presented his research paper entitled Understanding Adult Education in remote indigenous communities in Northern Territory. The Visiting Research Fellowship is an initiative of the Vice Chancellor and is offered to suitably qualified academic staff from selected partner universities. The selected Fellow is required to undertake joint research work over a period of up to 12 weeks in an area of mutual research interest and where CDU has the expertise and staff availability to provide the appropriate level of support.  In Antero&rsquo's case, he worked along side Ruth Wallace from the School of Education.

Timorese student enrolled in mixed mode studies at CDU

From left - Domingos (second left) with Lorraine Sushames (left), Fran Gusthart (second right) and Judy Parkinson (right).

Domingos Moniz, Chief of the Human Resource Department, Timor-Leste Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF), has enrolled in a CDU Certificate IV in Human Resources Management through mixed-mode delivery.

Mixed-mode study is a form of tertiary education where students undertake accredited courses of study through a combination of distance education and ‘residential’ periods of intensive face-to-face teaching.

This means that Domingos can continue his senior role at MAF whilst studying. CDU VET staff will visit Timor-Leste regularly to provide in-country support and monitor his progress over the duration of the course.

Domingos attended a 2 day orientation program on the 3 and 4 August at Casuarina Campus. The program gave him an overview of the course and its structure and how the training would be delivered.

An afternoon tea hosted by Judy Parkinson, Team Leader, Business Advanced, Business and Service Industries was held to welcome Domingos to CDU. It also enabled him to meet the VET staff who will be integral to his successful progression throughout the course – in particular, Fran Gusthart, VET Lecturer, Business.

CDU Law Academic Presents Workshop in Timor-Leste

Jeswynn Yogaratnam (right) with workshop participants.

CDU Law academic Jeswynn Yogaratnam conducted a workshop from the 9 – 14 June 2010 with the NGO – Judicial System Monitoring Programme (JSMP) in Timor-Leste.

The workshop was part of an AusAID grant awarded last year to Jeswynn and his colleague Dr Suzanne Belton for work on Domestic Violence in Timor-Leste.

During the workshop, participants discussed the implications of the proposed Domestic Violence Law on the ‘stakeholders’ of Domestic Violence – police, the prosecution service, lawyers, the medical profession, social justice organisations and the community as a whole.

As part of Jeswynn’s fact finding mission to understand the background of the law and its future direction, he had discussions with leaders and government advisors who crafted the proposed Domestic Violence Law - the UN, Asia Foundation and GTZ (a German NGO).

The Editor of a leading periodical (Tempo Semangal), Mr Jose Belo, also invited him to co-write in the national column on Domestic Violence developments and other socio-justice issues.

The workshop is the first stage of a year long project (May 2010 – June 2010).  Jeswynn’s colleague, Dr Suzanne Belton (Chief Investigator) is expected to return to Timor-Leste later in the year to monitor the data collection process and run further training.

Indonesia Independence Day Celebrated!

Acting Consul, His Excellency Mr. Bambang Daranindra salutes the Indonesian flag as it is raised by young members of PASKIBRAKA (flag raising troops).

Acting Consul, His Excellency Mr. Bambang Daranindra salutes the Indonesian flag as it is raised by young members of PASKIBRAKA (flag raising troops).

The Darwin community including its many Indonesian residents celebrated Indonesia’s Independence Day on 17 August with a traditional flag raising ceremony.

The Day represents official acknowledgement by the Netherlands of Indonesia’s independence from colonial rule declaring the 17 August 1945 as Indonesia’s independence date.

BYAR performs at CDU

BYAR performs in CDU’s beautiful Indonesian Garden.

BYAR (Pron. ‘bee-are’) a multi-instrumental quartet whose music features the instruments, sounds and stories of Bali performed at CDU’s beautiful Indonesian Garden on Tuesday 3 August.

‘Byar’ is a word used in Bali to describe the sound of an entire gamelan striking a powerful chord together.

The instrumentation of the group encompasses a variety of traditional gamelans including beleganjur (the marching gamelan), kecak (the monkey dance) and gender wayang (shadow puppet instruments).

BYAR was presented by CDU in conjunction with Musica Viva in Schools, and the NT Music School.

CDU trains Timorese Defence Personnel

From left - Timorese PhD student Delfim Ferreira welcomes compatriots Alderico de Araujo (OIde), Jose Das Buti (Buti) and Doni Domingos Martins (Martins) to CDU.

The Language and Literacy Division of CDU is currently training 11 members of the Falintil-Forca Defesa de Timor-Leste (F-FDTL).

The group is completing a 6 month intensive General Education course which includes extension activities to broaden their general education, as well as English language, literacy and numeracy.

The expected outcomes of the program are to reduce the educational gap between the East Timorese and Australian education systems and to prepare participants for progression to high-end military and other courses, either elsewhere in Australia or in a number of other countries.

The group were recently welcomed to CDU at a morning tea hosted by staff of the Language and Literacy Division.

Partnership helps build English skills in Timor Leste

The CDU Language and Literacy Division is working with ConocoPhillips to improve the English language and literacy skills of ConocoPhillips employees in Dili, Timor Leste.

View the full news article

Free Concert in Indonesian Gardens

CDU, Music Viva in Schools and the NT Music School present Byar, a multi-instrumental quartet whose music features the instruments, sounds and stories of Bali.

Tuesday August 3rd

4:15pm - 5:00pm

Indonesian Garden, CDU Casuarina Campus

CDU Academic holds Legal Writing Workshop in Indonesia

Mr Danial Kelly, Lecturer in Law, has held a Legal Writing Workshop at the Universitas Gajah Mada (UGM) in Jogjkarta. The five day workshop ran from the 5 - 9th July 2010 and focused on structured legal problem solving and methods of statutory interpretation.

Diplomatic Appointment - Ambassador to Indonesia

CDU hosts academic delegation from UMS, Indonesia

Ibu Rina Trisnawati (left) and Mrs Jyoti Vemuri.

The Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), Indonesia is one of CDU’s valued institutional partners. CDU and UMS are working together towards strengthening ties of friendship and cooperation for the purpose of promoting their common interests in education and research.Common interests include: research collaboration and research training; staff exchange; joint delivery of degrees; and student exchange.

Currently, CDU is hosting six senior staff members from the Economics Faculty at UMS. They are participating in a 20 week program that includes 10 weeks of intensive English language training as well as 10 weeks working along side staff of the School of Law and Business to audit the CDU Bachelor of Commerce course; review the relevant teaching materials; and observe teaching methodologies and assessment procedures. The group has also been introduced to Learnline, CDU’s online learning environment.

The aim of this visit is for the UMS academic staff to gain greater proficiency in the English language, and to progress the development of an international undergraduate 3 + 1 year twinning program in the Bachelor of Commerce.

The UMS staff have also accepted invitations to present in selected areas of study. Ibu Rina Trisnawati presented on the topic Auditing Practice in Indonesia during a recent Auditing Principles class taught by CDU lecturer Mrs Jyoti Vemuri.

Ibu Rina compared the auditing practices of Australia with the auditing practices of Indonesia. A major difference she identified between the two systems was the inclusion in the Indonesian model of Shariah Standards based on the Islamic values of fairness, honesty, accountability, responsibility and truth, also the central doctrine of UMS.

Ibu Rina hopes to pursue further, research collaboration and subsequent publication with Mrs Jyoti Vemuri as encouraged by the CDU/UMS Memoranda of Understanding.

CDU academic conducts health mapping training course in remote, rural eastern Indonesia

CDU academic Rohan Fisher instructs participants at the recent health mapping training course held in remote, rural eastern Indonesia.

CDU School of Environment and Life Sciences (SELS) researcher Rohan Fisher recently returned from West Timor after conducting an intensive training course in health mapping for local health department staff. The 30 participants came from islands all over the eastern Indonesian province of Nusa Tenggara Timur to learn innovative low cost techniques for epidemiological and health infrastructure mapping.

Using free and open source geographic information software (GIS) along with inexpensive mobile phone based field data collection tools, district health staff developed skills to analyse and improve the quality of their health data.

Previous participants in this AusAID funded program presented results from their health mapping activities. A broad range of examples were given of how health mapping is now being used to inform health resource allocation, project development and advocacy including: comprehensive health service audits in remote, regional districts; innovative maternal and neonatal health analysis including the mobile mapping of pregnant women to ensure access to trained health staff for birth.

Participants commented that their previous exposure to GIS technology had been inappropriately complex and expensive whilst the software and training material developed by CDU allowed for the easy adoption and integration of spatial mapping into their daily work. Rohan commented that the results so far showed a revolution in spatial data use, whereas GIS is usually in the hands of a techno-elite, this project has given the power of spatial visualisation to empower better service delivery to rural health workers in a developing country.

For more information visit the project website: http://healthpslp.cdu.edu.au/index.html

Short course in Law proves popular at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Indonesia

Jeswynn Yogaratnam stands proud as the Dean presents prizes to the top performing students at his law short course. Participants had to present on a case study relating to a Corporate Debacle from the perspective of a ‘conscionable’ corporate lawyer.

CDU academic Jeswynn Yogaratnam‘s short course on Corporations Law conducted from the 10 – 15 September 2009 at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) Indonesia, proved so popular that he has been invited back to do a series of similar workshops to be held annually.

The September 2009 course had a special focus on Corporate Debacles, Corporate Governance and Directors‘ Duties. It was hosted by the International Law Program Department of UGM. It was attended by both undergraduate and postgraduate students of UGM and other universities across Indonesia.

The course also featured comparative discussions on the laws in Indonesia. The four day session was approached in a workshop style where students presented their work on the final day. Each team presented a case study on Corporate Debacles in Indonesia with the hindsight of both Australian and Indonesian laws. The medium of instruction was in English but Bahasa Indonesia was spoken intermittently for more complex discussions. UGM provided an interpreter to assist with these discussions.

UGM has not only requested that similar workshops be held annually, it has offered to sponsor two CDU academics a year to run on-demand law short courses at UGM.

Fellow CDU academic Danial Kelly will conduct a short course on legal research and writing in June while Jeswynn will return to UGM in November to conduct a short course on a human rights topic relating to asylum seekers - ‘myths and truths’.

New Graduates from Timor Leste

The SELS graduates and their supervisors from left: Mr Fernando Egidio Amaral, Dr Rengkang Peng, Prof Keith Christian, Ms Maria Odette do ceu Guterres, and Dr Penny Wurm.

Ms Maria Odette do Ceu Guterres and Mr Fernando Egidio Amaral, both senior and respected public servants with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF), Timor-Leste graduated recently from CDU with a Master of Tropical Environmental Management.

Both graduates presented their final seminar outlining the research pursued into the cashew industry in Timor-Leste. Their studies investigated the current status of the cashew production and factors limiting production, as well as the potential for weaver ants to act as bio-control agents, thus clearing the way for a revitalised organic cashew industry in Timor-Leste.

Their projects involved field work in Timor-Leste, under the supervision of Professor Keith Christian, Dr Rengkang Peng and Dr Penny Wurm and were completed in partial fulfilment of their respective Master of Tropical Environmental Management programs. Their studies will continue under the auspices of a 5 year cashew project to be undertaken as a partnership between CDU and the Timor-Leste MAF.

Their research topics were:

Ms Odette do ceu Guterres:
Exploration of the Main Factors Causing Low Yield of Cashews (Anacardium Occidentale L.) in Timor-Leste

Mr Fernando Amaral:
Trials on the Sustainability of Transplanted Weaver Ants for Biocontrol in Cashew Growing Areas in Timor-Leste

Asia Pacific Conference (ASPACC) on Health Law held in Manado, Indonesia 19-22 May 2010

High level international panelists discussing the need for a manifesto for biosecurity and bioethics in Manado, Northern Sulawesi, Indonesia

CDU academics Ruth Wallace and Professor Ian Falk, Project Leader Australian Cooperative Research Centre for National Plant Biosecurity (AusIndoBIOCOM) presented papers at the recent Asia Pacific Conference on Health Law held in Manado Indonesia.

The Conference focused on matters of biosecurity associated with the environment, economic development and environmental health of the region. The consensus of discussions held at the Conference was that Indonesia should be prepared in order to face the risks and threats of biosecurity.

Part of the preparation suggested was for Indonesia to engage in collaborative activities involving cross-ecological as well as cross-administration between neighbouring countries.

The key threat identified was foreign organisms entering an area, either intentionally or accidentally and attacking plants, animals and natural ecosystems. Entry could be via passenger transportation and imported food products, as well as natural events such as wildlife migration between continents and wind storms. Biosecurity management is therefore a strategy to protect the local economy, the traditional food products and natural ecosystems from this threat. To ensure a stable ecological integrity and maintain ongoing protection of social and economic growth, it was suggested that a synchronization and integration between law and public rights in Indonesia should occur. To do so, it was suggested that Indonesia needs to formulate a strategic plan that identifies potential biosecurity risks that can become a major threat to the economy and environmental health, and to build a national and regional network of cooperation in order to be able to anticipate all forms of potential biosecurity threats.

For more information visit the conference website: http://aspacc-hlaw2010.com/