17/06/2026
Nusantara in Melbourne: Celebrating Indonesian Heritage Abroad brought Indonesian traditions to life for audiences across Victoria, offering an immersive cultural experience that showcased the richness of the archipelago.
Hosted by the Australia Indonesia Youth Association (AIYA) Victoria Chapter and the Indonesian Diaspora Network (IDN) Victoria Chapter at the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Melbourne on Saturday 13 June 2026, the event highlighted the richness and diversity of Indonesian culture through a range of interactive activities and performances. Nusantara in Melbourne continues to grow as a platform that strengthens connections between Indonesian and Australian communities.
This year's event marked a deeper collaboration between AIYA Victoria and IDN Victoria, aimed at promoting cultural understanding and fostering stronger engagement between Indonesians and Australians across the country.
Ian Darmawan, Chairperson of AIYA Victoria, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to building stronger people-to-people connections and increasing appreciation of Indonesian culture in Australia. Meanwhile, Devi Shanty, Chairperson of IDN Victoria, described the event as a celebration of the rich cultural tapestry of Nusantara, highlighting the traditions, creativity, and enduring spirit of Indonesia's diverse archipelago.
The Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Melbourne, Yohanes Jatmiko Heru Prasetyo, welcomed the collaboration between the two organisations. He said the partnership contributes to stronger dialogue between Australia and Indonesia and helps deepen bilateral relations.
One of the event highlights was a Sasando performance by Yona, who combined a moving Indonesian song Indonesia Pusaka with the Australian classic Waltzing Matilda. The performance symbolised the close cultural ties between the two countries and set the stage for a panel discussion featuring speakers from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds.
Panelists included Helen Brown from the Australia-Indonesia Centre, Yacinta Kurniasih from Monash University, John Cheong-Holdaway from Gamelan DanAnda, and Merantau author and designer Kris Redden and Ruby Healey. The discussion with Ahimsa Swadeshi moderating.
Helen emphasised that while news media naturally reports events through the lens of its own national perspective, journalists can do more to provide context and nuance beyond the facts. She believes this approach can foster a deeper understanding of each other's cultures and strengthen cross-cultural connections.
Yacinta highlighted that Indonesian is one of the few Asian languages officially recognised within Australia's education system and is taught in schools across the country as part of the national curriculum.
John expressed optimism about the future of Australia–Indonesia relations, noting that the partnership between the two countries has significant untapped potential and could become much stronger in the years ahead.
Kris reflected on the challenges of translating Indonesian expressions into English while writing Merantau. He explained that many Indonesian words carry cultural meanings and emotional nuances that are difficult to convey directly in another language, illustrating how deeply cultural experiences are embedded within language.
The afternoon also featured a range of interactive activities, including a batik and craft workshop led by Sisca Dart, an angklung workshop facilitated by Razam Bahri and Meutia Saat from the Indonesian Consulate in Melbourne, and Indonesian line dancing led by Alfa and Rose. Participants enjoyed performing angklung to song Ed Sheeran's Perfect and line dance with East Nusa Tenggara favourites such as Ikan Nae Di Pante.
Both organisations said the partnership would help promote Indonesian language education, increase public understanding of Australia–Indonesia relations, and expand community engagement through their respective networks.
Importantly, the event provided an accessible platform for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience Indonesian culture while strengthening the longstanding friendship between Australia and Indonesia.
INDONESIAN CULTURAL HERITAGE WAS BROUGHT TO LIFE AT NUSANTARA IN ME...
