RI, Australia run youth exchange in Lombok

Panca Nugraha, The Jakarta Post, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara

Despite the ups and downs in diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Australia, young people from both countries have been finding success as ambassadors when they venture abroad.

At least 18 Australian and 18 Indonesian youth are participating in the Australia-Indonesia Youth Exchange Program (AIYEP) this year.

Australian participants moved in with host families in Sigerongan village in West Lombok on Dec. 17, and would stay two months, said AIYEP's Australian coordinator Edward Russell.

"We are so happy and so surprised to find hundreds of local residents welcome us. At first I thought we would be greeted by only a dozens residents here," said Russell on Sunday.

"We have had no problems staying here. The local residents are so kind. I have tried the local food, like pelecing kangkung -- boiled-water spinach with traditional chili sauce. That's very hot but so delicious," said participant Janet Courtis.

During their stay AIYEP participants plan to set up programs focused on education, environmental awareness and sport and youth activities.

"We have also arranged futsal and badminton games here," said the AIYEP's Indonesia coordinator, Lutfi Nur Rosyidi.

Lufti said AIYEP participants would help build badminton courts and teach English to elementary students and local residents.

"(And) we have explained to residents that we do not want to set up physical programs only, but we also want to encourage people here to take care of their environment," Edward added.

In October, Indonesian youth visited Australia for two months, splitting the time between Melbourne and Mildura, a small town about six hours from Melbourne. Participants lived like families with their host parents, said Lufti.

AIYEP was first introduced by the Australian Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministries and the Indonesian Sport and Youth Ministry in 1981.

"The program is aimed at providing participants with an understanding of Indonesian and Australian ways of life," said AIYEP spokesman Abdul.

The head of Sigerongan village, Mustiadi, said he was happy to welcome AIYEP participants to his village.

"Residents here are also happy because they can have the experience of cultural exchange. We are so proud that our village has been chosen by the government to join this program," Mustiadi said.

Edwards said cultural exchange was at the heart of the program.

"By following this program, we know that Australians and Indonesians can live together in harmony," Edwards said.