Aussie to award 300 postgraduate scholarships to RI

Jakarta, NU Online
Australia is to award 300 postgraduate scholarships to Indonesians in the 2010 round of the Australian Development Scholarships (ADS).

According to an Australian Embassy media release issued on Wednesday, the scholarships would give Indonesians the chance to extend their education and contribute to the future of Indonesia.<>

"Australian Development Scholarships have been an important part of our relations for over 50 years," Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Bill Farmer said.

"These postgraduate scholarships will help enhance the skills and knowledge of Indonesians through study in Australia," Farmer added.

Amongst the 300 awardees are officers from the Government of Indonesia`s Center for Medicine and Health Services, INP (DokPol), the lead agency for disaster victim identification in Indonesia.

The Australian and Indonesian governments have worked side by side following a series of disasters, including the 2002 and 2005 Bali bombings, 2008 Victorian bush fires and the 2009 Jakarta hotel bombings.

"The Australian and Indonesian governments share a commitment to Indonesia`s development and working together in the face of disaster," Farmer said.

He said the officers from Indonesia`s Center for Medicine and Health Services were amongst an elite group of talented Indonesians who would strengthen the people to people links between the two countries.

The 2010 awardees will study in fields important to Indonesia?s development including economic management, good governance, health, education, democracy and justice, and safety and peace. (ant/dar)