Languages

Declan Chandler – VILTA scholarship to the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra

A few weekends ago, I visited Canberra on a scholarship from the Victorian Indonesian Language Teachers’ Association. After writing an essay in Indonesian on the implications of social media on Indonesian culture, and a ten-minute interview in Indonesian, myself and four other students from throughout Victoria were selected for this program. We stayed near the embassy for two nights, while exploring the sights of Canberra and attending the Indonesian Embassy.

The crux of the program, however, was attending the Upacara Bendera (Flag Raising Ceremony) on Indonesia’s Independence Day, the 17th August, and meeting the Ambassador for Indonesia to Australia, Dr. Siswo Pramono. Independence Day commemorates Indonesia’s declaration of independence from the Netherlands, and is a hugely important event for the Indonesian people. Participating in the ceremony was an incredible experience, and it really deepened my understanding of Indonesia and its culture. 

I would like to thank the BHS Indonesian department and the VILTA for this opportunity, and remind other students that opportunities like this are always available for willing students! Studying a language brings a vast array of benefits, and can create many pathways - especially Indonesian, due to the closeness of Australia and Indonesia, both geographically and otherwise.

- Declan Chandler, 11A