VILTA Canberra Scholarship

This past August I was awarded the amazing opportunity to participate in the 2026 VILTA Canberra Scholarship as part of the Indonesian Independence Day celebrations in Canberra.

This was an incredible experience that allowed me to meet with other Victorian students and teachers passionate about learning Bahasa Indonesia, and gain deeper insight into the importance of Hari Kemerdekaan Indonesia (Indonesian Independence Day). 

On the morning of August 17th, we attended the Upacara Bendera (flag raising ceremony)at the Indonesian embassy. There we listened to the reading of the Pancasila (state ideology of Indonesia), and witnessed the flag bearers in ceremonial uniform, hoist the Sang Merah Putih (Indonesia Flag). The ceremony was a humbling and awe inspiring display of national pride, and international unity between Australia and Indonesia.

For the afternoon, we made a visit to Parliament House to meet the Hon Tim Watts MP. Currently serving as the special envoy for Indian ocean affairs, Tim shared with us his belief in the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with our closest neighbour Indonesia. 

My hope is that this reflection inspires other students here at MECS to continue to study Bahasa Indonesia into Year 12, and take up opportunities like this to grow their love for language learning.

Bo A

Year 12 Student