EduAsiaNews, Jimbaran – Udayana University (Unud), in collaboration with the Australian Embassy and the Australian Consulate General in Bali, held the 2026 AussieBanget University Roadshow, titled “Bridging Futures: Youth Leadership, Cultural Exchange, and People-to-People Connections in the Australia–Indonesia Relationship,” which took place in the 3rd Floor Hall of the Udayana University Library, Jimbaran Campus, on Tuesday (June 2, 2026). This event provided a forum for discussion for students, academics, and various stakeholders to strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and Australia through education, cultural exchange, and youth leadership.
The event was opened by the Vice Rector for Planning, Cooperation, and Information of Udayana University, Prof. Dr. Eng. Ir. Made Sucipta, S.T., M.T., IPM., representing the Rector of Udayana University. In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor expressed his appreciation to the Australian Embassy, the Australian Consulate General in Bali, and all parties who supported the event.
“The theme of this event is highly relevant to an increasingly connected world. Collaboration, mutual understanding, and cultural engagement are crucial factors in strengthening international relations. Universities have a strategic role in preparing young people with a global perspective, cross-cultural competence, and the ability to collaborate to face future challenges,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor also emphasized that Udayana University has established various partnerships with educational institutions and organizations in Australia, including student and faculty mobility, joint research, academic exchanges, capacity building, and various other collaborative programs that make a real contribution to the advancement of education and innovation.
Meanwhile, the Australian Consul General in Bali, Jo Stevens, stated that the relationship between Australia and Indonesia is built not only through government cooperation, but also through strong people-to-people ties, especially among the younger generation.
“Today you will also hear about the Australia Awards, one of Indonesia’s oldest scholarship programs. This program empowers talented Indonesians to study in Australia and brings new perspectives, optimism, and renewed energy to our bilateral relationship,” said Jo Stevens.
He also highlighted the strong relationship between Udayana University and Australia, which has been forged through various forms of academic collaboration.
“Udayana University and Australia have collaborated for many years through academic partnerships, dual degree programs, student exchanges, joint research, and of course, the Aussie Banget Corner. Udayana University was the first university in Bali to have an Aussie Banget Corner, and we are proud to have re-inaugurated the facility this past January,” he explained.
Jo Stevens encouraged students to utilize the Aussie Banget Corner located in the Udayana University Central Library as a source of information about Australia and study opportunities there.
“I encourage all students to visit the Aussie Banget Corner, explore the various books and materials available, and take advantage of the wealth of information about Australia and study opportunities that can open up new opportunities for the future,” he added.
On that occasion, Jo Stevens also introduced the speakers present, namely Dr. Kirrilee Hughes, an international education professional and researcher with extensive experience in the Southeast Asia region, and Laksmi DeNeefe Suardana, Puteri Indonesia 2022 and Ambassador of the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival who actively promotes literacy, culture, and cross-cultural communication.
The panel discussion, moderated by Putu Ayu Asty Senja Pratiwi, Ph.D., featured three keynote speakers: Dr. Kirrilee Hughes, an international education professional and researcher with extensive experience in Southeast Asia; Prof. I Nyoman Darma Putra, a lecturer at the Faculty of Humanities, Udayana University; and Laksmi DeNeefe Suardana, Puteri Indonesia 2022 and Ubud Writers & Readers Festival Ambassador who actively promotes literacy, culture, and cross-cultural communication. The speakers discussed the importance of youth leadership, cultural exchange, education, and the use of digital platforms in strengthening bilateral relations between Indonesia and Australia. The discussion also highlighted how the younger generation can contribute to building an inclusive, creative, and sustainable relationship between the two countries.
Through this activity, Udayana University and the Australian Consulate General in Bali hope that more students will be inspired to broaden their international horizons, build global networks, and take an active role in strengthening Indonesia-Australia relations through education, culture, research, and various other forms of collaboration.
