In partnership with the Australian Embassy in Indonesia and the Australia Indonesia Association of New South Wales, join us for an afternoon of story-telling as we launch two important new historical resources that depict Australia's role in supporting Indonesia's independence and help commemorate Indonesia's 75th anniversary.
Two Nations: A friendship is born, Australia and Indonesia 1945–1949 is an online exhibition that explores the strong bonds that united Australia with Indonesia during the struggle to uphold Indonesian independence.
From the initial actions of maritime workers who boycotted Dutch ships returning to re-colonise Indonesia after World War II, to Australia co-sponsoring the admission of Indonesia to the United Nations in 1950, the bonds between the two nations were both personal and political.
The exhibition contains historical images, videos and documents sourced from the Australian National Maritime Museum and other archives and collections, as well as personal accounts and research by historians.
Two Nations – A Friendship is Born will be a valuable, accessible and lasting online resource for all – both Indonesians and Australians – to understand an important period of shared histories.
Anton and Me: When Merdeka came to Sydney is an autobiography by Australian author Charlotte Maramis that tells the story of Indonesia's struggle for independence from the perspective of a young Charlotte "Lottie" Reid. Lottie's story takes us from the bustling streets of Sydney during World War II, where she meets and falls in love with Indonesian ship purser Anton Maramis, to Jakarta in the years following Indonesia's declaration of independence.
Her story encapsulates the political drama that unfolds as Australians support the Indonesian struggle, highlighting the long and enduring people-to-people links between our two nations.
Check back on Wednesday, 26 August at 4 pm to live stream the launch event below
This event will be presented in Bahasa Indonesia and English
Header image: Australian military observers being welcomed by Republican officers in Yogyakarta on 14 September 1947. Image courtesy National Library of Australia
