Mataram, the University of Mataram – the University of Mataram (Unram) welcomed the arrival of the Australian Consulate General in Bali, Anthea Griffin on Wednesday (30/8) in the Rector’s Meeting Room, Unram Rectorate. The visit was aimed to discuss a cooperation opportunities that could be collaborated and then continued with giving a public lecture by Anthea to Unram students.

Unram Rector, Prof. Ir. Bambang Hari Kusumo, M.Agr.St., Ph.D. warmly welcomed Anthea’s arrival and it was also conveyed that the Unram Rector really appreciated and was grateful for the scholarship programs provided by the Australian government to students in Indonesia, specifically in West Nusa Tenggara.

“In the future we plan to form a Joint Working Group, this is very good for establishing relations between the two countries. “There will be many opportunities for profitable collaboration for the two countries in various fields, especially the academic field,” said Prof. Bambang.

Anthea Griffin as the Australian Consul General in Bali welcomed the idea presented by the Unram Rector, “we are very interested and will wait for the further infromation of the Join Working Group because we can support each other together, especially to advance the field of education.”

After the discussion session, Anthea gave a public lecture regarding “Australian Identity and Connection to Indonesia”. The public lecture session was guided by Prof. Ir. Dahlanuddin, M.Rur.Sc., Ph.D. as Chair of the Unram International Affairs Office, in the Senate Meeting Room, Unram Rectorate.

Anthea explained the history of the formation of relations between Australia and Indonesia, then the comprehensive strategic partnership and economic cooperation which carried out by the two countries.

“Australia’s commitment to partnership with Indonesia shows the strength of our friendship,” concluded Anthea.