Authors: Silvia Jultikasari Febrian, Abizar Faletehan*
Diplomatic relations between Australia and Indonesia have been established for 75 years, reflecting close and dynamic cooperation between the two countries. One of the latest initiatives to commemorate this relationship is the 2024 Australia Indonesia Cinema Festival (FSAI). FSAI is held by the Australian Embassy in 10 major Indonesian cities, including Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Mataram, Makassar, Manado, Samarinda, Balikpapan, and Padang. This activity is not only a means to commemorate the long history of diplomatic relations, but also serves as a platform to strengthen cultural ties and broaden understanding between the people of the two countries.
History of Australia-Indonesia Diplomatic Relations
Official diplomatic relations between Australia and Indonesia began in 1949, soon after Indonesia achieved independence. For decades, the two countries have developed cooperation in various fields, including trade, education, defense and culture. According to data from the Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, bilateral trade between Australia and Indonesia will reach AUD 16 billion in 2023. In addition, more than 20,000 Indonesian students are currently studying in Australia, making Australia one of the most popular educational destinations for Indonesian students.
Australian Indonesian Cinema Festival (FSAI) 2024
FSAI 2024 is one of the important cultural initiatives commemorating 75 years of Australia-Indonesia diplomatic relations. Held in 10 major cities in Indonesia, this festival includes various activities such as watching Australian films together and experience sharing sessions with famous producers and filmmakers. This festival is not only a means to display works of art, but also an effective tool for cultural diplomacy. FSAI 2024 activities include a variety of events designed to reach a wider and more diverse audience. As well as film screenings, there are also panel discussions, workshops and exhibitions showcasing aspects of Australian culture and life. By providing experience sharing sessions with filmmakers, audiences not only enjoy films but also gain in-depth insight into the creative process and the Australian film industry.
One of the highlights of the event was an experience sharing session with Steve Jaggi, a renowned Australian film producer. Jaggi is best known for his films that focus on humane stories and beautiful Australian landscapes. In this session, Jaggi discusses the creative process behind the film “Love Is in The Air”, which was inspired by the beauty of Whitehaven beach. This beach is famous as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with fine white sand and clear blue water. Through this film, Jaggi hopes to show another side of Australia that is not yet widely known by the international community. The choice of the city of Padang as one of the locations for the 2024 FSAI has strong reasons. Penny Williams, Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, stated that choosing Padang was a strategic step to strengthen relations with West Sumatra. This province is known for its unique cultural richness and enchanting natural beauty. According to data from the West Sumatra Central Statistics Agency, this province receives more than 1 million domestic and international tourists every year, making it one of the main tourist destinations in Indonesia.
West Sumatra has various interesting tourist destinations, such as Lake Maninjau, Padang Beach, and Bukittinggi which is rich in history. The diversity of Minangkabau culture and traditions, which include dance, music and culinary delights, provides a special attraction for tourists. By holding FSAI in Padang, the Australian Embassy hopes to introduce more Australians to the rich culture of West Sumatra, while strengthening bilateral relations through deeper cultural understanding. FSAI 2024 is also an event to showcase cinematic works that depict everyday life and the values ​​held by Australian society. The films screened at this festival cover various genres, from drama, comedy, to documentaries. In this way, viewers can see various perspectives and stories that depict the reality of life in Australia.
Apart from that, FSAI 2024 also aims to encourage collaboration between filmmakers from the two countries. By holding workshops and panel discussions, filmmakers from Indonesia and Australia can exchange ideas and experiences, as well as explore opportunities for collaboration in film production. This kind of collaboration is not only beneficial in producing quality cinematic works, but also strengthens professional and personal relationships between individuals from both countries. The positive impact of FSAI 2024 will not only be felt by the film industry, but also by the wider community. Through this activity, Indonesian people can better know and appreciate Australian culture, while Australian people can better understand the richness of Indonesian culture. It is hoped that the cultural diplomacy established through FSAI 2024 can create a more harmonious and mutually respectful relationship between the two countries.
The Role of Film in Cultural Diplomacy
Film is a powerful medium in creating relationships between individuals, communities and between nations. Through FSAI, Australian films can introduce aspects of Australian culture to Indonesian audiences, creating a deeper understanding and emotional connection between the people of the two countries. By 2023, the Australian film industry will generate revenues of AUD 3 billion, with many films winning international awards and being recognized globally. The experience sharing session with Steve Jaggi highlighted how films can be a tool to express passion and tell stories that can inspire audiences from various backgrounds. The film “Love Is in The Air”, inspired by the beauty of Whitehaven beach in Australia, is an example of how local elements can be brought to the international stage through cinema.
The Impact of Cultural Diplomacy on Bilateral Relations
Cultural diplomacy, as reflected in the FSAI, has a significant impact on bilateral relations between Australia and Indonesia. These activities help reduce stereotypes and strengthen bonds through deeper cultural understanding. According to a study by the Australian National University in 2022, cultural programs held by the Australian Embassy in Indonesia have increased the positive perception of Indonesian people towards Australia by 15%. Apart from that, cultural diplomacy also has a positive economic impact. Activities such as FSAI can increase tourist interest in visiting both countries, which in turn will support the tourism sector and local economy. In 2023, more than 1.2 million Australian tourists will visit Indonesia, making Australia one of the largest sources of tourists for Indonesia.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Future
Although much progress has been made, Australia-Indonesia diplomatic relations also face various challenges. Cultural differences, trade regulations, and political issues can sometimes cause tension. However, initiatives such as FSAI show that through cultural dialogue and cooperation, many of these challenges can be overcome. Looking ahead, there are many opportunities to strengthen these relationships. Cooperation in the fields of technology and innovation, for example, could be a new area that can be explored by both countries. In addition, student and professional exchange programs could be expanded to create more bridges between the Australian and Indonesian communities.
*Abizar Faletehan is a social International Relations undergraduate student from the batch of 2022 at the Islamic University of Indonesia.
