Flinders Chancellor Stephen Gerlach and Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling have attended the Indonesian International Alumni Symposium in Yogyakarta.

The event brought together Flinders’ alumni and staff to explore strengths-based approaches to effecting positive change in Indonesia, in addition to connecting alumni with each other and celebrating Flinders’ 50th Anniversary.

It comprised key note addresses from distinguished alumni as well as presentations and 36 submitted papers through the streams of:

1. Politics and Public Policy (PPP)
2. Education, Religion and Culture (ERC)
3. Environmental and Sustainable Development (ESD)
4. Health, Population and Community (HPC)

The conference was attended by 150 people including alumni, Flinders University staff and representatives from:

• Universitas Gadjah Mada
• Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia
• Universitas Muhammidiyah Yogyakarta
• Universitas Airlannga
• Universitas Padjajaran
• MH Thamrin University
• The Ministry of Social Affairs,
• National Family Planning and Coordinating Board,
• Ministry of Religious Affairs,
• and the Provincial Government of West Java.

Flinders University academic staff provided workshops on change in the areas of educational leadership and management, public policy development and health policy in the context of disability and community inclusion.

Program and Speakers

As a distinguished Flinders alumnus Professor Pratikno, Minister Secretary of State, provided a keynote address including a personal account of his experiences as a student in Australia and implementing new knowledge and ideas upon returning to Indonesia.

A panel session examined the theme of Growing hope – building sustainable futures.

Panelists included:

Professor Colin Stirling
Vice-Chancellor, Flinders University

Professor Ibu Dwikorita Karnawati
Rector, Universitas Gadjah Mada

Dr Hetifah Sjaifudian Sumarto
Member of Parliament for East Kalimantan

Dr Yuyu Komariyah
Principal Director, PT Tesaputra Adigunaah