Driving Inclusion Together: Australian Alumni Bringing GEDSI to Life in Yogyakarta

Australian alumni from across Indonesia recently gathered in person and online for a dynamic event, ‘Understanding and Internalising Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI)’.

Hosted by the GEDSI Alumni Network and supported by Australia Awards in Indonesia and UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, participants deepened their understanding of GEDSI and learned how to apply GEDSI principles in their work. Australian Alumni, Professor Alimatul Qibtiyah and Richard Kennedy, alongside QUT’s Dr Angela Romano, shared practical insights, empowering alumni to drive inclusion at work, at home, and in their communities.

Wiwit Prasetyono, one of the alumni, expressed his excitement at being part of the event: ‘The GEDSI Alumni Network event provided a valuable opportunity for Australian alumni to connect, not just for a reunion but to engage in meaningful discussions on topics closely linked to many alumni’s professional work. It also served as a platform for advocacy, allowing us to share good practices in GEDSI implementation across various sectors.’

Another alumna, Kartika Tanuwijaya, also shared her enthusiasm: ‘I am thrilled to participate in the GEDSI Alumni event. It rekindles my passion by reminding me that many people care about others and strive to create a better world for everyone, without exception. Thank you, Australia, and thank you to the alumni community for these initiatives and for the great effort to make inclusion a real priority. I am grateful for the invitation and look forward to future innovation and collaboration.’

Thank you to everyone who joined. Together, we’re building a more inclusive future!