Global Collaboration Meets Literacy: ITB Launches #AussieBanget Corner

BANDUNG, kemahasiswaan.itb.ac.id – Institut Teknologi bandung (ITB) inaugurated the #AussieBanget Reading Corner (ABC) on Tuesday (6/24/2025) at the Central Library ITB. This facility is a collaboration between ITB and the Australian Embassy in Indonesia as part of the Aussie Banget campaign, which aims to increase understanding of Australian culture and education among Indonesian academics.

The inauguration was attended by the Vice Rector for Communication, Partnerships, Alumni, and Administration ITB, Dr. Andryanto Rikrik Kusmara, S.Sn., M.Sn., as well as the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Roderick Brazier, along with other distinguished guests. In his remarks, Dr. Andryanto expressed his appreciation for the strong collaboration between ITB and Australia.

"We are proud to be part of this important initiative that strengthens academic and cultural ties between Indonesia and Australia. This facility is expected to serve as a bridge for knowledge exchange and international educational opportunities for ITB students," said Dr. Rikrik.

Meanwhile, Brazier expressed his views on the importance of people-to-people connections as the foundation of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

"People-to-people connections, such as the friendship I forged as a student, are the heart of the relationship between Australia and Indonesia. Hopefully, the Aussie Banget Corner will foster interest and new insights about Australia, as well as become a place for cultural exchange and mutual understanding," he said.

#AussieBanget Corner provides a variety of books and information resources about Australia, ranging from engineering, architecture, business, English, to arts and culture. In addition to the literature collection, this facility also provides information about the Australia Awards scholarship program and study opportunities in Australia. This area is expected to become a comfortable, permanent space for students to study, discuss, and broaden their global horizons.

The inauguration also marked the launch of the ABC Volunteers Program, an internship program for students facilitated by ITB and the Australian Embassy. This program provides students with the opportunity to be directly involved in international literacy activities and the management of thematic literacy spaces in the ITB library.

With the #AussieBanget Reading Corner, ITB continues to strengthen its commitment in providing international literacy facilities that support academic development, broaden students' perspectives regarding the global world, and strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and Australia.

Reporter: Iko Sutrisko Prakasa Lay (Mathematics, 2021)
Documentation: Australian Embassy Jakarta