A'LIAN ENVOY FAREWELLS YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS

Jakarta, Feb 16 (ANTARA) - Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Bill Farmer hosted a function last Monday (Feb 15) to farewell Australian and Indonesian participants of the Australia-Indonesia Youth Exchange Program 2009-2010.

"This youth exchange program has played an important role in enhancing mutual understanding between our two countries, particularly at a people-to-people level. I am confident that you have benefited from this unique opportunity to engage and work together as young ambassadors for your country," the ambassador said, according to a press release received here on Tuesday.

The Indonesian phase of the program provided the participants with the opportunity to live and work in communities in Bangka-Belitung province and assist with a number of community development projects including local beach clean-ups, the building of wells and the promotion of marine tourism in Bangka to coincide with `the "Visit Bangka-Belitung Year 2010".

During these initiatives the participants forged strong links with the local community and close friendships with their youth exchange counterparts.

Australian program participant Shannon Helbig said, "I have been touched by the warmth and enthusiasm extended to us by the local community in Bangka. I believe we will all come away from this experience with lifelong friends and a greater understanding and respect for the cultures of both countries," he said.

"One of the highlights for me was experiencing the Rebo Kasan ceremony which is held annually in the village of Air Anyir. It involves the community giving offerings to the sea to protect the community from danger and highlights the importance of traditional beliefs in Bangka culture," said Helbig.

The Australian phase of the program concluded in December 2009 and involved a two-month home stay and work placement program in Perth and Margaret River, Western Australia for the Indonesian participants.

The youth exchange program is an annual program promoting people-to-people links between Australians and Indonesians and is managed by the Australia-Indonesia Institute and the Indonesian Ministry of Youth and Sports.