The program gives an opportunity to understand the multi-cultural society of the country.
The Australian Embassy in Jakarta, in a press release it issued on Tuesday, said Indonesian young Muslims are invited under the program for a two-week tour of Australia to see how Islam and other religions are practiced in that country.
Conducted under the aegis of the Australia-Indonesia Institution, young Muslims from both countries can exchange ideas and promote understanding among the believers.
The participants will learn about the early Muslim community in Australia which has been there since 1650. They will also visit the Islamic Museum of Australia and the Gallipoli historic mosque in Sydney.
Australia has about 175 mosques and nearly half a million Muslims.
Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in Australia, and its numbers are swelling at a rate of 40 percent per year.
Almost half of Australian Muslims were born in Australia and come from diverse backgrounds, including the Middle East, South Asia, Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia.
In Australia, people from all cultures and religions can pursue their faith and practice their religion without intimidation or pressure.
As part of the exchange program, next year a group of Australian young people will visit Indonesia as part of a similar program.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
