"Islam in Australia is a dynamic, evolving story with a rich history."
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - A delegation of young Indonesian Muslim leaders left for Australia on Sunday under a bilateral exchange program to strengthen understanding of Islam and interfaith issues in both countries.

According to a press release from the Australian embassy in Jakarta received here, Monday, Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Greg Moriarty hoped visit would contribute to better understanding in Indonesia on the cultural and religious diversity in Australia and the important role Muslims play in the Australian society.

The three members of the Inn team include three Indonesian young Muslim leaders namely Fahd Pahdepie from Jakarta, Achmad Ubaidillah from Bogor, and Muzakkir from Balikpapan,

"Islam in Australia is a dynamic, evolving story with a rich history, and one of which our country can be extremely proud of. Australian Muslims have over 70 different ethnic backgrounds, and Indonesia having new ideas, skills, and cultural traditions and make an enormous contribution to contemporary, multicultural Australia," the Ambassador said.

The program will provide opportunities for emerging leaders in the Indonesian Muslim community to join their counterparts in Australia in dealing with important issues facing the peoples in both countries.

The participants will also have the opportunity to tour the "You Am I" exhibition of Australian Muslim artists in Melbourne sponsored by the Islamic Council of Victoria and the Victorian Hume City Council.

This is the first of three Indonesian delegations scheduled to visit Australia under the Australia-Indonesia Institute (AII) Muslim Exchange Program 2011.

In May, five young Australian Muslim leaders will make a reciprocal visit to Indonesia to learn firsthand about Indonesia`s diverse, democratic, and tolerant society and meet a wide range of different community representatives.

The Muslim Exchange Program had been established by the Australian Government through the Australia-Indonesia Institute in 2002.

Over the past two decades, the Institute has fulfilled a unique and vital role in fostering friendship and understanding between Australia and Indonesia through projects in the arts, music, education, youth, civil society, interfaith, media and sports.
(Tz.A050/H-NG/F001)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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