Semarang (23/02) – The atmosphere of unity and warmth during the holy month of Ramadan served as a perfect moment to strengthen international ties. This was realized in the “Australia Alumni Iftar Gathering in Semarang” held on Monday, February 23, 2026. This annual event, organized by the Australian Embassy, was held on a university campus for the first time, with the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at Universitas Diponegoro (Undip) trusted as the host. The event, which took place in the FIMENA Auditorium on the 3rd Floor of Building A, FISIP Undip Tembalang Campus, became a strategic platform to celebrate the long-standing bilateral relationship between Australia and Indonesia through the active role of its alumni.

The event was graced by the Consul-General of Australia for Surabaya, Glen Askew. In his address, he emphasized that the values taught during Ramadan align with the foundations of the bilateral relationship. “Ramadan teaches us about discipline, perseverance, and devotion. These are also the values that form the foundation of the relationship between Australia and Indonesia,” Mr. Askew stated before the alumni and guests. Furthermore, he elaborated on the long history of cooperation dating back to 1949. “The relationship between Australia and Indonesia has existed since 1949 (…) Our cooperation spans education, trade, security, and cultural exchange. But above all, this relationship lives through people, through you,” he affirmed.

On this occasion, Glen Askew also highlighted the vital role of individuals within the alumni community. According to him, the networks and cross-cultural understanding that have been built are the most valuable assets. He concluded his speech with an inspiring message, “If Australia is your partner, then you are the ones who drive it. If we open the door to collaboration, you are the ones who step through and make it a success.” This message was met with enthusiasm by the attendees, who came from diverse professional backgrounds, including academics, health practitioners, and entrepreneurs.

The event was also attended by several prominent figures who are part of the alumni community. Among them were Dr. Yuswanti (Director, Kusuma Pradja Maternity Hospital), Agus Mutohar (Director of the International Office, UIN Walisongo), Prof. Dian Ratna Sawitri (Professor of Psychology & Dean of the Faculty of Psychology, Undip), Amalia Wulansari (Executive Director, Bintari), Falasifah (Director, PT. Alga Bioteknologi Indonesia/ALBITEC), S Rouli Manalu, Ph.D. (Vice Dean of Academic and Student Affairs, FISIP Undip), Prof. Anis Chariri (Professor of Accounting, FEB Undip), Prof. Athanasius P Bayuseno (Professor of Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering, Undip), Prof. Hanifa M Denny (Professor at the Faculty of Public Health, Undip), and Prof. I Made Sukresna (Professor of Management, Undip). The presence of these figures underscored the strong professional networks forged through Australian alumni programs.

As the host, the Dean of FISIP Undip, Dr. Drs. Teguh Yuwono, M.Pol.Admin., expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the trust placed in his faculty. He emphasized that this activity was a tangible manifestation of the ongoing collaboration. “This warmth is part of an important effort for all of us,” he said in his opening remarks. Dr. Teguh also outlined several concrete cooperation programs that have been established between the Australian Embassy and Undip, such as the Aussie Banget Corner, Double Degree Programs with universities in Australia, and plans for an upcoming Australian Day celebration. “I hope everyone can share stories, coordinate, and strengthen ties. Because this is not just an iftar forum, (…) this moment will become a catalyst for us all to collaborate, coordinate, and network,” he expressed hopefully.
The atmosphere grew more solemn as the event entered the Ramadan Tausiah (religious talk) session delivered by Abdul Ghofar Ismail, an Australian alumnus who also serves as the General Chairman of the Pemuda Muhammadiyah (Muhammadiyah Youth Movement) for Central Java. In his sermon, he invited the audience to reflect on the profound meanings of Surah Al-Ashr and Al-Ma’un. “To not be at a loss, one must have faith, advise each other towards truth, and advise each other towards patience,” he conveyed, quoting the essence of Surah Al-Ashr. Connecting this with the spirit of sharing during Ramadan, he encouraged participants to understand the meaning of Surah Al-Ma’un, stating, “Through Surah Al-Ma’un, we become individuals with a social conscience.” This brief yet meaningful sermon served as a perfect prelude to the breaking of the fast.

Subsequently, while enjoying the iftar meal, the event was interspersed with an interactive quiz session. Various questions about Australia were posed and answered enthusiastically by all participants, adding to the joy and camaraderie among the alumni. More than just an iftar event, this gathering became a space for alumni to reminisce and reconnect with old friends, while simultaneously building new professional networks. This event not only witnessed the unity of the holy month but also stood as a symbol of the strengthening, enduring, and close relationship between Australia and Indonesia, driven by its continuously contributing alumni.