The Australia Awards Scholarship Program offers creative industry players the opportunity to take a short study tour in Australia. This program was offered by the Australian Government. It is aimed at 25 emerging Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) leaders in the creative and cultural sectors of Eastern Indonesia.
“Investing in the creative and cultural industries of Australia and Indonesia not only strengthens the economic relations between the two countries. It also deepens the cultural understanding between Indonesia and Australia,” said Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Penny Williams PSM in a written statement (09/02/2023).
According to tempo.co, Williams said this program would bring MSMEs leaders to visit a number of world-class cultural and educational institutions there. Not only that, they will also gain access to leaders in the creative and digital economy sector in Australia.
Those who qualify for the program, will be in Australia for more than two weeks and are fully funded. This program is in line with the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) and Catalyst work program. It also in line with Partnership for Recovery.
This study tour is expected to help leaders or owners of MSMEs. This includes women entrepreneurs working in the creative and cultural industries in Indonesia. This study tour will open more connection and chances to integrated with the Australian market. Thus creating partnership opportunities and increasing two-way trade.
Based on data from the 2017-2018 period, cultural and creative activities contributed around AUD 115.2 billion to the Australian economy. Meanwhile, in 2020, Indonesia’s creative economy will contribute IDR 1.211 trillion to national GDP.
