Australian Consul-General Visits North Bali, Inaugurates #AussieBanget Corner at Undiksha

Buleleng, Bali — Australia’s Consul-General in Bali, Ms. Jo Stevens, paid an official visit to North Bali on 12–13 January 2026, marking a series of engagements focused on education, community development, and sustainable investment.

One of the key highlights of the visit was the inauguration of a new #AussieBanget Corner at Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha (Undiksha), Buleleng. The facility was formally opened by Ms. Stevens together with Undiksha Rector Prof. I Wayan Lasmawan.

In her remarks, Ms. Stevens said the #AussieBanget Corner would serve as a permanent hub for students to access Australian books, learning resources, and information about study opportunities in Australia, including the Australia Awards scholarship program.

“This Aussie Banget Corner provides a dedicated space for students to explore Australia academically and culturally. This is our third corner in Bali after Udayana University and Undiknas, but the first in North Bali, which makes it particularly meaningful,” she said.

During the visit, Ms. Stevens also highlighted the Australia Awards program, the longest-running foreign scholarship scheme in Indonesia. The program offers postgraduate and short-term study opportunities for Indonesians. Applications for the 2027 Master’s and PhD intakes are scheduled to open on 2 February 2026.

Beyond the education sector, the Consul-General visited the Global Village Foundation (GVF), a local organization supported through the Australian Consulate-General in Bali’s Direct Aid Program (DAP). With this assistance, GVF has initiated coral reef restoration efforts and programs aimed at supporting the health and well-being of people living with disabilities.

Ms. Stevens also met Australian alumni currently working in North Bali, listening to their experiences and learning how their education in Australia has contributed to their professional careers and community development in the region.

The visit concluded with a trip to Atlas Pearls, an Australian-Indonesian company and one of the major employers in North Bali. The company is known for its commitment to sustainable practices and its support for local communities.

The Australian Consulate-General in Bali stated that the visit reflects Australia’s continued commitment to strengthening people-to-people links, educational cooperation, and sustainable economic partnerships in Bali and eastern Indonesia.

Editor – Ray