Australia Explores Tourism and Education Cooperation with Kebumen

Australian Consul General Glen Askew visited Kebumen to explore potential cooperation in tourism, culture, trade, and education. The senior diplomat, who is fluent in Indonesian, was warmly received by Bupati Lilis Nuryani at the Rumah Berdaya in the Pendopo Kabumian complex.

During the meeting on Monday (3/8), Lilis Nuryani presented the region’s potential through a profile video, including its prestigious status as a UNESCO Global Geopark. She also showcased local UMKM products such as hand-drawn batik, handicrafts, and traditional snacks like lanting and emping, which Askew enthusiastically sampled.

‘I have only found this in Indonesia, I have not found it outside Indonesia,’ Askew remarked after tasting the local emping. He expressed admiration for Kebumen’s natural beauty, noting his surprise at the region’s extraordinary caves and geopark status. ‘The results of my trip prove that this region is very natural and great,’ he said.

Beyond tourism, including plans to visit Menganti Beach and Van der Wijck Fort, the meeting focused on strengthening cultural, trade, and education ties. Askew highlighted the strong people-to-people links between Australia and Indonesia, citing 1.7 million Australian visits to Bali last year, and expressed hope to extend this relationship to the regency level. He plans to visit universities in Kebumen and introduce the ‘Konjen Goes to School’ programme for primary and secondary schools.

Bupati Lilis Nuryani welcomed the initiative, stating, ‘This is the first meeting in Kebumen with Mr Glen Askew from the Australian Consulate. God willing, there will be support from Australia and cooperation in trade and other sectors going forward.’ She also invited Askew to attend Kebumen’s anniversary celebration on 21 August 2026.