Australian Reading Corner at Istiqlal Mosque Strengthens Bilateral Ties Through Literacy

Jakarta - Australia’s Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Matt Thistlethwaite, has stated that the Australian Reading Corner facility at Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta serves as a means to strengthen people-to-people relations between the two countries through literacy and cultural introduction to the younger generation.

During a visit to the Australian Reading Corner at the Istiqlal Mosque Library on Wednesday, Thistlethwaite expressed hope that the facility would become a bridge for Indonesian children to learn about the history, culture, and life of Australian society.

“This reading corner is intended to foster mutual respect, strengthen the friendship between the people of Australia and Indonesia, and enhance Indonesian children’s understanding of Australian culture, heritage, and way of life,” he said.

On the occasion, Thistlethwaite also observed a “Read Aloud with Australian Diplomat” activity, where a number of his diplomatic colleagues read Australian-themed books to students from Madrasah Ibtidaiyah at Madrasah Istiqlal Jakarta.

The Australian Reading Corner provides hundreds of book collections covering various themes about Australia, ranging from culture and the history of Islam in Australia to the values of multiculturalism and diversity. The reading space is also equipped with distinctive Australian decorations, such as kangaroo and koala dolls.

“With these books and the teachers who teach about Australia’s unique animals, our important icons, Australia’s geographical conditions, and our history, this becomes an important step in building friendship in the future,” Thistlethwaite said.

Mulyono, representing the mosque, assessed that Thistlethwaite’s visit symbolised the increasingly close bilateral relations between Indonesia and Australia. He also affirmed that Istiqlal Mosque’s involvement in the cooperation demonstrates its role as a centre of civilisation that encourages dialogue, education, and collaboration between nations.

“This is a very good educational process. Even in the form of stories or narratives, it provides an excellent educational process. We interpret his arrival at Istiqlal as a symbol of friendship, as a symbol of strengthening cooperation between Indonesia and Australia,” said Mulyono.