Australian Reading Corner Inaugurated at Al-Markaz Al-Islami Mosque in Makassar

Diplomatic and cultural relations between Australia and Indonesia have grown closer with the establishment of a new cultural bridge in South Sulawesi. The Australian Reading Corner was officially opened today, Friday (24/7/2026), at the Al-Markaz Al-Islami Mosque in Makassar, serving as a literacy and information exchange space for the local community. The facility was inaugurated by the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Rod Brazier, accompanied by the Australian Consul-General in Makassar, Todd Dias. The reading corner is specifically designed to provide access for the Muslim community in Makassar to explore the history, culture, and the long-standing relationship between Australia and Indonesia. Ambassador Rod Brazier stated that the inauguration represents a concrete step in strengthening the emotional and intellectual bonds between the two nations. ‘I am very pleased to inaugurate the Australian Reading Corner at the Al-Markaz Al-Islami Mosque. This achievement reflects Australia’s commitment to building a deeper understanding between Australia and eastern Indonesia,’ he said. The Chairman of the Al-Markaz Al-Islami Islamic Centre Foundation, Prof. Hamid Awaluddin, warmly welcomed the initiative. According to him, the presence of an educational facility within the mosque environment is highly relevant to the mission of da’wah and the dissemination of knowledge championed by Al-Markaz. ‘The Australian Reading Corner we inaugurate today will become a source of information and knowledge that aligns with the mosque’s mission. I extend my deepest gratitude to the Australian government for establishing this facility,’ said Prof. Hamid. Consul-General Todd Dias echoed this sentiment, emphasising the historical aspect of the collaboration. He noted that Makassar has a long history of cultural exchange with northern Australia, which is now being continued through modern literacy channels. The Australian Reading Corner is now officially operational and open to the public. The people of Makassar, particularly the youth and academics, are expected to utilise the collection of books and information resources available to broaden their global perspectives.