Writing contest from Australia

JAKARTA: The Australian Studies Center of the University of Indonesia (ASC-UI) has launched an essay writing competition for Indonesian and Australian journalists, Antara reported.

The competition, which aims to enhance greater understanding between Indonesian and Australian journalists, ends on July 31, director of the ASC-UI, Reni Winata, said on Monday.

"The competition will also provide feedback on how the Indonesian and Australian press have been observing the current social and political climate in the country and how far this observation has influenced the bilateral relationship between the two countries," Winata said.

The competition is open to all Indonesian and Australian journalists in the print and broadcast media, including freelance writers.

Indonesian participants are asked to write an essay in Bahasa Indonesia which reflects their perception of Indonesia during its present transition period.

The winner, one from Indonesia and one from Australia, will be awarded a round-trip ticket from Indonesia to Australia/from Australia to Indonesia, along with A$2,000 for each winner.

The panel of judges consists of senior diplomats, observers and journalists from both countries.

They are former Australian ambassador to Indonesia Richard Woolcott, sociopolitical expert Arief Budiman, senior Indonesian envoy Hasyim Djalal, international editor of The Australian daily Paul Kelly, editor-in-chief of Antara news agency Parni Hadi and editor of The Fall of Soeharto Geoff Forrester.

For further information, contact ASC-UI in Depok, phone number: 7863428-9.