The Australia–Indonesia BRIDGE School Partnerships Program has formally launched its 2026 cohort, announcing twenty schools that will take part in ten new bilateral partnerships across Australia and Indonesia. Delivered online, the Welcome Event brought together educators, government representatives and program partners to mark the commencement of the 2026 program year and introduce the schools and teachers selected to participate. The BRIDGE program is supported by the Austr

At an online Welcome Ceremony in May 2026, ten new Australia-Indonesia BRIDGE school partnerships were announced. Australian schools were selected from the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Tasmania and matched with schools from the Indonesian provinces of North Sumatra, South Sumatra, East Java, Central Java and Jakarta.

This collaboration involves cultural exchanges, including traditional dance learning and visits to orangutan rehabilitation centers.

SMAN 3 Yogyakarta and Warrnambool College share a lasting partnership that formally began in 2012.

Partner school: SMAN 1 Jepara and Sunshine Beach State High School Queensland This case study explores how the BRIDGE School Partnership between SMAN 1 Jepara and Sunshine Beach State High School Queensland, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), impacted gender and social inclusion pedagogical knowledge and practices. Names of Schools : SMAN 1 Jepara, Jepara, Indonesia; and Sunshine Beach Primary School, Queensland, Australia Case Study Topic: Partner

Nineteen Australian teachers (12 females and 7 males) and 24 Indonesian teachers (18 females and 6 males) from the 2023 and 2024 BRIDGE School Partnerships program, participated in a professional learning program that incorporated a three-day cultural immersion program in Jakarta, a five-day school visit program with their partnership school, and a formal debrief session in Jakarta prior to their departure to Australia.

MHS supported SMAN 5 Mataram in delivering their first BRIDGE Class Model Workshop on Interactive Learning Boards.

SMAN 5 Surabaya was awarded the BRIDGE GEDSI Model School designation during the BRIDGE Education Stakeholder Engagement Meeting. This accolade highlights the school's commitment to Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) initiatives and showcases their efforts to incorporate GEDSI in their educational practices.

Students from Scotts Head Public School celebrated Indonesia's Independence Day with a special performance, singing "Selamat Ulang Tahun" under the guidance of the BRIDGE program teachers.

Aitken College students travel to Indonesia to visit SMAN 54 Jakarta on a study tour to meet the students they have been collaborating with for the last 8 months.

MI Karakter Mutiara Bunda Bali and Our Lady Star of the Sea Primary School, Ocean Grove underwent a competitive (online) school selection and were successful.

Year 1 (2023/2024): All grades explored Food and Mental Health, focusing on the effects of high-sugar diets on emotions and behaviour.

Students from both schools directed, filmed and shared a traditional dance documentary.

What started as a simple cross-cultural exchange has evolved over the years into a meaningful and long-standing relationship grounded in mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to collaborative learning.

The case study explores how a school partnership affects inclusive education practice, particularly in the Indonesian partner school.

Through a range of activities including language exchanges, environmental projects, puppetry, and digital collaborations, students from both schools have engaged deeply in cross-cultural experiences, enriching their educational journey and strengthening ties between Australia and Indonesia.

On 31 August, SDI Harapan Ibu hosted an Inclusive Sports Clinic featuring four Australian para-athletes, including Josh Hose OAM, a gold medallist in Wheelchair Rugby from the 2012 and 2016 Paralympics.

Students from four BRIDGE schools had a unique learning opportunity when they were invited to visit the Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Perth.

Ten Indonesian schools officially joined the Australia-Indonesia BRIDGE School Partnership Program during the Record of Understanding hybrid ceremony in Jakarta.

SMAN 54 Jakarta welcomed Australian Governor General David Hurley and his wife Linda Hurley for a landmark visit. Hosted by Principal Bapak Rustaman, the event was further distinguished by the presence of the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Penny Williams, along with Embassy staff and representatives from the Indonesian Education Ministry.