Indonesian teachers prepare for Australian school partnerships through BRIDGE Program

Jakarta, Indonesia | June 2026

Seventeen teachers from ten Indonesian schools have taken the next step in building international school partnerships after participating in the 2026 BRIDGE School Partnerships Program Pre-Departure Training in Jakarta from 2–5 June.

Travelling from DKI Jakarta, South Sumatra, North Sumatra, East Java and Central Java, the educators gathered to prepare for collaboration with Australian partner schools as part of the long-running Australia–Indonesia education initiative.

The program was officially opened by Lucinda Kaval, First Secretary (Scholarships and Alumni) at the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australian Embassy Jakarta. In welcoming participants, she highlighted the vital role education partnerships and people-to-people connections play in strengthening the Australia–Indonesia relationship.

Over four days, participants engaged in an engaging professional learning program designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to establish successful bi lateral school partnerships. Sessions explored Australia–Indonesia relations, Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion, climate change education, and practical approaches to developing collaborative projects between schools.

The program also created opportunities for teachers to exchange ideas, share experiences and build professional networks across the five provinces of Indonesia and education sectors, laying the foundation for lasting partnerships.

Participants heard from a diverse group of Australian and Indonesian experts, including Claire Laundy, Dr Anna Dabrowski, Dr Ariella Hanna Saja (an Australia Awards alumna), Amanda Tan and Thea Stinear from Cool+.

 BRIDGE alumni from the 2018 and 2024 cohorts also shared their experiences, reflecting on the program’s impact in strengthening intercultural understanding, advancing inclusive education practices and creating enduring professional relationships.

Participants are now preparing for the next stage of the program. In August, the Indonesian teachers will travel to Australia for a 10-day school cultural immersion, school visit and homestay program. They will join their Australian partners in Perth for three days shared learning, prior to heading to partnership schools from Northern Territory, Western Australia and Tasmania.

The BRIDGE School Partnerships Program continues to strengthen educational ties between Australia and Indonesia by connecting teachers, students and school communities through meaningful international collaboration. By fostering intercultural understanding, professional learning and long-term partnerships, the program contributes to deeper people-to-people links between the two countries and supports the development of globally connected school communities.