Miscellaneous
Australia and Indonesia relations began way back, as early as the 1600s with extensive interactions between Indigenous Australians and Macassan people from Eastern part of Indonesia. From then on a deep cultural ancestral connection between Macassan people and the Yolngu indigenous community has grown. This can be seen today in Yirrkala batik whose motive was initially created by Aboriginal Australian artist, Naw-u-rapu Wu-nung-murra. In this episode we will explore how the beautiful colours and patterns of batik are a strong link between our two countries. Our guests, Wayan Jarrah Sastrawan and Marlisa Soepeno, will discuss Indonesian and Australian Batiks that share deep connection. Jarrah is a Balinese-Australian and lecturer at the University of Sydney. His research interests include the traditional historiography of Southeast Asia, as well as the 20th century history, modern literature and regional popular music of Indonesia. Marlisa is is an Indonesian diplomat and an interpreter for President Jokowi. She is a collector of traditional hand-woven fabrics. Both Marlisa and Jarrah are 2015 CAUSINDY alumni.