Nominations for the 2026 Australia-Indonesia Institute Indonesian Studies Awards are now open and will close at 5pm on the 5th of October.
The Australia-Indonesia Institute’s (AII) Indonesian Studies Awards recognise the achievements and contributions of Indonesian language teachers, teaching assistants, students and leaders in Indonesian language, cultural and educational outreach in Australia.
There are five award categories:
AII Language Teaching award – Teacher (up to two recipients)
- Proven record of excellence in teaching Bahasa Indonesia, whether in schools, the tertiary sector, or in community programs, as reflected in prizes, student evaluations or testimonials.
- Has taught with sustained dedication and passion, and inspired students to further their study of Indonesian in subsequent years.
- Whose contribution stands out from others who may have made a valuable contribution.
AII Language Teaching award - Teaching Assistants (up to two recipients)
- Has made an outstanding contribution to teaching Bahasa Indonesia, whether in schools, the tertiary sector, or in community programs, as an Indonesian Teaching Assistant in Australia.
- Has enriched students' understanding of Indonesian language, culture and contemporary society through engaging and authentic learning experiences.
- Has demonstrated initiative, creativity or innovation in supporting language learning and intercultural understanding.
Exceptional Student award (up to two recipients)
- Outstanding academic achievement in Indonesian language, Indonesian studies, or Indonesia-related research.
- A sustained commitment to developing their understanding of Indonesia through study, research, exchange programs, internships, volunteering, or professional engagement.
- A demonstrated contribution to strengthening links between Australia and Indonesia through cultural, educational, or community engagement or research.
- Applicants may be completing secondary education (Year 11-12) or tertiary education.
Indonesia Capability award for Culture (up to two recipients)
- Has demonstrated outstanding leadership in advancing Australian understanding of Indonesia through culture, the arts, media, community engagement, cultural exchange or education (including but not limited to Indonesian politics, history or society studies).
- Has created meaningful opportunities for Australians to engage with Indonesian culture, perspectives and experiences through people-to-people links, exchange, research, collaboration or outreach.
AII Distinguished Service Award (one recipient)
- Has made an outstanding and sustained contribution to Indonesian language education, Indonesian studies, research, cultural education, or community outreach in Australia for at least 15 years.
- Demonstrates impact beyond what might be reasonably expected through regular employment, including through leadership, innovation or establishment of significant programs, partnerships or institutions in Australia.
- Has been involved in senior leadership positions of important Indonesian studies institutions or held high-level policy or research positions.
- Is widely respected for their service and contribution to the Indonesian studies community.
Each award recipient will receive a certificate and a trophy. The award will be presented at a formal ceremony in Canberra. Travel costs (economy class domestic flights and airport transfers) and accommodation will be provided. The ceremony is expected to be held at the Second Australian Congress for Indonesian Language, hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia. The AII will also recognise a list of commendations for each award category.
How to nominate
You may self-nominate or nominate another person. All nominations will be considered against the same criteria.
If you are nominating another person, you should first seek their consent before requesting their resume and other supporting nomination documents.
All nominations must be supported by two references. If you are nominating someone else, you will be the first referee. You will also be responsible for securing a second reference in consultation with the nominee. You should obtain consent from the referee to provide their details.
Please email the nomination forms to ausindonesia.institute@dfat.gov.au
Nominations must include:
- A personal statement that briefly outlines why the nominee should be considered for the selected award category, and highlights any professional achievements, prior awards or career highlights relevant to the nomination. The statement should not exceed 400 words.
- Contact details of two referees who are familiar with the nominee's achievements, such as a supervisor, colleague, student, or teacher. The selection panel will conduct referee checks via phone conversation.
- A resume outlining the nominee's relevant educational, professional and volunteer experiences, awards, achievements and/or grants in the field of Indonesian language teaching, research and/or studies. The resume should not exceed three (3) pages.
- Supporting evidence such as copies of nominee's awards, evidence of grants received and/or funding gained in the field of Indonesian language teaching, research or studies; a page summarising recent publications, or links to video works, websites and/or artistic collaborations to demonstrate culture leadership.
- A completed nomination form:
Selection panel
A suitably qualified selection panel will assess applications and make decisions regarding the granting of AII Indonesian Studies Awards.
The selection panel will compromise representatives from the AII Board and AII Secretariat.
2025 recipients
Winners of the 2025 Australia-Indonesia Institute Indonesian Studies Awards were announced at the First Australian Congress for Indonesian Language, hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia.
The seven award recipients are listed on the previous Australia-Indonesia Institute Indonesian Studies award recipients page.