Gita Kamath’s Nostalgia in Yogyakarta: The City That Shaped Australia–Indonesia Diplomacy

Marlknews.id – Yogyakarta — The face of Ms. Gita Kamath, Deputy Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, lit up with joy as she recalled her younger days in Yogyakarta. Speaking at the warm celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Australian Consortium for “In-Country” Indonesian Studies (ACICIS) at Hotel Royal Ambarrukmo on Saturday evening (October 18), Kamath shared her fond memories of the city that helped shape her life and diplomatic career.

“I first came to Yogyakarta in 1982, when I was still a teenager,” she reminisced with a smile. “At that time, I was already learning Indonesian at high school in Australia. Then, in 1996, I returned and stayed here for a few months to take part in an Indonesian language training program. Jogja gave me an experience I’ll never forget.”

She vividly remembered the city’s simpler atmosphere in those days. “Back then, everyone got around by bicycle, becak, or public minibus. There was no Grab, Gojek, or Indomaret,” she said, drawing laughter and nostalgia from the audience.

According to Kamath, even though Yogyakarta has grown rapidly—with countless cafés and creative spaces—the city’s spirit remains the same. “Jogja now has beautiful coffee shops and an amazing culinary culture. But the spirit of its people remains unchanged—friendly, open, and eager to learn,” she said admiringly.

In her speech, Kamath also highlighted the vital role of ACICIS in strengthening educational ties between Indonesia and Australia. “ACICIS continues to be the most popular destination for Australian students under the New Colombo Plan. More than 13,500 students have studied and gained professional experience in Indonesia through this program,” she explained.

She added that studying in Indonesia allows Australian students to gain a deeper understanding of the country’s culture and language. “When they return to Australia, they become young ambassadors who strengthen the ties between our two nations,” Kamath said.

The educational exchange, she emphasized, works both ways. “Last year, more than 24,000 Indonesian students chose to study in Australia the highest number ever recorded. Alumni from both countries now serve as important bridges in strengthening people-to-people connections,” she noted.

Closing her remarks, the Indian-Australian diplomat recited a light-hearted but meaningful Indonesian pantun (poetic verse) that brought smiles to the audience:

The dove flies high to the sky,
Resting briefly on a teak tree.
Thirty years of ACICIS gone by,
Strengthening Australia–Indonesia ties across the sea.