Australia Indonesia Awards

The Australia Indonesia Awards were initiated by the Australia Indonesia Association (AIA) in 2014. The aim of the awards is to recognise and honor those individuals who have made a significant contribution to the greater understanding and friendship between Australians and Indonesians. Nominations in the first year were limited to Australian citizens. Beginning with the second year of the award program nominations have been open to Australians and Indonesians. The awards are made in 3 categories which are varied each year.

Finalists have come from all over Australia and Indonesia. They have ranged from people with a lifetime involvement, to those who are much younger but have been an inspiration to others.

An independent Selection Panel reviews nominations received and selects 3 finalists in each category, and also selects the winner in each category. The finalists are then announced, and the winners announced at the Awards Presentation.

Short videos are made of each of the finalists and their achievements, and these are shown at the Awards presentations held in Sydney.

Proceeds from the Award Presentations events are donated to designated charities. In the first year the proceeds were donated to the Nusa Tenggara Association (NTA) providing self help projects in eastern Indonesia. Since then, donations have been made to the Papuan Health Initiative for health projects in Papua and West Papua, and to the Qantas Helping Hands Community. The Charity for 2021 will again be the Nusa Tenggara Association.