At the invitation of the Indonesian Students' Association at James Cook University in Townsville, Queensland, the Ambassador for the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Mr Imron Cotan, his wife Madame Enni Cotan and Mr Wahdi Yudhi, the Education and Culture Attaché, visited Townsville to celebrate Indonesia's Independence Day and to meet members of the Indonesian community. The Indonesian students were keen to meet the new Ambassador. It had also been some time since there had been an official visit to Townsville by senior officials from the Embassy in Canberra.

The Ambassador arrived in Townsville on 22 August and met with the students at a reception in his honour at the university. In his speech the Ambassador spoke about the close relations between Australia and Indonesia and how these relations could be improved. He also urged the students to study hard and distinguish themselves in their university studies and on their return to Indonesia to utilise their newly acquired skills for the benefit of a developing Indonesia. Speeches of welcome were made by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Townsville, Councillor David Mather and the Vice Chancellor of James Cook University, Professor Bernard Moulden.

The students organised a reception for the official party, which included dance performances from Bali, West Sumatera, North Sumatera. North Sulawesi and contemporary music from Indonesia. The Ambassador's visit strengthened the ties between the Indonesian community in Townsville and the staff at the Embassy of Indonesia in Canberra.