Last 23rd of August, 60 members of the National Flag Raising Committee were coronated by the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs as members of the 'Duta Belia' - Young Ambassadors of Indonesia. 15 delegates accompanied by 3 representatives from the Indonesian Department of Foreign Affairs were nominated to particiapte in an official visit to Canberra from the 25th - 28th of August. They were received by the Ambassador on arrival and later that night attended a discussion with members of the Indonesian Students Organisation, followed by dinner with the Ambassador and fellow home staff.

Very early the next morning, they left for a trip to the Snowy Mountains to see snow for the first time. They had a wonderful time in Perisher, playing with toboggans and making snowmen. The day after, Narrabundah College students hosted a round-the-school tour and presented Tari Indang to welcome their guests. A one on one interaction with Australian students proved to be an invaluable experience as a first hand practise of each others languages.

Visiting national monuments such as, the Parliament House, National War Memorial and Telstra tower is a must for every first time visitor to Canberra, particularly for these young ambassadors. Before returning back to Indonesia, the delegation made a short transit in Sydney to marvel the beauty of the Opera House.

The benefit of this visitation was verbally expressed by all members of the delegation, they feel fortunate to have been given the opportunity to encounter another culture as a mind opening experience. As mentioned by the Ambassador in his welcoming speech, tolerating differences and maintaining good relations with one of our closest neighbours is crucially important for the development of our country. From the past 3 days, the outlook seems positive.