Central Java Governor visits USQ

The Governor of Central Java and a high level Indonesian Education delegation visited USQ in Toowoomba on Thursday, October 21.

The University visit was part of a wider official Queensland tour planned for Governor H. Bibit Waluyo and the delegation, with the aim of strengthening educational partnerships between the Central Java and Queensland governments and the people of these regions.

USQ Open Access College Director, Mr David Bull, said the Governor’s visit to USQ demonstrated recognition of the contribution which mutual cooperation may bring on a range of educational fronts.

'While visiting USQ, discussions focused on how the University can work with the government of Central Java in the spirit of mutual cooperation and on-going association, with relevant Indonesian government agencies,' Mr Bull said.

USQ English Language Culture and Training Programs manager, Kate Kuzma, said USQ had been delivering five-week intensive English Language and TESOL (Teaching English as a Second or Other Language) annually since 2008 to small groups of teachers from Central Java.

'During their time with us the teachers also visit local schools who teach Indonesian,' Ms Kuzma said.

'These teachers go through a competitive process to be selected for the program as it is funded by the Indonesian government and DETA International.

'Prior to 2008, the teachers were sent to Brisbane, however, at the end of 2007, we put in a proposal in conjunction with local schools to be able to host the teachers in Toowoomba.

'The feedback from the programs since 2008 has been excellent and the program is expected to continue in this region for the next few years.'

The delegations also planned to visit several local schools and a feedlot during their tour of the Darling Downs region.

H. Bibit Waluyo is the former Lieutenant General of the Indonesia National Army and has been the Governor of Central Java since 2008. His mission is to 'develop the villages'.