The Australia Indonesia Awards Presentation night was a gala event at the Grace Hotel in Sydney.
The awards recognise and honour Australians and Indonesians who have contributed to greater friendship and understanding between Australians and Indonesians.
Two of the finalists were present at the event whilst the other finalists were able to participate via Zoom.
Guests of honour included the Indonesian Ambassador HE Dr Siswo Pramono and Ibu HE Marsia Pramono, the Indonesian Consul General HE Vedi Kurnia Buana and Ibu Fanny Buana, and the Director of the Australia Indonesia Institute, Ms Elena Williams. The Governor General HE David Hurley was an apology as he had to remain in Canberra to receive the Prime Minister the following morning.
Cultural performances included Mutiara performing her Tari Jaipong Dance, and Kadek Ambara Jaya Kaswara performing his Tari Baris Tunggal dance.
The winner in the Education category was Ms Erna Tan who has devoted a lifetime to the teaching of Bahasa Indonesia to children and to adults. Some of the guests commented that she had taught them as children.
The winner in the Health category was Ms Susan Bishop for her work in establishing medical clinics in the Karangasem region of Bali. She accepted her award via Zoom.
The winner in the Innovation category was Alexander Soeriyadi for his research into biomedical, food and agricultural applications and for modifying the efficiency of sunlight to improve plant yields. His family were with him to accept his award.