BANDUNG - In the early hours of 17 July 2019, the Defence Cooperation Education Officer, Major Matt Knight, set off with Captain Dahlan from Pusdiklat Bahasa on a road trip to Cimahi, just out of Bandung. The purpose of the trip was to deliver training on Australian culture and the Australian Defence Force English Language Profiling System (ADFELPS) to students TNI AD students studying English at Pusdikpengmilum Kodiklat TNI AD.
Arriving with a couple of hours to spare, Major Knight and Captain Dahlan enjoyed some local snacks. Prior to the commencement of the training program, the staff and students took part in the monthly Apel Pagi (morning parade). On the 17th of each month, there is a bigger than usual Apel Pagi in commemoration of the 17th being a special date in the Indonesian calendar.
The training took place in the Aula (hall) at Pusdikpengmilum. With almost 60 students gathered round, Major Knight provided them with an insight into the Australian culture, history and military structure. The provision of a couple of well-timed videos and breaks ensured that no one fell asleep during the four-hour presentation.
The students were excited to hear about the differences between Indonesia and Australia, especially with the structure of government and the role of the military. Questions arose regarding the eligibility of Aboriginal people and women joining the Army through to love, music and food. Students even had a try at pronouncing some Australian slang such as ‘strewth’ and ‘flat out like a lizard drinking’.
The training program concluded with an exchange of gifts and the mandatory photos.
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