AUSTRALIA’S NEWLY COMPLETED Embassy complex at Jl Patra Kuningan Raya Kav 1-4 in Jakarta, Indonesia, is quickly being populated by staff of the Australian diplomatic missions to the Republic of Indonesia and to the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Occupying a 40,500 square metre site with a gross floor area of 50,106 square metres, Australia's largest embassy in the world provides office facilities for 551 employees – Australian and Indonesian – representing 12 government agencies.
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| Philanthropy leaders welcomed |
The complex also includes 32 four-bedroom apartments, and extensive recreational facilities including club-room, a swimming pool, two tennis courts and a multi-purpose sports court. While the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr Paul Grigson, retains the official residency in Menteng, the prestigious new residency within the complex will be home to Australia’s separate Ambassador to ASEAN, Mr Simon Merrifield.
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| Philanthropy briefing in new Embassy |
Since work on the new facilities began in 2013, Australian diplomats have advised that the Embassy will resume its central role for Australian activities in Jakarta, particularly hosting meetings and social functions that were suspended after the deadly terrorist bombing of its premises in 2004.
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| Photo: www.philanthropy.org.au |
A visiting delegation of Australian Philanthropy Leaders has claimed the title of “first external group” to visit the recently completed building. On 22 February they were welcomed by Mr Justin Lee, Deputy Head of Mission, for extensive briefings.
The delegation, led by Professor Tim Lindsey (Australia Indonesian Institute) and Ms Sanchi Davis (DFAT), included Mr Carrillo Gantner (Chairman, Sidney Myer Fund), Mr Phillip Keir (Co-Founder, Keir Foundation), Mr Leonard Vary (CEO, Myer Foundation), Ms Eve Mahlab (Co-Founder, Australian Women Donors Network), Ms Karen Mahlab (Founder and CEO, Pro Bono Australia), Ms Julie Reilly, (CEO, Australian Women Donors Network), Mr Paul Wheelton (Chairman, Bali Children Foundation) and Mr Chris Wootton (Services Manager, Philanthropy Australia).
See also: New 4ha, minerals-clad, high-security Australian embassy in Jakarta underway (8 August 2013).
