Miscellany

Aussie Rules footy is not a game you'd usually associate with Indonesia, but a new physical education program is trying to change that.

 AFL Indonesia, the Australian Football League's Indonesian branch, is seeking to strengthen diplomatic ties between the two countries through sport, by introducing local kids to the oval-shaped ball.

The program's coordinator, Dan Delany, runs Aussie Rules education programs and workshops in Indonesian schools, promoting health and fitness.  He says the workshops give Indonesian kids a chance to experience a totally new game.

“Aussie Rules is so popular in Australia but is absolutely brand new to Indonesia. Pretty much every kid we speak to has no idea that this sport exists,” he said.

"It takes a lot of different skills to what they’re used to. Here there's pretty much badminton or soccer. They don’t really play too many other sports besides that."

Australian Ambassador Bill Farmer says that sport is an ideal way for Australians and Indonesians to spend time together, and develop new relationships.

“Through this program, we have seen literally thousands of young Indonesians learning something about this game taking it on, playing it enthusiastically, making friendship with Australians.

“I think that it’s really great to see Australians and Indonesians doing something together. It’s just in our blood that sport is really important.”

The program is not just about forming new friendships. It also gives Indonesian kids the opportunity to travel, both around Indonesia, and for a lucky few, to Australia, to compete in the International Cup in 2011.

19-year-old Ibet has been playing Aussie Rules for a year, and says he hopes to travel to Australia to play the sport one day.

“I like this game because it is full of body contact, and needs full power and a combination of team effort,” he said.

“This sport needs quick and strong men.”

Dan Delany says although most Indonesians are on the smaller side for AFL players, their skills make up for it.

“There are definitely a few of the younger kids who I’m keeping my eye on because when we take the team to Australia it’s going to be a great experience for them just to see how big the sport is in Australia,” he said.

“Who knows, in the next few years  we could have an Indonesian playing professional league in Australia. That’s my hope, for that to happen." claire