When Merdeka Came to Australia - The History of Us 1942-1950

The exhibition tells the story of the inspired beginning of Indonesia - Australia relationship as neighbours whose futures are so closely bound to each other.

Reveals Australians support for Indonesia's struggle to maintain their independence against the Dutch attempts to re-colonize Indonesia between 1945-1950 which received little or no publicity in Australia and Indonesia through a number of photos, correspondence between Indonesian President Sukarno and the Australian Prime Minister to a number of visual historiography documents,
personal stories and archival material that explores the neighbouring country's role during Indonesia's independence struggle.

Feature a documentary video on the history of Australia Indonesia diplomatic relations. Film screening of Indonesia Calling
(1946) directed by Joris Ivens, explores the refusal of seamen and waterside workers to man Dutch ships containing arms and ammunition for attack on Indonesia.

Indonesia Calling is not only a film about "The ships that didn't sail", it is also a film about an Australian society in which people from various countries and with various religious and political backgrounds can live together in harmony.

Highlight the importance of first Indonesian Diasporas who were
sent to Australia as political prisoners and landed in Australian harbours as seamen even before Indonesian independence promoting friendly relations with Australians and Indonesia's right to independence.

Provide the opportunity for the descendants of first Indonesian Diasporas who have been fighting for Indonesian's independence in Australia to get in touch
and to meet .

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Host or Publisher Indonesian Diaspora Network Victoria Incorporated