26-05-2025
'It's my DNA': Lydia Santoso talks about her new role, personal mission at Australia-Indonesia Institute
SBS Indonesian
26/05/2025 14:55 In February, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced the appointment of Lydia Santoso as Chair of the Australia-Indonesia Institute. Lydia Santoso was born in Indonesia—to an Australian mother and Indonesian father—and grew up in Cessnock in the NSW's Hunter Valley. The lawyer is also Chair of the Australia Indonesia Business Council NSW and sits on the board of the Australian Consortium for 'In-Country' Indonesian Studies (ACICIS).
Ms Santoso said she was excited about the appointment—especially as she became the first woman to ever hold the role—although she admitted to not know of why she was chosen.
These two cultures are like my whole being. The whole relationship is my DNA. Lydia Santoso - Chair of the Board of the Australia-Indonesia Institute 'So, for me, it's a personal mission to make sure the relationship between these two countries,' she told SBS Indonesian. Ms Santoso explained the mission of the AII including projects that build partnerships and collaborations between the two countries. But what is her big dream in this role? Listen to the full interview. Listen to SBS Indonesian on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 3pm. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram , and don't miss our podcasts.
