Indonesians will have access to Australian television content like never before in a landmark deal struck between Indonesia's largest media company, the MNC Group and ABC International's Australia Network television service.
Similar to the reciprocal partnership Australia Network has with China's Shanghai Media Group, the Indonesian agreement will see a month of dedicated Australian coverage on three of MNC's free-to-air terrestrial channels during May titled 'Window on Australia'.
Australian news will have its own three-minute daily feature on MNC's breakfast, midday and afternoon news bulletins and special features will be broadcast across all channels during the month.
CEO of ABC International, Ms Lynley Marshall, said the 'Window on Australia' initiative would reach a significant number of Indonesians in their own language on their own channels.
"We are working now with Indonesian crews to create content that will appeal to Indonesian audiences on topics such as Australian science and technology ingenuity, business and food sustainability."
"This unprecedented access to local Indonesian media is the result of a mature and trusted partnership between the Australia Network and MNC that has developed over many years," Ms Marshall said. "Over past months ABC International has extended the reach not just of the Australia Network but also Radio Australia and our digital brand Australia Plus, with a range of syndication partners which includes MNC as well as Detik.com, Tempo.co, Antara, Fajar TV, Jawa Pos, and Kompas.com and TV."
Ms Marshall said the month of Australian programming on Indonesian television would further enhance Indonesian's knowledge and understanding of Australians and Australian life and strengthen people to people links between the two neighbours.
The Managing Director of the MNC Media Group, Ms Nana Putra, said: "Window on Australia, which will be broadcast on our channels in May, will provide opportunity for Indonesian audiences to get to know and understand our Australian neighbours. This co-production strengthens our friendship with one of the region’s most trusted and respected media organisations, the ABC and its Australia Network. We are delighted to continue to work with our Australian partner on projects of mutual interest and we look forward to seeing Window on Indonesia broadcast soon in Australia ", Ms Putra said.
MNC has an audience share of 68 per cent and an estimated reach of 102 million people. The Australia Network has been rebroadcast on MNC's Indovision channel for seven years.
'Window on Australia' will be formally launched at a reception in Jakarta in early May jointly hosted by MNC and the Australia Network