Each year, the Australian Defence College (ADC) hosts the Junior Leaders Forum, a five-day program bringing together junior leaders from Indonesia and Australia.

Established in 2019 to foster mutual understanding, cultural awareness and professional relationships early in officers' careers, the Forum lays the groundwork for long-term strategic cooperation.

Describing leadership as a deeply embedded aspect of organisational life, particularly in Defence, Commander ADC Rear Admiral James Lybrand emphasised that genuine leadership is about consistency in decision making, with utmost authenticity, even in challenging circumstances.

Speaking on the significance of this long-standing initiative, Rear Admiral Lybrand expressed pride in hosting the Forum and highlighted its value as a strategic investment.

"Indonesia is one of the Australian Defence Force's largest education and training partners. Forums like these help build enduring relationships between future senior leaders of both countries,” Rear Admiral Lybrand said.

A core objective of the Forum is to provide Australian Defence Force personnel with the opportunity to engage with their Indonesian counterparts and establish enduring people-to-people links early in their careers.

'I believe in being an agile leader. This opportunity gave me the chance to experience a different culture and military background. It also helped me build relationships and broaden my understanding of regional defence perspectives.'

Twelve participants from each country, representing all three services, took part in the Forum.

Flying Officer Akesh Nambiar, an electronics engineer and recent graduate of the Australian Defence Force Academy, wanted to challenge his thinking beyond his technical specialisations.

“I believe in being an agile leader. This opportunity gave me the chance to experience a different culture and military background. It also helped me build relationships and broaden my understanding of regional defence perspectives,” Flying Officer Nambiar said.

The Forum presented an opportunity to deepen awareness of the strength of the bilateral relationship between the two nations.

Lieutenant Ussy Laras Ayu from the Indonesian Navy saw the program as a chance to gain international experience and learn from the ADF.

Lieutenant Ussy's leadership style is grounded in empathy and connection, and she believes that knowing her crew personally is key to leading effectively.

“For me, the openness of fellow Australian personnel, mutual interest in learning languages and the culture of discipline in Australia were a few memorable aspects of my visit,” Lieutenant Ussy said.

Both officers expressed a desire to maintain the friendships formed during the Forum through social media, future programs and professional networks. When asked to describe the Forum in one word, Lieutenant Ussy simply said: “Wonderful.”

For more information about education and training through Australian Defence College, visit Australian Defence College | Defence Activities | Defence.