RRI.CO.ID, Makassar- A new cultural bridge between Australia and Indonesia has been established with the opening of the new Australian Reading Corner at Al-Markaz Al-Islami Mosque in Makassar today.

Launched by the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Rod Brazier, and the Australian Consul-General in Makassar, Todd Dias, the Australian Reading Corner provides a space for the Muslim community of Makassar to access books and resources to learn about Australia's history, culture and longstanding relationship with Indonesia.

"I am delighted to officially open the Australian Reading Corner at Al-Markaz Al-Islami Mosque. This milestone reflects Australia’s commitment to building deeper understanding between Australia and eastern Indonesia," said Ambassador Brazier.

According to a release received by Voice of Indonesia on Friday, 24 July 2026, the Head of Yayasan Islamic Centre Al-Markaz Al-Islami, Prof. Hamid Awaluddin, welcomed the Australian delegation warmly and expressed his deep gratitude for the cultural and educational initiative.

“The Australian Reading Corner we are inaugurating today will serve as a source of information and knowledge—an objective that aligns with the mission of the mosque. I extend our deepest gratitude to the Australian government for establishing this Reading Corner,” said Prof. Hamid Awaluddin.

“With thanks to the friendship and support of Masjid Al-Markaz Al-Islami, the official opening of the new facility is a fantastic opportunity to build on the long history of exchange between our two countries, particularly between Makassar and northern Australia.” Consul-General Dias added,

The Australian Reading Corner is now open to the public and members of the Al-Markaz Al-Islami community.