Australia Opens Its New Embassy in Jakarta

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - The new Australian Embassy in Jakarta was opened on Monday by the countrys Foreign Minister Julie Bishop.

The new embassy is the largest ever constructed by an Australian Government in the world and reflects the depth of the relationship between Australia and Indonesia, according to the Australian Embassy here on Monday.
The new complex in Patra Kuningan, Jakarta Selatan, which includes a five-storey Chancery, accommodation for some Embassy staff, and a recreation and medical center covers more than 50,000 square meters.

The embassy complex was built by Indonesian company Total Bangun Persada, in partnership with Leighton (Asia), and continues to make a positive contribution to the local economy. During construction, up to 2,500 local workers were employed on the site. The Australian Government is also upgrading infrastructure in the Embassys neighborhood.

Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Paul Grigson said the new embassy is indicative of Australias expanded diplomatic footprint, which includes a Consulate-General in Bali and another mission soon to be opened in Makassar.

"The Embassy showcases the best in Australian innovative design and cutting edge technology to make the most out of Indonesias environment while minimizing the impact on local water and energy sources," Ambassador Grigson said.

The Embassy complex uses low resource technologies such as collecting and using rainwater as well as solar water heating systems.

Extensive landscaping was carried out during construction. Four mature Banyan trees were also relocated. This relocation is the biggest of its kind ever undertaken and has been recognized by the Indonesian Guinness Book of Records. The effort also won a Museum Rekor Indonesia (MURI) award.

The distinctive colors chosen for the Chancery are designed to represent Australias wealth in minerals such as copper, zinc, brass, steel and aluminum.

"The new Australian Embassy complex is not only a tribute to Australian creative design and innovation, but is also a tangible example of a very successful Australian-Indonesian construction partnership," Grigson said.(WDY)