Meet Australian Idol

Wow it s not everyday that we get to meet an Australian Idol so when the chance poses itself, I immediately take it up for all it s worth. Her name is Jessica Mauboy and she is Australian with an Indonesian father and an Australian aborigine mother.

Unique indeed and that s why she is asked by the Australian Embassy to Indonesia to visit schools across the archipelago to promote closer ties between the two countries. Accompanying Jessica is Fiona Hoggart, the first secretary, cultural attaché, representative of the Australia-Indonesia Institute at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta.

One example of her role during this visit is when I get to accompany her on Thursday 21 August for a short school visit in Sanur. Jessica visits the Bali International School and helps fifteen selected students in a special vocal workshop. After about an hour of humming and singing, they then perform a mini concert in front of other students. Applause, applause and applause…the kids were so excited, at the very special opportunity to meet up close with an idol.

When I asked about surfing, Jessica shyly confesses that Darwin does not have a good wave and thus she would gladly learn to surf in Bali, should she get a break from her tour-of-duty. She also dreamily admits that she has only recently been introduced to Kuta Karnival. Closing, she whispers that she would not mind an invitation to sing and entertain celebrators at this high-profile international event so famous in Australia. What better way to foster a relationship between two neighbouring nations! (g)