Ambon, Indonesia Sister City

The proximity of Indonesia to Darwin and the large Asian community in Darwin form the foundation of the affiliation. Three Indonesian cities were considered before Ambon was selected, Ambon, Kupang (now a Sister City to Palmerston, Darwin's neighbouring city) and Ujung-Pandang. The affiliation received great support from the Indonesian Consul, the Australian Ambassador in Jakarta, the Australian Indonesian Association in Darwin and the Darwin community.

The links between Darwin and Ambon date as far back as World War II and annual delegations have taken place to Ambon to commemorate ANZAC Day. Links were strengthened by the annual Darwin/Ambon International Yacht Race that ran with great success for many years resulting in close friendships between the two communities.

Successful programs between the two cities have included teacher and student exchanges, a librarian exchange achieved through a grant of $3,000 from the Rotary Club of Darwin North, a "Gifts for Neighbours Project" in cooperation with the Lioness Club of Casuarina, donations of books to the Ambon Public Library and the University Library transported without charge by Merpati Airlines and a grant of $5,872 from the Australian Indonesian Institute to help fund a visit by a cultural dance group from Ambon to visit and perform in Darwin.

Numerous delegations have occured in both directions including in October 1988 Lord Mayor Alec Fong Lim leading a delegation of 21 persons to Ambon for 4 days to sign a "Letter of Intent" and in July 1989 when Darwin welcomed it's biggest delegation ever of 52 Ambonese.

In October 2003, Darwin City Council worked collaboratively with an aid organization to provide much needed assistance in the form of a solutions package to a Rabies Emergency, which had stricken the city of Ambon and at the time of program implementation, had already left 10 people dead. The program was delivered by Medecins Sans Frontiers through their aid office in Ambon following the commitment of $6,000 Lord Mayor appeal funds. Community Fundraising for Ambon had commenced in 1999 after violence broke out in Ambon, leaving the city in turmoil.

In 2004 to commemorate the lifting of the 'State of Emergency' in Ambon, on 15 September 2003, Darwin City Council brought a highly acclaimed photographic exhibition entitled 'Reborn - Ambon after the Conflict' to Darwin. The Photographer, Jakarta based, Mr Tantyo Bangun, accompanied the exhibition as the guest of Darwin City Council. The exhibition portrayed the plight of the Ambon people and emanated hope out of devastation, providing the Darwin community with a tangible illustration of the situation faced by Ambon. During this time, Darwin City Council welcomed a delegation from the Ambon Mayor revitilising the sister city relationship and strengthening ties for the bright new future Ambon is now embarking on.