Charles Darwin University’s Indonesian Garden was officially opened yesterday evening.
More than 150 people turned out for the opening, which was also attended by Administrator of the NT, His Honour Mr Tom Pauling AO, Indonesia Ambassador His Excellency Mr Primo Alui Joelianto and CDU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Barney Glover.
During his welcome address Professor Glover said he hoped the garden would become a magnificent community asset that further reinforced the existing strong relations between Indonesia and the Territory.
This was reiterated by Mr Pauling, who said not only did the garden strengthen ties, but it also celebrated the unique multi-culture of the NT.
His Excellency Mr Primo Alui Joelianto said he was honoured to have the garden opened during such an auspicious year for the city’s namesake, Charles Darwin.
Project Co-coordinator and CDU’s Horticulture and Aquaculture Team Leader, Scott McDonald said that volunteers and contractors had worked for the past four years to establish the garden.
“We wanted to make the garden as authentically Indonesian as possible and its very design was centred around striking the right balance between an Indonesian formal or ornamental garden and a traditional Indonesian family garden,” Mr McDonald said.
“Every plant here is food, fibre or medicine, which is reflective of the family garden. The statuesque pendopo (central pavilion) and the symbolism of the ornate statues within the space are reminiscent of a more formal Indonesian garden,” he said.
There are a further two phases planned for the garden including construction of a water feature, garden furniture and ornate Indonesian gating.
Besides being open to the public on a daily basis, the garden is also now available for private bookings through the CDU Facilities office P: 08 8946 7232.