Phil Turtle
National President

President's Column

Dear Members and Friends,

Over the last couple of weeks, there have been some important developments in the continued strengthening of the Australia-Indonesia relationship, underpinning growing opportunities in trade and investment.

Both the Australian Foreign and Defence Ministers, Senator the Hon Marise Payne and Hon Peter Dutton MP, visited Jakarta for the 7th Foreign and Defence Ministers 2+2 Meeting with their counterparts Retno Marsudi and Prabowo Subianto. The joint media release in the leadup to this visit can be seen here, the transcript of the joint press conference here, the joint statement issued after the meeting here, and an article further capturing some of the outcomes here.

A key focus during this visit was to promote and enhance important business links between our countries, particularly as developing such links will assist in our joint recovery from COVID-19. It was acknowledged by Minister Marsudi that even in these challenging times, bilateral trade increased significantly in the first half of 2021, “jumping from US$3.52 billion in the same period last year to US$5.83 billion.”

Whilst in Jakarta, the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs also delivered a keynote foreign policy address "Australia and Indonesia — Delivering for our people, and for the Indo-Pacific Region", which the AIBC and IABC was kindly invited to participate. A recording of this address can be viewed here.

Australian Foreign and Defence Ministers, Senator the Hon Marise Payne and Hon Peter Dutton MP with their counterparts Retno Marsudi and Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta (pics courtesy of Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Defence)

Also recently, Australia’s first woman Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia, Penny Williams PSM presented her credentials to President Jokowi. Whilst the Ambassador has been in Jakarta for some months now, her official appointment had been delayed by COVID-19 related factors.

Ambassador Williams noted on this important occasion that she is “looking forward to working with the Government and people of Indonesia to further strengthen our close ties.” and released a brief video presentation here.

Ambassador Penny Williams PSM presents her credentials to President Jokowi – 1 September 2021

AIBC recently concluded its fundraising campaign, in partnership with Save the Children, to assist in COVID-19 response in Indonesia. We are grateful for the generosity shown by our Members and Friends, and are pleased that we have been able to assist in a small way in this time of need. Further information on our efforts, and those of others, can be seen below in our “COVID-19 Response” section. The Campaign whilst formally closed, is still accepting donations here, with any further funds received to be deployed in Indonesia.

We are also proud to have played a role in securing $2million in COVID-19 relief funding for Indonesia from the Western Australian Government, with the WA Premier acknowledging our Campaign in his media statement.

Within AIBC, our Chapter AGMs have been concluded around the country during August, with some new faces joining our National Board as Chapter Chairs, and others concluding their terms.

We welcome back Jennifer Mathews (WA), Di Robinson (NSW), Judy Anderson (ACT), Peter Craven (TAS), Amalia Sosrodiredjo (SA), and welcome new Chairs Kate Heelan (NT), Peter Baines (QLD) and Garry Embleton (VIC). AIBC also recognises the great contributions of outgoing Chairs Linda Reeves (NT), Paul Martins (QLD), and Jared Heath (VIC) who have finished their terms, and each of whom has made a significant contribution to AIBC over a number of years. We wish them all well, and look forward to having them continue to be involved with AIBC.

Phil Turtle
National President

In a COVID-19 delayed celebration of IA-CEPA’s 1st Birthday, Hon Dan Tehan MP, Australia’s Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, joined with AIBC and IABC as well as a number of special guests on a virtual forum to mark this occasion.

Moderated by AIBC National President Phil Turtle, together with IABC National President George Iwan Marantika, participants also heard from Amalia Adininggar (Deputy Minister – BAPPENAS), Arsjad Rasjid (Chairman - KADIN), Shinta Kamdani (Vice Chair - APINDO and KADIN), Matt Hughes (Executive General Manager – Australia, Asia & Pacific - Aspen Medical) and Malcolm Brailey (Area Manager APAC - Fortescue Future Industries).

Minister Tehan (top centre) with speakers from AIBC, IABC, BAPPENAS, KADIN, FFI and Aspen Medical

AIBC thanks all who participated in this event, and our partners and supporters at IABC, The Australian Embassy – Jakarta, BAPPENAS, KADIN, Sintesa Group, Aspen Medical and Fortescue Future Industries.

A recording of this event can be viewed here.

In other IA-CEPA news, the launch of Katalis, and the establishment of a new grain industry hub between Australia and Indonesia, has been welcomed by the Australian Export Grain Innovation Centre (AEGIC) and GrainGrowers.

The announcement from AEGIC can be seen here.

Businesses are reminded too that if they encounter any non-tariff trade barrier, they are able to register them here on the trade barriers gateway (Australian Government) for follow-up.

Full and updated details on IA-CEPA can be viewed on the DFAT portal here.

With no fixed timetable for international borders to open again, the race is on to vaccinate as many as possible, and attend to the health impacts in our communities. In supporting Indonesia, the Australian Government has delivered 1 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine, 1000 ventilators, 700 oxygen concentrators, 170 oxygen cylinders, rapid antigen tests and other medical supplies.

Australia’s first shipment of 500,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses arrived in Indonesia this month

The AIBC is proud to have concluded its Indonesia COVID-19 Relief Appeal in partnership with Save the Children. Our Members and Friends have been very generous in their support, and thank you letters have gone out to all who contributed. We are assured that the funds raised are making an important contribution in delivering medical supplies and PPE, as well as supporting basic household assistance for families whose livelihoods have been impacted by COVID-19. AIBC thanks Save the Children for their support, in particular Corporate Partnerships Manager David Faulmann, who has provided much valuable assistance.

AIBC Members Big Start Global, supplying Oxygen Concentrators and ‘Oxygen for Indonesia

AIBC is also proud of the tireless and generous efforts of one of its Members, Big Start Global, led by Executive Director Jack Quigley. According to Jack, “Big Start feels sincerely privileged to be providing both Kemenkes and Oxygen for Indonesia with medical oxygen ‘Supply Chain Certainty’”. Big Start has also donated PPE, oxygen concentrators (OC) and high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) “to help our close friends and regional neighbours in Indonesia”.
 
For further information on COVID-19 responses, the Australian Government’s website here, remains a comprehensive portal to the very broad range of health and business related information.
 
Our counterparts at the IABC in Jakarta have been kindly circulating an updated informal timeline/overview, with the latest here.

WA Update

IA-CEPA: One Year On - Business Networking Event

AIBC WA was delighted to partner with the Indonesian Consulate-General, Perth in hosting "IA-CEPA: One Year On", a Business Networking Event held on 15 July 2021 to mark the anniversary of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA).

Moderated by AIBC WA Chair Jennifer Mathews, the event featured a distinguished line up of speakers: Indonesian Consul-General Ibu Dewi Tobing, Indonesian Consul Nanda Avalist, and Assistant Secretary, Indonesia Branch, DFAT, Kate Duff.

A big thank you to our wonderful panellists Richard Baker (Red Piranha), Garry Johnson (Steel Blue), Krista Dunstan (JTSI), Dr. Maria Lantu, and Fiona Goss for sharing their valuable insights and to WA Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation and WA Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development (DPIRD) for their support.

The anniversary event was attended by close to 100 participants from across government and industry – all keen to receive an update on the opportunities arising from this milestone agreement.

Congratulations to AIBC WA and the Indonesian Consulate General on a great event.

Speakers and guests enjoying the event at the Consulate General of Indonesia - Perth

Kimberley Economic Forum “Looking North”

In August, AIBC WA Chair Jennifer Mathews travelled to the Kimberley region in Western Australia to address the Kimberley Economic Forum “Looking North” hosted by the East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Kununurra from 18-20 August.   The Forum, sponsored by Horizon Power and attended by over 100 participants from government and industry, featured an excellent line up of speakers on economic development opportunities across the region. 

Ms Mathews presentation “Trading North: Indonesia” highlighted the range of trade and investment opportunities available to the Kimberley region under IA-CEPA and raised the level of awareness about Indonesia as a prospective partner for both trade and investment.  Specific partnership opportunities were identified in horticulture, live cattle, and renewable energy.

AIBC WA Chair presenting at the Kimberley Economic Forum

Seizing Opportunities in the Western Part of Indonesia: Investment Project Showcase Aceh

On 12 August AIBC WA Chair, Jennifer Mathews moderated a highly successful webinar hosted by IIPC Sydney entitled Seizing Opportunities in the Western Part of Indonesia: Investment Project Showcase Aceh.  The webinar, held in collaboration with the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra and the Provincial Government of Aceh, featured keynote speeches by the Indonesian Ambassador to Australia, HE Mr Kristiarto Legowo, and HE Mr Nova Iriansyah, Governor of Aceh Province, highlighting Aceh province as an attractive investment destination for Australian investors.  The webinar, the first in a three part series, also featured presentations on four investment ready projects within the tourism and agribusiness sectors in Aceh.  Further investment webinars are scheduled for September and October.

AIBC WA AGM

Following its AGM on 26 August 2021, Jennifer Mathews has been re-elected Chair of AIBC WA, with Larissa Taylor being welcomed as the new Vice Chair.   Byran O’Loughlan and Tiffany Makharti have been re-lected to the WA Committee.   AIBC WA wishes to express its appreciation to outgoing Vice - Chair Robbie Gasper and Committee member Peter Hong for their outstanding contribution to AIBC WA during their terms.

TAS Update

On 26th August, the Tasmanian branch held its AGM and reappointed Mr Peter Craven as its Chair for the forthcoming term.  The appointment was welcomed by the Indonesian Consul General VIC TAS - HE Kuncoro Waseso, who is eager for Tasmanian businesses to explore the many opportunities to connect with Indonesia. The Branch is in the process of assisting the Consulate to organise a number of online events over the forthcoming months to update and inform Tasmanian business of these opportunities.

HE Kuncoro Waseso, Indonesian Consul General VIC TAS meeting with Mr. Peter Craven AIBC TASChair recently to discuss on going activities to promote business between Indonesia and Tasmania.

VIC Update

On 31 August 2021, the AIBC Victoria Branch AGM was held.   At our AGM, we were joined by special guest Rebecca Hall, Victoria’s Commissioner to Southeast Asia and Pak Kuncoro Waseso the new Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia to Victoria and Tasmania.  Rebecca provided us with a valuable update on Global Victoria’s activities and initiatives in relation to Indonesia and we welcomed Pak to his first AIBC Victoria event.  The AIBC Victoria committee note with pleasure the very good number of attendees at the AGM and wonderful engagement considering the limitations of the virtual platform.

We would like to share with you all the Chair’s report and minutes from the AGM, as well as Rebecca Hall’s presentation.

The AGM saw the election of a largely new committee with 4 of the 7 committee positions filled by newcomers.  The AIBC Victoria committee now includes returning members Garry Embleton, Geoffrey Gold and Bronwyn Duke, with newly voted in members Edward Buckingham, Jeswynn Yogaratnam, Marlene Millott and Peter McGregor.  At the first committee meeting following the AGM the following executive positions were confirmed:

• Chair – Garry Embleton
• Deputy Chair – Geoffrey Gold
• Secretary – Jeswynn Yogaratnam

The incoming AIBC Victoria committee brings a wonderful breadth of experience and interest to AIBC Victoria, with expertise covering Food & Agriculture, Mining & Minerals, Marketing, Education, Law, Policy Development, Sustainable development, Journalism, Investment Banking & Capital.  Short biographies of all committee members are included below.

Garry Embleton (Chair)
Garry is Operations Director for Ausfine Foods International Pty. Ltd and President Director of PT Ausfine Foods Indonesia.  He has been with Ausfine for 11 years and is in his 32st year of working in the international trading side of the Australian Dairy Industry.  Through his career he have also been involved in exporting meat, dried fruit, juices and other food products.   In addition to his new role as Chair of AIBC Victoria, Garry also heads up the AIBC Food & Agriculture Group.  Garry is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Geoffrey Gold (Deputy Chair)
Convenor and Chair of the AIBC National Minerals & Energy Group; Marketing and communications, international trade and investment advisor and specialist for Southeast Asia, ASEAN and Indonesia; Founder, Gold Communications (including the Indonesia Australia Report, ASEAN Strategic and Civil & Cyber Defence); Director of Communications for Resilianz Technologies; Honorary Ambassador to Australia for AFL Indonesia.

Jeswynn Yogaratnam (Secretary)
20 years experience in law and education portfolios with extensive insights to policy development within private, government and tertiary sectors involving strategic engagements in SEA & India. At present, lead and manage teams and stakeholders on decarbonisation projects within the built environment. Worked cross-culturally with law firms and tertiary sectors in Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and the US. Fluent in Bahasa Indonesia and Bahasa Malaysia.

Bronwyn Duke
International Market Manager at Dairy Australia handling the markets of South East Asia. Third year as an AIBC committee member. Ten years’ experience living and working across Asia, including two years in Indonesia. Active member of Indonesian community group and fluent in Bahasa Indonesia.

Edward Buckingham
Professor Edward  Buckingham works at Monash Business School where he teaches Strategy, Operations Management, International Business and Business model design to MBA students.  Edward first went to Indonesia as a 19 year old undergraduate exchange student and been a fan ever since.  After many years in the private sector working in China and France for the Boston Consulting Group, Schlumberger and what is mow Clariant, Edward returned to INSEAD, his alma mater,  to run their EMBA programmes. For his Phd (London) he researched business practices in Indonesian agribusiness value chains. He appears regularly as an interview guest  on the SBS Radio a Bahasa Indonesia service.

Marlene Millott
Marlene Millott is a Program Officer at the Australia-Indonesia Centre, working on the Partnership for Australia-Indonesia Research (PAIR). Through her role Marlene administers a range of projects that focus on sustainable development in Indonesia, on topics including agriculture, health, connectivity, human capital development, young people and the impact of COVID-19.  Marlene has a Bachelor of Arts with majors in Indonesian Studies and Politics, and Masters degrees in Journalism and International Relations.
Marlene has travelled widely in Indonesia and is an alumna of the Australia-Indonesia Youth Exchange Program (AIYEP) and the Journalism Professional Practicum at the Australian Consortium for In-Country Indonesian Studies (ACICIS). She is also the former Victorian chapter Secretary of the Australia-Indonesia Youth Association for 2015-16.

Peter McGregor
Peter McGregor has over 30 years’ experience in senior finance and management roles, including having been a partner in the Investment Banking firm of Goldman Sachs JBWere, Chief Financial Officer of the ASX50 transport company, Asciano, and a Managing Director within the Institutional Banking & Markets division of Commonwealth Bank. Peter is an experienced company Director, currently servings on the Boards of Pivotal Systems Corporation, Imricor Medical Systems (both ASX-listed) and TRUE Infrastructure Management. He is a former Chairman of the Port of Geelong and Director of the Brisbane Lions AFL Club. He holds a Commerce Degree from the University of Melbourne, is a Fellow of FINSIA and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

We look forward to contributing to the advancement of the AIBC work and engaging with all members and associates to promote the Australia Indonesia business relationship.

Research into Indonesia’s COVID-19 Response

One Data: COVID-19, health data connectivity and integration in Indonesia – a case study of Yogyakarta.

“It’s been more than a year into the pandemic, Indonesia has the most COVID-19 cases and highest fatality rate in Southeast Asia and still grapples with disorganised COVID-19 data management.

To investigate the issue further, our team of technology, health informatics and behavioural information researchers explored Yogyakarta province’s health information system. We found a number of processes that made COVID-data unreliable and came up with ways to fix them.”

See here to read more and download the report.

Creative Economy - How young creative workers in Yogyakarta are dealing with COVID-19.

“We examine how the pandemic threatens the creative economy, and propose six ideas to help policymakers support creative workers in a time of crisis. This AIC short and responsive report looked at the city considered the epicentre of Indonesia's artistic industries and found the individuals in it had been incredibly resilient, and that government support for them would underpin the arts industries as a whole.”

See here to read more and download the report.

Road to recovery: Assessing job risk and the impact on the most vulnerable in Indonesia's pandemic-hit tourism industry.

“In the report, we show how the most vulnerable and marginalised - women, young people & lower-educated workers - have been the hardest hit. Our goal is to identify how those who have endured the most economic hardship can be supported and given an opportunity to reclaim their livelihoods.

We offer three recommendations to help policymakers with the sector's recovery from COVID-19.”

See here to read more and download the report.

Indoview

IIPC and BKPM Newsletters

The Indonesia Investment Promotion Centre (IIPC) has published its July and August newsletters with updates on Indonesia's investment climate and what's happening at IIPC Sydney.

Read the newsletters here and here.

The Indonesian Ministry of Investment/BKPM in Jakarta also published their latest May and June newsletters, which can be viewed here and here.

Indonesian Carbon Tax Proposal

In his recent article, Bill Sullivan of Christian Teo & Partners, looks at proposals to introduce a carbon tax.

"The Ministry of Finance is promoting the introduction of a carbon tax as a means of both facilitating a move away from Indonesia’s over-reliance upon fossil fuels and raising much needed additional Government revenue.

The proposed carbon tax is to be part of a larger group of amendments to the tax law.”

To read this article in full, click here.

Coal Exports & DMO Breaches

In another article, Bill Sullivan of Christian Teo & Partners, looks at new regulations for Coal Exports and penalties for non-compliance with DMO requirements.

"A new regulation on coal exports and non-compliance with Indonesia’s so-called “domestic market obligation” has resulted in 34 coal producers being temporarily banned from exporting coal.

The long run-up in international coal prices, and the consequent reluctance of Indonesian coal producers to sell their coal domestically, is almost certainly the catalyst for both the new regulation and the temporary ban imposed on 34 coal producers.”

To read this article in full, click here.

“Kampung Indonesia” – Indonesian Language in Australia

“Scotts Head is a small regional town in the mid-North Coast of New South Wales (NSW). According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, it is home to 899 residents, a demographic categorized by a majority of English and Irish heritage.

Former teacher Bibi Ahmed introduced Indonesian language to Scotts Head. Her own journey with Indonesian began in Year 7, when she was introduced to four language tasters including Indonesian. It became her favourite school subject which she continued to learn in university.”

To read this article in full, click here.

Northern Australia and Indonesia Infrastructure

“Indonesia appears to be persevering with plans for its grand infrastructure rollout, likely to cost over US$400 billion, despite the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on the archipelagic nation.

Australian businesses can join this endeavour through the Indonesia–Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA). The long-term pipeline of work could create links between Australians and Indonesians, help Indonesia to upskill its workforce and contribute to the sustainment of a specialist, skilled workforce in the Northern Territory.”

To read this article in full, click here.