Phil Turtle
National President

President's Column

Dear Members and Friends,

I am delighted to welcome you all in this first issue of AIBCnews since being appointed as interim National President by the AIBC Board.

As many are aware, this follows the recent departure of Debnath Guharoy, who stepped down as National President after 3 years of bringing great passion, energy and ideas to the role. Once again we extend warm thanks to Debnath for his contributions, and wish him well as he pursues his business interests overseas.

I am fortunate to have been involved with AIBC for over 8 years in a number of leadership roles, and maintain all the enthusiasm for AIBC and the importance of our role and the Australia-Indonesia relationship, that I held in my early days with the organisation. I thank all our Members and supporters for also believing in what we do collectively, and look forward to continuing to make a difference together.

It is now “AGM Season” within AIBC, as all our Branches around the country elect their Committees and representatives to lead them as State/Territory Chairs for the next 2 years. AIBC thanks all those taking on these often-demanding yet voluntary roles for making this commitment, and extends appreciation to those who step down after years of service to AIBC. The diversity amongst this group of people, and the Members they represent is the real strength of AIBC.

At the National Level, AIBC’s AGM will be held in Canberra on Thursday 14 September, with official Notices to be issued soon to Members. Any Members wishing to attend are of course most welcome, and I would also draw attention to the annual Indonesia Update Conference that is offered by ANU on following days.

With plans well advanced for the upcoming IABC Conference in Surabaya in November, AIBC is delighted that former AIBC President, Chris Barnes, has recently been appointed as the inaugural Consul-General in the soon to be opened Consulate-General in Surabaya, Indonesia’s second largest city, and the capital of East Java. We hope to see many AIBC Members and friends in Surabaya for the Conference, and early-bird registrations are now being accepted.

With IA-CEPA anticipated to be concluded this year, this will be something for AIBC and the broader business community to embrace, and will be a real opportunity to draw significant attention to the Trade and Investment relationship and opportunities. In this AIBC is understandably proud of the role it has served in the process, including as a central member of the Indonesia-Australia Business Partnership Group (IA-BPG), along with our friends at IABC, ACCI, KADIN, AiG and APINDO.

In Canberra this month we have seen the IA-CEPA Negotiating Teams gather for Round 8 of negotiations, with 2 further rounds scheduled before the end on 2017. AIBC was delighted to host a well-attended reception for the negotiating teams, Members and guests, and is encouraged by the commitment and goodwill that is evident all around, after Prime Minister Turnbull and President Jokowi recommitted to concluding IA-CEPA this year at the recent G20 meeting in Hamburg.

Alongside this I was pleased to host in Perth, a small gathering with Hon. Steven Ciobo MP, Australia’s Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, where a number of Members were able to raise directly some of their aspirations, successes and challenges in their businesses involved with Indonesia.

Minister Ciobo with representatives of The Lupin Co, Carnegie Clean Energy, My Cargo International Logistics, Murdoch University, Orica, Curtin University, Sentient Ports and Wellard Rural Exports.

In closing, AIBC is pleased to see a number of new Members joining our ranks, and hope to see further Membership growth over the year ahead. For those of you not already Members of AIBC, we strongly encourage you to join with us on this journey, with details for becoming a member to be found on our website.

Phil Turtle
AIBC National President
 

Join the Conversation - AIBC is on Twitter

AIBC is keen to get the word out about its various activities, and other items of interest, and we need your help.

With Indonesians amongst the World’s most prolific Twitter users, this is a very effective medium.

Please follow @AIBCNational on Twitter, and re-tweet items that you find interesting.

We'll be making increasing use of social media to keep you updated on AIBC activities, and broader Australia-Indonesia issues.

That's  @AIBCNational on Twitter ….!

ACT Update

IA CEPA Networking Function

The ACT Branch of AIBC were pleased to again host the IA CEPA Networking Function on behalf of the Australian members of the Indonesia Australia Business Partnership Group (viz ACCI, AIBC and AiG) during the eight round of negotiations in Canberra during the first week of August.

The networking event at the National Press Club on 3 August 2017 was attended by over 140 people including the Australian and Indonesian negotiators, representatives of Australian and Indonesian industry associations and small businesses in Canberra and the region.  The AIBC was particularly pleased to welcome Pak Noke Kiroyan (President, IABC) and Pak Yos Ginting (APINDO and KADIN).

Bill Farmer AO, the former Australian Ambassador to Indonesia and Patron of the ACT Branch of AIBC, made a number of remarks about the importance of IA CEPA to businesses in both countries. 
His Excellency Kristiarto Legowo, the Ambassador of Indonesia to Australia also spoke of the importance of IA CEPA to bring businesses in both countries closer together and the opportunities from increased trade. 

The Australian and Indonesian lead negotiators also provided an overview of progress with the negotiations.  Pak Deddy Saleh (Indonesia’s lead negotiator) acknowledged that while many Indonesian companies may consider other markets to have more potential because they were larger than Australia, the essential point was that Australia was an easier and closer market for Indonesian companies.

The Australian delegation was led by DFAT and included representatives of the Departments of: Agriculture and Water Resources, Attorney General, Education and Training, Employment, Health, Immigration and Border Protection, Industry Innovation and Science, Treasury and Standards Australia.  Click here to read DFAT's summary and click here to read DFAT's recent paper on "untapped opportunities" in Indonesia-Australia Trade.

Pak Kristiarto Legowo (Indonesian Ambassador to Australia), Allastair Cox (Head of South East Maritime Division, DFAT) and Ibu Sri Moertiningroem (Head of Indonesian Investment Promotion Centre, Sydney)



Bill Farmer AO highlighting the opportunities for Indonesia and Australia through the IA CEPA



Trudy Whitbreuk (Australia’s Lead Negotiator) making a point to the assembled networkers about the progress with the IA CEPA negotiations and how both parties are committed to a conclusion by end 2017.



Deddy Saleh (Lead Negotiator, Indonesian Negotiating Team) briefing the network event on the challenges and opportunities for the negotiators and both sides.  Pak Deddy noted that many Indonesians did not appreciate the major advantages of trading with Australia, including it being an easier market to access and that it was closer than larger markets.

Aceh Investment Opportunities

ACT Branch briefed a visiting delegation from the Aceh Provincial Government about investment opportunities at the Indonesian Embassy on 10 August.  The delegation was led by Pak Effendi (Chairman of Commission III), and members comprised Pak Azhari and Pak Iberamsyah (members fof Commission III), comprised parliamentarians of the DPRD who were members of Commission III and officials supporting the Commission and frp, the Aceh Province Investment Office.  The delegation presented a very powerful business case relating to investment opportunities in Aceh. 

The ACT Branch was represented by Tony Mitchener (Chair) and Rudy Purba (Secretary) who were able to provide a balanced assessment of those opportunities for Australian businesses, a brief overview of investment priorities for business and the perceptions of Aceh that have shaped by the media.

Pak Effendi, Chairman of Commission III of the Aceh Provincial Representative Council (DPRD) presents Tony Mitchener (Chair, ACT Btanch of AIBC) with information relating to investment opportunities in Aceh.

ACT Branch Chair, Tony Mitchener and Secretary Rudy Purba, with members of the Aceh Investment Business Mission (led by Effendi, Chairman of Commission III) and Dr Irwan Sinaga (Counsellor Economics, Indonesian Embassy).

Tony Mitchener
ACT Chair

NT Update

On Tuesday 15th August, AIBC NT held their AGM, and the following Committee Members were elected to represent AIBC NT:

• Chairman:             Linda Reeves;
• Vice Chairman:    Terry Mills;
• Secretary:             Eddie Morgan

Committee Members:

• Heather Brown;
• Kevin Mulhavil;
• Willem Westra van Holthe

We look forward to wokring with our Members and hosting a range of Networking events over the next 12 months.

Linda Reeves,
NT Chair

QLD Update

Roundtable Event with Sen. Hon Penny Wong

On Friday 4th August 2017 AIBC Queensland had the pleasure of hosting an intimate roundtable discussion at the Stamford Plaza Hotel in Brisbane with Senator The Hon. Penny Wong - Senator for South Australia, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate and Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs. The purpose of the evening discussion was twofold. Firstly it was an opportunity for Senator Wong to obtain a better understanding of the Australian-Indonesian relationship from a practical point of view from people actively involved in business with Indonesia. The evening allowed the group to examine some the complicated intricacies of doing business in Indonesia. As well, the group considered how the Federal Government may alter foreign policy in the future to assist Australian businesses to have greater comfort in conducting business with Indonesia and Indonesian businesses to do likewise with Australia. The second purpose was for Senator Wong to outline her thoughts on the current and future Australian-Indonesian relationship and its importance to Australia’s position in the region.

With the Malaysian born Senator’s great understanding and experience of the region coming from her years as a Senator, Federal Minister and Shadow Minister the evening was a great success with open discussion touching on a broad range of subjects in an intimate and informal setting.

AIBC Queensland would once again like to take this opportunity to thank Senator Wong for her valuable time in partaking in an open dialogue about the Australian – Indonesian relationship. The evening was very enjoyable and informative for all those in attendance.

AIBC QLD AGM

AIBC QLD held their AGM on Tuesday 15th August.  Nominations were received from a number of Candidates and we are pleased to announce the new QLD Committee as follows:

• Chairman:          Hugh Ritchie (Union Institute of Language)
• Vice Chairman:  David Widjaja (DWC International Pty Ltd)
• Secretary:          Greta Nabbs-Keller (UQ)
          

Committee Members:

• John Kimlin (Ernst & Young)
• Prof. Colin Brown (Griffith University)
• Jim Cliffin (Colless Young)
• Manuel (Manny) McAuley (Springfield Central SHS) 

Patrons:

• Alison Carrington (Department Foreign Affairs & Trade)
• Greg Vickery AO (Norton Rose Fulbright)

New Colombo Plan

On 3rd August 2017, David Widjaja, Chairman of AIBC Queensland was invited by Alison Carrington, QLD State Director of DFAT to represent AIBC at a Networking event for New Colombo Plan, Australia Awards and Australian Volunteers for International Development participants.

David Widjaja,
QLD Vice Chairman

VIC Update

At a pre-AGM networking event, we welcomed Lowy Institute – Victorian Government Visiting Fellow and former Indonesia Deputy finance Minister and Chairman of BKPM, Mahendra Siregar.  Pak Mahendra participated in an informal Q&A session with members regarding current business opportunities and challenges, including FinTech developments.

Members were then joined by Indonesia’s national Australian Football team, the Garudas, who were participating in the AFL International Cup in Melbourne.  Garudas veteran and current AFL Indonesia junior development coach, Boy Sabar Pasaribu, explained the history of AFL in Indonesia and the progress of the current team, while team manager, David Edwards, thanked the AIBC for its support and sponsorship.  State Chair, Jared Heath, congratulated the team on their win against Sri Lanka and their tough game against Croatia and welcomed their contribution to Australia-Indonesia relationships.  Pak Mahendra added his congratulations and enjoyed meeting the players.

This was a great opportunity to bring together AIBC’s business and government leaders, the Garudas team and supporters and Pak Mahendra.  More can be read about this in Indoview below.

Pak Mahendra Siregar with Jared Heath - AIBC VIC Chairman and the Indonesian Garudas AFL Team.
 

Jared Heath
VIC Chairman

Indoview

Opportunities in a growing Indonesian FinTech market

In their latest issue of "Business Envoy", the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) highlights opportunities for Australian companies in the emerging Indonesian FinTech sector.

To read this update, click here.

New Minerals and Coal Licensing Regime

Bill Sullivan of Christian Teo Purwono & Partners, looks at new regulations affecting the minerals and coal sectors.

"Indonesia has issued a new regulation on licensing in the minerals and coal sectors which makes some significant changes to the licensing regime, especially in respect of mining services."

To read this article in full, click here.

Proposed New Anti-Monopoly Regime

In another article, Bill Sullivan of Christian Teo Purwono & Partners, looks at new anti-monopoly and unfair practices provisions.

"It is presently expected that Indonesia will, before the end of 2017, have a new anti-monopoly and unfair business practices regime which has important implications for all local industry sectors including energy, infrastructure and mining.

The proposed new anti-monopoly and unfair business practices regime means that, for the first time, dealing with potential competition issues will go from being little more than a mere afterthought, in planning and carrying out major investments in Indonesia’s energy, infrastructure and mining industries, to being a critical first step."

To read this article in full, click here.

Indonesia Market Update

In their July 2017 edition of “Indonesia Market Update”, Morelink Asia Pacific provide news updates across many key sectors including the Indonesian economy, trade, investment, agrifood and automotive sectors.

To read this update, click here.

GrainGrowers seek improved access for feed grains into Indonesia

GrainGrowers is seeking improved market access for Australian feed grain in Indonesia as part of current negotiations for the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA).

The goal of the IA-CEPA is to create the framework for a new era of closer economic engagement between Australia and Indonesia and open new markets and opportunities for businesses, primary producers, service providers and investors. It will build on existing multilateral and regional agreements, including AANZFTA, and be as comprehensive as possible.

To continue reading the complete article, please click here.

New National Corporate Member

Compass Markets - Partnering with Asia to streamline global payments

Compass Global Markets was established in 2010 with the aim of providing a unique hands on solution to international payments and hedging for businesses and individuals across Australia and Asia.
Senior FX Manager Patrick Downes sees Compass filling an important niche in Asia specific payments. “With globalisation continuing on an upward trajectory - specifically in the Asia Pacific region - Compass saw the need for a specialist foreign exchange company with an expertise in dealing with Asia Pacific related remittances; and as a recent National Corporate Member of the AIBC we hope to fulfil this role for other AIBC members,” says Downes. “Specifically Compass Markets facilitates trading and investment between Indonesia and Australia by providing competitive foreign exchange rates combined with a fast and secure method of transacting payments via our extensive network of Asian banking partners and cross-border relationships.”

Find out more about Compass Markets or complete an enquiry via the link below to be contacted directly by one of our representatives. 

Find out more by clicking here.

IABC Conference 2017

Our Sister organisation the Indonesia Australia Business Council (IABC) will hold their Annual 2017 Conference between 5-7 November in the historic trading hub of Surabaya.  This year's theme is "Making it Happen".  We encourage all our Members and Friends to partivipate in this event. Please click here for further details and registration information.

IMARC 2017

IMARC 2017 (International Mining and Resources Conference)

The AIBC is proud to be partnering with the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) and invites you to attend the 4th annual event to be held in Melbourne from 30 October – 2 November 2017.

AIBC Members will receive a 10% discount at the time of booking, using a VIP Code that can be obtained via AIBC's Executive Officer, Sharon Enriquez, here.

IMARC is Australia’s largest mining conference bringing together over 3000 decision makers, mining leaders, policy makers, investors, commodity buyers, technical experts, innovators and educators from over 60 countries for four days of learning, deal-making and unparalleled networking.

The 2017 event will centre on the theme of ‘Creating Value Through Collaboration’ and will cover all aspects of mining; from exploration to investment, production to optimisation through to new technology, future energy as well as the brand new one day programme on mining infrastructure from pit to port.

For more details, please visit the IMARC website here.

APRC: 3-5 November 2017

From 3 to 5 November, BKPM Chairman Tom Lembong will be joinging the Speakers for the most significant bilateral conference between Germany and Australia will redefine the depth and breadth of economic linkages between our countries. Political and business leaders will explore new investment & trade opportunities with a special focus on the growth in the Asia-Pacific. Germany and Australia will discuss how to best leverage their strong ties into the Asia-Pacific.

Learn about the challenges and opportunities in the Asia-Pacific from two angles. Two heavily trade exposed economies will bring senior experts and business leaders to get frank assessments how companies can create new opportunities in some of the world’s largest and fastest growing economies. Companies will be able to utilise a number of side events and networking tools to drive new business & partnering opportunities. Experts from Austrade and Germany Trade and Invest will be on hand to facilitate one on one meetings.

For further information and registration, please click here.

Indonesia Asia In-House Legal Summit 2017

Asian Legal Business is proud present the 4th Indonesia In-House Legal Summit 2017. This ALB signature event is tailored to bring together leading senior-level corporate counsel, business leaders and private practice lawyers. At the summit you will get an opportunity to interact with the most brilliant minds in the region and keep up-to-date with Indonesia's fast changing legal landscape. Please click here for further information and registration details.

Indonesia's national Aussie Rules football team

Indonesia's national Aussie Rules football team, the Indonesian Garudas, were welcomed by Melbourne industry and commerce leaders at a special function hosted by the Australia Indonesia Business Council at International Chamber House. State Chairman Jared Heath praised the team for its competitive participation in the AFL International Cup, including the team's tough game that day against Croatia. The AIBC's VIP guest, former Indonesian Deputy Finance Minister and Investment Board (BKPM) head, Mahendra Siregar, was delighted to add his congratulations to the Garudas for their commitment to their sport and their contribution to Australia-Indonesia relations. Garudas veteran and current AFL Indonesia junior development coach Boy Sabar Pasaribu further explained the history of the game in Indonesia and the progress of Indonesian players, and Team Manager David Edwards thanked the AIBC for its support and sponsorship.

The AIBC congratulates AFL Indonesia for their great efforts in getting the Garudas to Melbourne for the 2017 International Cup. Any Members or Friends who may wish to get involved and support these ongoing efforts, can contact Paul Halliday, President of AFL Indonesia, here.