Jennifer Mathews
National President

President's Column

Dear AIBC Members and Friends

AIBC welcomed the recent visit to Australia by Indonesian President HE Joko Widodo with its clear focus on strengthening trade and economic ties between our two countries.

As National President, I was delighted to represent AIBC at the CEO Forum held in Sydney on 4 July 2023. Held in honour of President Jokowi, this high-level event was attended by Indonesia’s Co-ordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, Co-ordinating Minister of Investment and Maritime Affairs, Luhut Pandjaitan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi, Australian Minister for Industry and Science, the Hon Ed Husic, MP, Premier of Western Australia, the Hon Roger Cook, MLA, as well as chief executives of Australian industry.

The forum provided an excellent opportunity for Australian CEOs to update the President and Indonesian government on their priorities in Indonesia. This included an update from Aspen Medical on its operations in West Java, and presentations from the Vice Chancellors of Deakin University, Western Sydney University and Central Queensland University on the opportunities for collaboration in the higher education sector. Opportunities in the resources and renewable energy sector were also highlighted with presentations by Sun Cable, Carbon Aceh, and BCI Minerals. Engineers Australia briefed the Forum on the opportunity for increased mobility in the engineering sector following the recent signing of a mutual recognition agreement between the two countries.

AIBC was pleased to hear President Jokowi’s comments reinforcing the opportunities for collaboration between Australia and Indonesia across key sectors of the economy, including healthcare and education, and in the renewable energy sector, as each country transitions to a green economy. The President highlighted the potential for integration in the production of batteries, as Indonesia positions itself as a global manufacturing hub for electric vehicles.

The President also noted the opportunity for Australia to be part of the development of Indonesia’s new capital Nusantara. In this context, AIBC was delighted to receive a briefing from Indonesia’s Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN), updating the advances that have been made in developing the new capital as a “smart and green city” on the east coast of Borneo in East Kalimantan.

On the advocacy front, AIBC was pleased to have been part of conversations about streamlining visa requirements for Indonesians. AIBC welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement that Indonesians will gain access to an extended business visa from three to five years and that arrangements are being put in place for Indonesians to access the frequent traveller’s visa. These will be important steps in facilitating business links and AIBC look forward to further enhancements to ensure visas are affordable and accessible for all Indonesians.

In the coming months, AIBC will be supporting the Indonesian Government as it hosts the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) in Jakarta from 3-4 September, and the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Infrastructure Forum (AIPIF) from 5-6 September. As chair of ASEAN in 2023, Indonesia has announced its key themes of health architecture, food security, energy security and financial stability – with a focus on post covid recovery and rebuilding, the digital economy and financial sustainability. The Business Summit and Infrastructure Forum will provide an important opportunity for collaboration and dialogue between Indonesian and Australian industry and government and we encourage members to attend. See below for details to register for these events.

AIBC’s State Chapters continue to hold a range of networking and other events, aimed at providing up-to-date market intelligence and connections. AIBC’s Industry Groups (Healthcare; Mining and Energy; Agriculture and Food; Education, Skills and Training and Investment, Finance and Infrastructure) provide a valuable industry sector focus for our membership and stakeholders.

Thank you again for your ongoing support. AIBC is a voluntary organisation which relies on the support of its members. Information on joining AIBC may be found here

We look forward to connecting with you through our upcoming events and initiatives.

Jennifer Mathews
National President

Meet AIBC members

Aspen Medical to build the first international hospital in Depok, Indonesia

The AIBC congratulates AIBC member, Aspen Medical on commencing construction of Aspen Medical’s International Hospital in Depok. This first international hospital is by Sanusa Medika, a joint venture company between Australian global healthcare company Aspen Medical Pty Ltd (Aspen Medical) and Docta Pty Ltd (Docta) in collaboration with West Java State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) PT Jasa Sarana.

Recognising the importance of this initiative, the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, together with the Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin and the Governor of West Java, Ridwan Kamil attended the hospital inauguration. Through the Aspen Medical investment of AU$60 - AU$73 million to build the hospital on a 12,500 m2 land area, Minister Airlangga Hartarto acknowledged the Indonesia-Australia partnership, welcoming Australian companies in Indonesia to help improve healthcare services through this bilateral partnership.

Joining the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Penny Williams PSM were the Founder and Executive Chairman of Aspen Medical, Glenn Keys AO and CEO of Docta and Sanusa Medika, Dr. Andrew Rochford, along with the board of directors of PT Sanusa Medika Hospitals at the ceremony.

Through Governor Ridwan Kamil, the Government of West Java is actively supporting the establishment of hospitals that are on par with the quality and standards of this hospital to encourage people to seek medical treatment in Indonesia instead of going abroad and to also have a positive impact on the future of Indonesia’s medical tourism.

These high quality medical facilities are a tangible outcome of the meeting between Indonesian President Widodo and Australian Prime Minister Albanese during the G20 Summit in Bali in 2022. This project is also a manifestation of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Economic Cooperation Program (IA-CEPA ECP).

The Aspen Medical International Hospital in Depok has international standard certification addressing the shortage of bed availability through a capacity of 200 beds, including advanced isolation beds and intensive care units. The hospital is to serve over 30,000 Out-Patient visits and more than 3,000 In-Patient days in its first year of operation. As it reaches its full potential, through over 300,000 Out-Patient visits and 26,000 In-Patient days by its 11th year. The hospital also aims to serve at least 56,000 inbound medical tourism patients annually.

The hospital embraces  green building concepts, with modern facilities that prioritise environmentally friendly energy consumption which will be a benchmark for other hospitals in Indonesia, utilising technology to create a sustainable and eco-friendly environment.

The hospital also includes establishment of the International Institute for Diabetes, which will provide internationally accredited specialised care for individuals with diabetes. The hospital will also house centres for Nephrology and Hypertension, Endocrinology, and Gastro-hepatology. Through this joint venture, Sanusa Medika aims to construct hospitals and public health clinics in West Java over the next two decades.

NUSANTARA: The New Capital

The AIBC was delighted to receive a briefing from Indonesia’s Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN), updating the advances that have been made developing the new capital on the east coast of Borneo in East Kalimantan.

The Indonesian Government has met its deadlines for regulations to support the development of new capital city offering ‘ease of doing business incentives’ including tax incentives in priority areas. Property owners will be offered 95 year leases.

The design principles are for a smart, green and sustainable city that can cater for a population of 1.5 million people. There are land areas set out for urban development, government and industrial areas with 75 per cent of land to be devoted to forest, parks and building greenspaces. Nusantara will also include financial, education, tourism, energy generation, innovation and research and agricultural and fisheries areas.

The Indonesian Government is planning for the city to be a net zero city with biodiversity, sustainable development goals and low carbon guiding the build. The city aims to ensure social inclusion and clear governance with zero tolerance of corruption.

With up-skilling of the local workforce commenced, the Government has installed a sealed road into the area enabling development to commence with government offices, and presidential residences, common spaces for ministries, gas, electricity and waste facilities being built between 2022 and 2024. Between 2025-2029 housing, offices and commercial zones will be built, and education research and high technology areas will be developed between 2030 and 2035. The full development is to be completed by 2045.

To enable the build to meet its deadlines, the Indonesian Government is setting aside 20 per cent of the cost from the national budget, and is looking for 80 per cent of the funding from private investment. This area of Kalimantan has six seaports, so the new city will see new port facilities built with the existing deep port facility to be upgraded.

The Indonesian Government has signed 256 letters of intent with organisations in education, energy, consulting amongst others. Unfortunately no letters of intent have yet been signed with Australia. OIKN was very clear that it is looking for Australian investment and after leaving Canberra was travelling to Sydney for briefing sessions with potential Australian investors.

Through AIBC’s engagement and connections, we have been fortunate to receive  regular updates from the Government of Indonesia about its plans for the New Capital, Nusantarra. With this an area of priority for investment and of interest to our members, the AIBC has decided we will provide updates in a special segment of our newsletter to share knowledge and insights in planning the development of the new capital, Nusantara.  Similarly, if members have information they would like to share more broadly with the membership, let us know as there will be considerable opportunities from this significant infrastructure and community development. Contact vicepresident@aibc.com.au

Interested to learn more?

Members can access recordings here from the ASEAN roadshow

East Kalimantan
Promotion on Supporting Zones of the New Capital
Sri Wahyuni, M.P.P
Regional Secretary of East Kalimantan Province.

The National Capital Authority(N.C.A)
Sally Barnes
Chief Executive NCA

ASEAN Business & Investment Summit 3-4 September, ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum 5-7 September

ASEAN Business & Investment Summit (ABIS) will be held at the Hotel Sultan, Jakarta on 3-4 September

ABIS 2023 will bring together world leaders, CEOs, and senior executives representing multinational and regional corporations. Organized by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), the conference will amplify the private sector voice in driving policy reforms and position ASEAN at the centre of global economic interconnectedness.

ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum (AIPF) will be held at the Mulia Hotel, Jakarta on 5-7 September

The ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum (AIPF) will focus on discussing efforts to realise the ASEAN region as the Epicentrum of Growth while highlighting ASEAN’s commitment to implementing the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP). In addition, the forum aims to contribute to the achievements of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 and the ASEAN Community Post-2025 and provide a platform to share, engage, and collaborate inclusively to unlock ASEAN’s potential and promote economic growth.

For more information on these events please click here

Registrations for these events are open through the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit 2023 website .  Please note that registration is a two-step process.

Step 1 - Create an account and wait for email confirmation that registration as a Delegate has been approved (approx. 1 day)

Step 2 - Login in and RSVP for the ABIS and AIPF – registered delegates will receive an email confirming their RSVP for each event is awaiting approval (approx. 1 day)

Once registered, delegates can access the draft agendas for each event.

ACT update

AIBC (ACT) were privileged to meet with the Nusantara delegation at the Embassy of Indonesia in Canberra on 26 July 2023.The National AIBC Vice President, Judy Anderson, lead our team in discussions to understand the detailed opportunities for Australian business in the development of the new capital city of Indonesia.

AIBC (ACT) have started to hold networking drinks every second month at the Commonwealth Club, with the most recent one held on 3 August. The event included an ex-senior diplomat providing insights into the practical business operations in Indonesia.

NSW Update

During the last quarter, the NSW branch has held a range of networking functions as well as participating in visits and meetings with delegations from Indonesia. AIBC representatives met with a large delegation from the Ministry of Investment/BKPM delegation on the 12th of  May .  This delegation visited Sydney and Canberra and included senior representatives from the Indonesian Parliament as well as from the Ministry of Investment.  Those attending included  Mr Hasoloan Pahala Martin Yudi Manurung (Martin) Head of Commission VI delegation , Member of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPR RI), Mr Ikmal Lukman, Secretary General, Ministry of Investment, Mr Saribuan Siahaan, Director, Investment Promotion of Southeast Asia, Australia, NZ and Pacific Ministry of Investment / Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM).  The session was productive and interesting and covered a broad range of topics including how Indonesia is making significant changes to improve the investment regime to address challenges for foreign investors,  addressing the barriers for Australian companies,  Indonesias’ investment in Green Energy and Technology, as well as  the BKPM roadmap of priority sectors. 

On the 23rd of May the NSW branch held an our regular quarterly networking function for members which was well attended and was a good opportunity for informal discussions.

On the 29th May, the national Roadshow for ASEAN Business and Investment Summit & AIPIF Australia took center stage in Sydney, attracting participants from various industries. The event, moderated by Lydia Santoso, Vice Chair of AIBC NSW, showcased prominent keynote speakers, such as H.E Siswo Pramono, the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia, and Karla Lampe, Director of International Engagement & Market Development.
The event covered a diverse range of topics through insightful sessions, including the Indonesia Business Agenda, Investment Opportunities and Updates from the Region and Agriculture, Education & Vocational Training, and Automotive & Manufacturing Opportunities Cooperation.
Notably, Indonesia, holding the ASEAN chair for 2023, is proving its dedication to fostering regional collaboration, by organising key events such as the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit, & AIPIF. The event also highlighted the popular events such as the Indonesian Trade Expo, and the IABC conference which will be held in Jakarta in October and November. This forum was an enriching opportunity for businesses and investors to explore mutual growth prospects and strengthen partnerships not only between Australia and Indonesia but also the ASEAN region.

On July 4th, 2023, coinciding with President Jokowi’s historical visit to Australia, the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Canberra, in partnership with Investment NSW, organised the much-anticipated "Indonesia-Australia Business Luncheon." The esteemed event gathered high-profile attendees, including the Secretary of NSW Government's Department of Industry, Investment & Trade, Indonesian Ministers for economic affairs H.E. Airlangga Hartarto, and the Chairman along with 30 members of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN). Additionally, around 30 businesses and educational institutions from both Indonesia and Australia participated. Minister Airlangga Hartarto graced the occasion, witnessing the signing of several vital MOUs, spanning education, agriculture, and business sectors, strengthening the bilateral ties between the two nations.

Photo: Delegation from the Ministry of Investment and Indonesian Parliament - Sydney May 12.  Kylie Bell, MD Trade and Investment NSW, Di Robinson, Chair AIBC NSW, Mr Hasoloan Martin Yudi Manurung, Head of Commission VI Delegation, Member of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr Ikmal Lukman, Secretary General, Ministry of Investment, Mrs Eva, Deputy Director for Investment and Promotion of South East Asia , Australia , New Zealand and the Pacific

QLD Update

The last quarter has been jam-packed with events in Queensland, as with the rest of the country. No doubt you’ve seen the LinkedIn releases following the ASEAN roadshow, which was very well attended. The QLD event was held in Brisbane on 30 May, hosted by KPMG.

Earlier that month, on 3rd May we held an event where Privy presented their digital signature technology and discussed their launch into the Australian market. 

In the month of August we are looking forward to the IndOz conference on Thursday 24th. AIBC is one of the partners with IndOz and it is one of the major Australia – Indonesia business events on our annual calendar. The day before, on Wednesday 23rd August, we are delighted to be joining with Katalis for a networking / information business lunch event.

Finally, our QLD AGM is being held on 31 August at 4pm via zoom. All financial members of AIBC will receive the notice of meeting. This is a voting year so please support your QLD chapter by joining the AGM and casting your vote for your hard-working QLD committee volunteers! There is a lot of momentum gaining around business dealings between our two countries but we can only continue this and grow it with your local support.

In the photo: Dr Peter Baines, AIBC QLD Chair with Pak Marshall Pribadi, the founder and CEO of PrivyID.

NT Update

AIBC-NT and DFAT-NT co-hosted a few member gatherings over the last quarter.

We were pleased to welcome guest speaker, the incoming Australian Consul General to Makassar, Indonesia, Todd Diaz.  Todd was instrumental in the negotiations around the Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA - CEPA) and had previously worked at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta. Todd is an Indonesian specialist who speaks both Indonesian and Javanese and we look forward to collaborating with him on future projects.

On June 27, our guest speaker was Indonesian Journalist Yunita Tandilling, Lead Producer of Indonesian Kompas TV, who the Australian Foreign Minister announced as the Indonesian recipient of the Elizabeth O’Neill Journalism award.  It was great to meet with and hear from Ibu Yunita about the research she was undertaking while in Australia on the opportunities for join collaboration on electric vehicles.

On July 10,  AIBC-NT Chair was delighted to attend the virtual Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) virtual signing between the Government of Nusa Tenggara Barat (West Nusa Tenggara) and the Northern Territory Government. The MoU will lead to better outcomes in training, tourism and biosecurity across the respective jurisdictions. Hon Natasha Fyles, Chief Minister of the Northern Territory discussed ways to diversify trade and economic links, the people -to-people links and continuing to grow the partnership with Nusa Tenggara Barat.

Photo: Todd Diaz, Australian Consul General to Makassar, Indonesia

SA Update

AIBC SA has benefited from the SA State Government introduction of a multi-cultural affairs department. Introduced last year, the platform provides regular meetings between the chapters of each ASEAN business council representation. 
The AIBC SA link within the multi-cultural affairs department has progressed well since its inception. 
Initially only the Asian sector was represented but now Holland, Germany Greece and France attend the various functions. 
The State Government hopes the business council representations will continue to increase. 

The events are organized by the Department of Premier and Cabinet is encouraged by the enthusiasm shown by the various sectors. This indicates that the linking of the numerous and diverse SA business chapters is a great success in the development of communication between business councils. The most recent event was held by Richard Price the Chief Executive of the South Australian Space Sector. Richard spoke of many interesting and specific matters in regard Australia’s space sector. These included the advancement of manufacturing, research and development and the acceleration of global supply chain opportunities.It was recognized that to build an expanding space workforce demand for investment was imperative. 
The Lot Fourteen innovation district is working across space, defence and other critical technologies.
Most importantly, this provides opportunities for all students including Indonesia in a vast range of technologies that inspire interest in STEM related studies and careers. 

AIBC SA will also be attending a manufacturing event held by the French-Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry which will attended by all the ASEAN representatives. This provides an opportunity to explore product development in Industry 4.0 and other smart manufacturing technologies.  AIBC SA committee members Amalia Sosrodiredjo and Romi Branajaya recently visited England. During their time they met with H.E. The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia for the UK in London, Desra Percaya PhD. They discussed many things from education, Indonesian businesses in London, Free Trade Agreement between Australia and the UK amongst other matters. 

AIBC SA recently helped present the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Adelaide. This was a business investment opportunity and networking luncheon held at the Hilton on the 19th of May. Speakers included the Indonesian Ambassador Pak Siswo Pramono and the Consul General Pak Vedi Kurnia Buana. The event moderators were AIBC SA committee members Romi Branajaya and Priyambudi Sulistiyanto. Daniel Gregg the SA Vice Chair made some opening remarks. 
Keynote speakers included Deputy Investment Minister Pak Heldy Satrya Putera and Director of ITPC Sydney Pak Chris Barutu. 
Other guests included Jennifer Matthews AIBC National President, DFAT State Director Jill Collins and representatives from IACEPA Katalis who shared their knowledge of manufacturing, tourism and associated investment opportunities within Indonesia. 
Also attending as our guest was Francis Wong the organizing Chairman Australia- ASEAN Business Forum. 

The business event was followed by the annual Adelaide Indofest function on Sunday 21st with Romi Branajaya as MC. 
Special guests included SA State Government minister for multi-cultural affairs and tourism Zoe Bettison and Adelaide Lord Mayor Jane Lomax Smith.
Both spoke of their Indonesian experiences both professional and personal. The event was well attended as always with cultural delegates from all over Indonesia with dancing, singing and instrumental displays showcasing their respective regions. 
Indonesian food stalls were busy as usual representing Indonesian restaurants from all over Adelaide including one owned by committee member Harry Wardana and the Flinders University presentation was represented by Budi Sulistiyanto. 
Amalia Sosrodiredjo also attended Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Destination Criteria training in Labuan Bajo for TanaMori, a project of Flores Prosperindo supported by IA CEPA Katalis.

David West

SA Chair

Photo: AIBC SA committee members Amalia Sosrodiredjo and Romi Branajaya met with H.E. The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia for the UK in London, Desra Percaya PhD.

WA Update

to B2B engagement over autumn and winter, including:

• hosting a member and friends event for the inbound visit of Australian Ambassador Penny Williams and Trade Commissioner Rod Commerford in March
• supporting the Indonesian Government's ASEAN Business Forum and Infrastructure Investment Roadshow in May
• contributing to ASEAN Economic Strategic plan consultations led by DFAT Special Envoy Nicholas Moore
• supporting the visit to Australia of President Joko Widodo in July
• catching up with Surabaya Consul-General Fiona Hoggart
• planning for the Premier's Indonesia Connect WA Trade and Investment Roadshow to the ASEAN Forum and Jakarta, Surabaya and Denpasar in first week of September, a fantastic expression of interest response from the Western Australian business community to this opportunity
• hosting a tech venture capital and start up engagement visit from ArgorVC

Larissa Taylor

WA Chair

pictured lelf to right Honny Palayukan, Aditya Kamath, David Masel, Jennifer Mathews, Renate Chen, Kristen Walsh

Healthcare Industry Group

The recent highlight related to healthcare is the ground breaking ceremony of the Aspen Medical Hospital Depok on 20 June, which I was pleased to attend in person representing the Healthcare Group, and is written about elsewhere in this update. This is a significant tangible step in the major long-term health transformation project that Aspen has partnered with the West Java Province to deliver, and is a great example of what is possible in collaboration between Indonesia and Australia in healthcare.

The Health Omnibus Law was passed by the Indonesian Parliament on 11 July, which replaces 11 existing laws governing public health. “Its provisions allow foreign doctors to open practices in the country, eliminate mandatory health spending and transfer the authority to issue medical competency certificates from medical associations to the government, among hundreds of other changes” – see Lawmakers pass omnibus health bill despite protests".

When the provisions in IA-CEPA are also considered, this Law makes it much easier for Australian businesses to trade and invest in healthcare opportunities in Indonesia.

Members of the Healthcare Group (around 80 people now from 40+ organisations) continue to receive weekly updates of relevant news articles and ad hoc communications of topics of interest.

Please contact me if you’d like to join the Healthcare Group or discuss any aspect related to healthcare.

Jeff Parker

Industry Group Chair

e: healthcare@aibc.com.au or +61 411 110299

Minerals, Energy & Industry Group

The National Minerals, Energy & Industry Group is in dialogue with stakeholders to finalise a presence at the International Mining & Resources Conference (IMARC) to be held in Sydney during over 31 Oct – 2 Nov 2023. AIBC has been an exhibitor and conference provider at IMARC since 2019 promoting the Australia-Indonesia partnership in minerals development. AIBC is also assisting the organisers to invite Indonesian Minister for Energy & Minerals Resources, Pak Arifin Tasrif, to attend the IMARC events, and also participate in the inaugural International Mining Ministers Private Roundtable to be hosted by Australian Minister for Resources, Ms Madeleine King.

The National Minerals, Energy & Industry Group contributed to the AIBC briefing provided to Mr Nicholas Moore, the Australian Government’s Special Envoy for Southeast Asia. Three issues were highlighted: (1) IA-CEPA reciprocity – Indonesian investors in Australian minerals projects face few of the barriers (such as equity restrictions and divestiture requirements) imposed on Australian investors in Indonesia. (2) Lithium supply – As the Government of Indonesia continues to request guaranteed supply of lithium from a private-sector Australian mining industry managed by state-governments, an Australian federal-state-industry task force might provide a road map explaining how Indonesia entities can invest in lithium discovery and extraction in Australia to ensure the commercial supply of the mineral to Indonesian manufacturers. (3) Graduate visas - With fewer Australian graduates in the mining skills pipeline to meet rapidly growing energy transition industry requirements, Australian companies are interesting in recruiting graduates of Indonesian universities that have courses matching Australian standards, and Indonesians whose skills are equivalent, either under a broader IA-CEPA or with adjustment to work visas.

Recent member activities:

Austin Engineering Ltd celebrated the Opening Ceremony of their second manufacturing facility in Batam, Indonesia – the key to their ‘hub and spoke’ strategy to support global operations and boost their capabilities in the important Asia Pacific segment. The traditional Indonesian style ceremony involved the entire local workforce, valued partners and clients, local dignitaries, and Ms Sally Deane, Minister-Counsellor, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner for Indonesia, from the Australian Embassy.

Far East Gold Ltd is encouraged by the results so far from its Woyla Copper Gold Project in Aceh, Indonesia. By the end of the June 2023 quarter 51 holes totalling 8,028m of the Phase 2 program had been completed with assays returned for 44 holes. 21 of these 44 holes have returned gold assays greater than 3.94 g/t Au that includes 10 holes with assays greater than 7.85 g/t Au of which 4 holes had assays greater than 17.5 g/t Au. The company has also completed the acquisition of the Trenggalek Copper Gold Project in East Java, Indonesia, which is already licensed to develop and operate a mine.

EMR Capital and their Indonesian partner, SGX-listed Golden Energy and Resources Limited, are now operating the largest gold mine in Queensland through their private company Ravenswood Gold. With the completion of a three-year expansion, including new tailings storage facility, crusher and processing plant, the Ravenswood mine’s production has now increased to more than 200,000 ounces of gold each year.

Contact Geoffrey Gold, Chair, AIBC National Minerals, Energy and Industry Group: MinsEnergyInd@aibc.com.au.

Photo: Austin Engineering Ltd celebrated the Opening Ceremony of their second manufacturing facility in Batam, Indonesia

AIBC Education and Training Industry Group

AIBC has  established an Education and Training Industry Group.

Activities relevant to AIBC Education and Training sector members

The AIBC Board has agreed to appoint State and Territory Education and Training contact people and the chair welcomes receiving the list of contacts with email and phone details. Once received, the most efficient platform for communications would be a WhatsApp Group.

Chair met with IABC Board member, Ms Mariam Kartikatresni, in Jakarta in early August. Mariam is convening the Education and Training panel at the IABC National Conference to be held in Jakarta November 7-9 2023. Previously Mariam was Indonesia Manager for UTS College and is a serving board member of TEFLIN, the peak body for Teaching English as a Foreign Language in Indonesia. Mariam has recently been appointed CEO of the Australian Council for Education Research (ACER) Indonesia office. IABC welcomes Australian members of AIBC to join the Jakarta IABC Conference.

Chair met Indonesian Ambassador Australia Pak Siswo Pranomo in Darwin in late July who indicated 4 key areas of education and training interest for Indonesia:

• Mining Education including mining engineering noting that Engineers Australia and its counterpart in Indonesia have recently signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on engineering qualifications;
• Health Sector Education including continuing socialisation of the Stage 1 Report “Comparative Assessment of Nursing Standards in Indonesia and Australia.” undertaken with Katalis funding by a joint Indonesian Australian team led by Latrobe University Melbourne
• Maritime Education including Marine Environment, and Fisheries Management.
• English Language upgrading

Other Activities June- August 2023:

June 16th Microsoft Teams Meeting with Study NSW re Education and Training input to the NSW Jakarta Sister State Agreement. 

June Meeting with Sunshine Coast University Queensland on Indonesia 

July 24-28 Invited Speaker at “Developing Northern Australia Conference”, Darwin Conference Centre. Presentation on ASEAN Australia Education and Training partnerships with a focus on Indonesian Challenges and Opportunities in Education & Training for Northern Australia.

August 22nd Invite Education sector stakeholders to attend the Katalis Breakfast briefing in Sydney, as part of the Katalis Australia Roadshow, outlining business development opportunities for key sectors, including Education and Training.

Encouraging a range of Education and Training providers to join AIBC including TAFE NSW, The Hotel School (Sydney and Melbourne).

Chair: Michael Fay 

August 9th 2023

Food and Agriculture industry Group

Through close collaboration with Professor Edward Buckingham at Monash Business School and his great interest in AIBC and all things relating to business with Indonesia, I am pleased to advise of a unique opportunity for your business to collaborate and have valuable research work done, totally free of charge.   Please note below and I encourage you to think about project work you would like completed.  It could be the difference between launching that new business idea you have and letting it wither on the vine.

If you are in the food, beverage or agribusiness sector and would like to explore export opportunities to Indonesia, the Monash Business School MBA cohort is available to produce a report for you on a pro bono basis.  The soon to graduate MBAs will start their projects in groups (five MBAs per group) at the end of July and will visit Indonesia for a week in September to answer questions that will establish export business models for the Indonesian market.  The final presentation will be made on Friday October 27th.    While there is no financial investment for you, we do expect a representative of your company to participate in weekly steering committee meetings with your group for an hour via zoom.   To participate you should write to edward.buckingham@monash.edu

Gary Embleton

Industry Group Chair

AIBC Investment, Finance and Infrastructure Industry Group

The  AIBC Industry Group, focusses on Investment, Finance and Infrastructure chaired by CEO of TRUE Infrastructure, Peter McGregor.  This Industry Group covers the full spectrum of investment opportunities between Australia and Indonesia, including the priority sectors of finance and infrastructure.

As noted in DFAT's ‘Blueprint for Trade and Investment with Indonesia’, ‘Infrastructure is a key area where Indonesia is seeking foreign investment. … Increasing flows of infrastructure financing from foreign investors is key to managing congestion as the country’s population grows and improving the efficiency of its transport facilities to attract new manufacturing investment. Infrastructure will also be crucial to improving living standards and making the most of increasing urbanisation.’

This will ensure that beyond goods and services, we capture the full range of opportunities in respect of the flow of capital and funding between Australia and Indonesia. This is at a time when industry is actively looking to diversify its offshore markets.

This is a timely initiative and will build on the momentum of the recent visit to Indonesia by a major delegation of Australian superannuation and fund managers.

Peter McGregor

Industry Group Chair

Indoview

Carbon Trading and Forestry Sector - New Regulation

In his recent article, Bill Sullivan of Christian Teo & Partners, looks at new regulations for carbon trading in the forestry sector in Indonesia.

"Indonesia has issued a new regulation that deals with carbon trading by business actors in the forestry sector which is a potentially important source of carbon credits.

The new regulation continues the process of moving forward with the creation of a comprehensive regulatory environment for carbon trading in Indonesia, which process is transitioning from general regulations on carbon trading, that are applicable to business actors in all industry sectors/subsectors, to much more specific regulations on carbon trading that are only applicable to business actors in particular industry sectors/sub-sectors.”

To read this article in full, click here

Metal Mineral Export Ban - More Twists & Turns

In his recent article, Bill Sullivan of Christian Teo & Partners, looks at recent activity around metal mineral export bans in Indonesia.

"The long-running saga of Indonesia’s proposed ban on the export of all less than fully refined metal minerals, as a means of promoting smelter construction, has taken yet another turn with the Government allowing some producers of certain metal minerals still more time to complete the construction of their smelters.

Bauxite Ore producers, however, are being treated very differently. The Government has, apparently, lost all patience with Bauxite Ore producers as a result of the lack of any substantial progress in Bauxite smelter construction in many instances.”

To read this article in full, click here