Jennifer Mathews
National President

President's Column

Dear AIBC Members and Friends

I am pleased to present AIBC’s final newsletter for 2023.

Throughout the year, AIBC has worked hard to ensure that our members and the wider business community are kept up to date with opportunities for strengthening our business engagement with Indonesia, including through the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA).

As we approach the end of the year, I am pleased to say that our membership remains strong and diverse, and we were pleased to welcome new members this year from a range of sectors.

Since our last newsletter, AIBC has been actively representing members' interests in strengthening trade and investment connections with Indonesia.

AIBC was well represented at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Jakarta from 3-4 September, and at the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Infrastructure Forum (AIPIF) from 5-6 September. In particular, AIBC welcomed the Prime Minister’s launch at the Forum of “Invested: Australia’s Southeast Economic Strategy to 2040.”  AIBC welcomes the many recommendations in the strategy, as well as the early initiatives announced by Government to ramp up Australia’s engagement with the region. These include the creation of Investment Deal Teams; the Southeast Asia Business Exchange and a Pilot Program for Young Professionals. These are all welcome practical initiatives which will help to support our membership and the wider business community to connect into the opportunities on offer within Indonesia, and the wider region.

AIBC was also pleased to attend the IABC’s highly successful National Conference in Jakarta in November, with the theme: “Sustaining Business”. We heard from a great line up of high- quality presentations on sustaining business across key industry sectors – the Energy Transition; Education and Training and the Digital Economy. These sessions provided a useful update on Indonesian and Australian priorities, with each of these areas offering opportunities for collaboration.

Attention is also turning to the upcoming National Elections in Indonesia to be held on 14 February 2024, to elect the President, Vice President and People’s Consultative Assembly, with a potential run off between candidates in June. The newly elected Indonesian President and Vice President are expected to be sworn in on 20 October 2024. For further insights please we refer you to the recent article from the Lowy Institute.

As part of our advocacy efforts, AIBC has been actively engaging with government on key issues of interest to members, including the IA-CEPA Skills Development Exchange and on much needed reforms to visa requirements for Indonesians visiting Australia.

AIBC’s State Chapters will be holding a range of networking events over the next couple of months, so please join us if you can.

AIBC’s Industry Groups (Healthcare; Mining and Energy; Agriculture and Food; Education, Skills and Training and Investment, Finance and Infrastructure) continue to provide a valuable industry sector focus for our membership and stakeholders.

We look forward to another full year in 2024 as we continue to look at new ways to deliver value to our members. In this vein, AIBC is pleased to announce that next year’s 2024 AIBC National Conference will be held at the Sofitel Wentworth Hotel in Sydney from 11-13 November, with the theme “Invested: Australia - Indonesia”: The Time is Now/Sekarang Waktunya.” We hope you will join us in Sydney for what promises to be a great conference.

A special thanks to our eight Chapter Chairs, who form our National Board, along with our National Vice President, Judy Anderson, our National Treasurer, Akun Novriani and Immediate Past President, Phil Turtle. Thank you also to Peter Craven and Di Robinson, as outgoing chapter chairs for Tasmania and NSW, and a warm welcome to new chairs, Trudy Witbruek in Tasmania and Lydia Santoso in NSW, who each bring significant expertise to the Board. A big thank you also to AIBC’s Executive Officer Rosemary Guyatt, and Company Secretary Eric de Haas, who work behind the scenes to provide such capable support to the organisation.

AIBC is a voluntary organisation which relies on the support of its members. Information on joining AIBC may be found here

Finally, on behalf of AIBC, can I wish you and your families a happy and safe festive period. We look forward to seeing you in the new year.

Salam Hangat

Jennifer Mathews
National President

Photos: IABC Jakarta conference: Judy Anderson, Darryn Grimsey, Lydia Santoso, Jennifer Mathews, Kate Heelan, Peter McGregor, Jeff Parker

Skills Development Exchange

AIBC promotes the importance of opportunities for Australian and Indonesian businesses to develop intercultural and business connections. We are also pleased to advise that AIBC members are eligible to apply to participate in the newly expanded Indonesia - Australia Skills development Exchange Pilot.

Australian and Indonesian businesses and their employees will have more opportunities to boost their skills and expertise, with the recent signing of an expanded Memorandum of Understanding on the Indonesia-Australia Skills Development Exchange Pilot.
This mobility pilot program under the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) creates a framework for eligible employees to travel to Australia or Indonesia to develop workplace skills, as well as intercultural and business connections.

The expanded arrangements mean that participation is now open to businesses operating in the agribusiness and food processing sectors, in tourism and travel related services, and in the green and creative economies. Placements can now be up to 12 months in duration, increased from 6 months. Participation continues to be available to the financial, insurance, mining engineering, information media, and telecommunications sectors.

1,500 exchange placements will be available for Australian and Indonesian workers for 12 months in each direction over the next 5 years. More information about the program, eligibility and how to apply can be found on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website or by contacting iacepa.skills@dfat.gov.au

QLD Update

The last part of the year has been very productive and very enjoyable for AIBC QLD members and friends.

24th August saw another very successful IndOz conference take place. AIBC was pleased to partner with IndOz as it is one of the major Australia – Indonesia business events on our annual calendar.

Our QLD AGM was held on 31 August at which the following members were returned to the QLD committee:

· Dr Peter Baines, Chair

· Mr David Widjaja, Vice Chair

· Mr Craig Wilson, Secretary

· Dr Kathleen Turner

· Mr Ben Seumahu

· Mr Hugh Ritchie

· Prof Colin Brown

At short notice we were given the opportunity to host Trade & Investment Queensland’s Indonesian Trade Commissioner, Mr Ben Giles, at a business luncheon held on 18th October at Sendok Garpu. Ben gave an informative update on trade relations between Queensland and Indonesia.

We were delighted to combine with Australia Indonesia Youth Association (AIYA) for a networking and trivia competition night on 2 November. The event was kindly hosted by KPMG. We enjoyed some finger food and tested our knowledge of Indonesian economics and history, in a trivia competition well organised by the team from AIYA. The next generation of business leaders (AIYA) are evidently very smart and talented!

Finally, if you get to see this in time, please join us at our end of year networking dinner, to be held at Sendok Garpu on 7th December. Details are to be found on the AIBC web site,  We trust you will all have a safe and relaxing summer break and look forward to seeing you in 2024.

Mr Ben Giles (foreground) being introduced by Dr Peter Baines (standing in background)

NT Update

Delegates from the Northern Territory really enjoyed being a part of the Indonesia Australia Business Council conference held in Jakarta, Indonesia this year. Among the distinguished delegations, the Northern Territory emerged as a prominent participant, with the largest representation. Delegates from the Northern Territory showcased the region's economic potential and highlighted opportunities for collaboration, contributing to the overall success of the relationship between Indonesia and the Northern Territory.

The Northern Territory delegation at the conference comprised a diverse group of government officials, business leaders, and industry experts. Led by committee members of the Australia Indonesia Business Council Northern Territory Chapter, the delegation brought a wealth of expertise and insights to the conference sessions.

One of the highlights of the Northern Territory's participation was a series of interactive panel discussions, where delegates engaged in meaningful dialogues. These sessions provided a platform for exchanging ideas, addressing challenges, and exploring avenues for mutual growth. The Northern Territory representatives on panels emphasised the importance of building strong, sustainable partnerships that would benefit both regions and contribute to the overall prosperity of the bilateral relationship.

Minister for Minister for Multicultural Affairs (and Minister for International Education at the time), the Honourable Ngaree Ah Kit MLA, participated in the panel session discussing regional development. Being part of the panel provided the Minister with the opportunity to promote the Northern Territory’s investment potential on behalf of the Northern Territory Government. The Minister’s presence was also welcomed off stage where her and her team actively engaged with other delegates at the conference. 

Shannon Holborn, Vice-President Global and External Relations from Charles Darwin University, participated in the panel on sustaining education and training. Shannon provided the audience with a presentation on Charles Darwin University’s current offerings and future plans which will hopefully lead to further collaboration between Charles Darwin University and stakeholders in Indonesia. 

Max Stretton, Secretary of the Australia Indonesia Business Council Northern Territory Chapter participated in a panel focusing on how to support youth organisations working in the bilateral space. Max spoke particularly about how private investment can support youth organisations and why it is important. He gave the perspective of someone from the private sector who has been an active member of the bilateral relationship. 

A testament to the Northern Territory's commitment to fostering international partnerships, the delegation stood out as the largest among all participants at the conference. This not only underscored the region's eagerness to engage with the Indonesian business community but also demonstrated the significance the Northern Territory places on strengthening ties with key trading partners. 

By actively participating in discussions, making compelling presentations, and boasting the largest delegation, representatives from the Northern Territory have undoubtedly contributed to the enhancement of economic relations between Australia and Indonesia. As the region continues to explore new opportunities and collaborations, the positive momentum generated at the conference is poised to catalyse mutually beneficial partnerships and drive economic growth in the Northern Territory and beyond.

NSW Update

I would firstly like to welcome our new NSW members, Alf de la Harpe, Alex Hagelmann, Douglas Murray, Nicholas Georgeopoulos, Armina Rosenberg, Umar Faaris Permadi, Shirley Sam, Laurie Critchley, Gopal Garg Adam Benson, Simon Field to our chapter. 

We have had some great events and activities within the branch. On 24 October we had a dinner gathering (Nasi Bungkus) at Garam Merica which was well attended by members and Consul General Pak Vedi Buana and staff from IIPC came along to the event. It was a great night and a wonderful chance to get to know our members more. AIBC NSW attended the Asialink Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop dinner on 2 November, Asialink, where the keynote speaker was celebrity cook Adam Liaw. The recipient of the award was Sir John McCarthy AO, who many may recall was a former Ambassador to Indonesia.

Our Secretary Elizabeth McLean represented AIBC at the AIYEP 2023 reception at the Consulate on 6th November. The delegates were delighted to have arrived in Australia and looking forward to the program. I will be moderating a panel on business and trade at the AIYEP Forum day on 4 December in Canberra. I am delighted to be joined by Ambassador Siswo Pramono for the session.

We had a very successful event with Emeritus Prof. Greg Fealy on Wednesday 22 November about the upcoming Indonesian Presidential Elections. The event was presented in a hybrid format and we had people joining from all over Australia and Indonesia. Greg provided a very detailed analyses and a deep dive into the candidates and the campaign. His knowledge and expertise in this area is second to none. We had a robust, interesting and engaging Q&A session which was enjoyed by all. We have had requests from attendees to do a follow up post-election event because it was so successful, so watch this space!

SA Update

Dr Priyambudi Sulistiyanto a member of AIBC SA committee was recently asked to speak at an AIIA event, at Adelaide University on 30/11/23.regarding the upcoming Indonesian election, which will be held on the 14th of February 2024.

Pak Budi is currently Senior Research Fellow with the Monash Indigenous Studies Centre at Monash University.

He is a political scientist and was Senior Lecturer (2015-2021) with College of Humanities at Flinders University, and his current research looks at the contemporary geo-strategic perspectives about Eastern Indonesia and Northern Australia even conducting study tours to visit Makassar.

From here the students learned about the past Indigenous maritime links between South Sulawesi and Northern Territory (Arnhem Land).

However, at the AIAA event Pak Budi wore the hat of a political scientist.

"What would be the implications for Australia and the region with the rise of the Jokowi family in Indonesia's Presidential Election in 2024?

“What do we know, and how will we prepare?"

Budi was honest from the beginning that he does not have crystal ball, so he helped us revisit the Indonesian political dynasties and the rise of the Jokowi Dynasty.

For instance, who is Gibran Rakabuming Raka? A possible Indonesian vice president and maybe a president in a relatively small amount of time.

The talk examined the emergence of the Jokowi family in Indonesia.

He traced back the political trajectories under which the Jokowi family began, survived and expanded in their political and business activities over past eighteen years (2005-2023).

Pak Budi also addressed the significant lack of critical academic interest in studying the dynastic families in Indonesia including the complexities regarding the place of the Jokowi family in both the regional and national political arena.

He then posed some questions,  “How did the Jokowi family use power, social media and political alliances to make them politically powerful ”?

“What are the recent political developments telling us more about the rise of the Jokowi family in Indonesia and its implications for the presidential election in 2024”?
In particular, the political positioning of Gibran Rakabuming Raka and Kaesang Pangarep.

Budi discussed these matters with slides illustrating political allegiances throughout the archipelago and how these allegiances may change very rapidly.

Q&A was also of great interest.

The attendees ranged from recent graduates of Indonesian majors to Jill Collins from DFAT and many other Indonesian connected professionals and students.

The questions from the students were quite passionate and invoked some diverse thought and discussion.

Pak Budi handled the questions well and discussions continued at the subsequent refreshments after the event.

It was a unique experience to view Indonesian politics from a scientific rather than media glaze interpretation.

Thank you, Pak Budi.

David West

SA Chair

VIC Update

At the AGM of the AIBC’s Victoria Chapter, Mr Garry Embleton (Ausfine) was re-elected as state Chair for a further two years with Prof. Edward Buckingham (Monash Business School) serving his first term as Deputy Chair. Other committee members are Marlene Millott (Australia Indonesia Centre), Bronwyn Duke (Dairy Australia), Peter McGregor (Correlations) and Geoffrey Gold (Gold Comms)

The Australia Indonesia Business Council was a key participant in the presentations of Monash Business School’s final consulting project unit "MBA Labs: International Business Project" for Australian food and agriculture companies looking to do business in Indonesia held at the Caulfield campus on 27 October.

Members had a great opportunity to hear from highly talented MBA students about their recent in-market findings and network with experts and people of Indonesian interest.

The Australia Indonesia Business Council was a key participant in the official Festival Indonesia’s Business Forum on “Starting the Conversation on Indonesia's Sustainable Economy” held at the State Library of Victoria on 6 October.

It was an important Indonesian community gathering aiming to bring together interested parties to foster collaboration, exchange ideas, and contribute to stronger Indonesia-Australia business relations, especially in sustainable sectors.

We look forward to you joining us on Tuesday December 5, for End of Year Drinks, Details here

Garry Embleton

Chair VIC Branch

WA Update

WA Chair

Healthcare Industry Group

Australia Indonesia Business Council (AIBC) was proud to host the Health Horizons panel alongside the ASEAN Business Investment Summit in Jakarta. Our expert panel was made up of Setiaji Setiaji Chief, Digital transformation Office,Dr Andrew Rochford, CEO Aspen Medical Indonesia,Jonathan Sudharta, CEO and Co-Founder Halodoc. Nurhadi Yudiyantho S.E.,Ak. Group CEO and MD Bundamedik and Paul Bartlett Director, IA-CEPA Katalis, moderated by the AIBC Health Industry group Chair, Jeff Parker

Key insights from the expert panel: include:

Technology
noteworthy is the innovation of repurposing of the COVID19 registration app
HaloDoc: telemedicine tested during covid now links access to the Dr, prescription and medication delivery. PPP and Gotong Royong contribute to its success

Workforce
Katalis - undertook a comparison in training standards for nurses in Australia and Indonesia; opportunity to balance nursing shortages in Australia; aiming for a MRA between the two governments
Bundamedik- opening up license for Drs to practice in special economic zones
teaching hospitals in neonatal and fertility
Aspen: building local capability and supporting balancing global shortages
Skill development: nursing. clinical, digital health

Gender
55% telemedicine Drs are female
need to focus on preventative healthcare for female diseases, eg cervical and breast cancer

Health sector represents real opportunity for convergence and collaboration.

Jeff Parker

Industry Group Chair

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

Photo L-R Paul Bartlett, Ibu Listiana Operananta, Jonathan Sudharta, Andrew Rochford, Jennifer Mathews, Setiaji Setiaji, Jeff Parker,Yudiyantho, Larissa Taylor.

Minerals, Energy & Industry Group

For the fifth year the Australia Indonesia Business Council contributed to awareness of the continuing Australia-Indonesia partnership in the minerals and energy sectors at the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) held in Sydney on 31 October – 2 November 2023.

Reflecting the MOU signed at IMARC 2019 between AIBC and the mining professionals’ body, the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, AIBC was represented by Minerals, Energy and Industry Group Chair, Mr Geoffrey Gold, at the seminar ‘Organising for Success – Meeting the challenges of the energy transition’ hosted by the AusIMM Sydney branch on Monday 30 October.

The following morning at IMARC, a signing ceremony for a new MOU between AIBC and Austmine, the leading industry association for the Australian Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) export sector and high-profile promoter of the global advancement of technology and innovation in mining, was conducted before a large crowd at the prominent Austmine stand at the entrance to the expo and conference.

The MOU will enhance the long-term mining and METS business relationship between Australia and Indonesia and assist the development of a Global Network of Indonesian and Australian METS supplier companies. Opportunities for METS trade and investment between Indonesia and Australia have been boosted by the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement which came into effect on 5 July 2020.

After supporting comments by Austmine President, Mr Dallas L Wilkinson, AIBC Chair Geoffrey Gold, and Indonesian Ambassador of Indonesia to Australia, Dr Siswo Pramono, the MOU was signed for Austmine by Dr Robert Trzebski, Director International Business, and for AIBC by Mr Gold, and witnessed by Ambassador Siswo, Mr Wilkinson, and Mr Haryo Yudho, Director of BKPM’s Indonesia Investment Promotion Centre Sydney (IIPC).

Geoffrey Gold also represented AIBC as moderator for the subsequent business luncheon hosted by the IIPC on “Strengthening the collaboration in critical minerals between Indonesia and Australia” which was addressed by Ambassador Dr Siswo Pramono, the Director of Mineral and Coal Program Development at the Indonesian Ministry, Mr Tri Winarno, and Mr Haryo Yudho of IIPC.

Dr Pramono provided keen insights into the burgeoning demand for automobiles, with a particular focus on electric vehicles, within the Indonesian market. He also underscored the unwavering support of the Indonesian government for this industry. Additionally, Dr. Pramono emphasised Indonesia's steadfast commitment to 'downstreaming,' a strategic approach to ensure sustained economic growth, regardless of political transition, and opportunities to strengthen collaboration between Indonesia and Australia, opening new horizons for mutually beneficial partnership.

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

IMARC 2023 Photos: Indonesian and Australian business delegates at the BKPM/IIPC business luncheon on “Strengthening the collaboration in critical minerals between Indonesia and Australia”; Mr Geoffrey Gold, Chair of the AIBC Minerals, Energy and Industry group with the Director of Mineral and Coal Program Development at the Indonesian Ministry, Mr Tri Winarno; and the signing of the MOU between AIBC and Austmine by (l-r) Mr Gold AIBC, Dr Trzebski (Austmine), Ambassador Dr Siswo Pramono, Mr Haryo Yudho (IIPC) and Mr Wilkinson (Austmine).

AIBC Education, Skills and Training Industry Group

Chair Michael Fay attended the bi- annual IABC Conference in Jakarta. Education was one of the panel sessions at the November conference and was moderated by IABC Committee member, Ms Mariam Kartikatresni, CEO of the Australian Council for Education Research (ACER) Indonesia office.
Australian university activity in Indonesia was high on the conference agenda and an update on Central Queensland Universitie’s expansion plans to the new capital city Nusantara in
Kalimantan was provided by Dr Pierre Vilgoen, President CQU Indonesia.
On the same day in Surabaya, the Western Sydney University campus was inaugurated in a ceremony attended by the Australian Ambassador and the Indonesian and Australian Ministers
of Education. Read here for more detail 
AIBC Victorian member Monash University which leads the Australia Indonesia Centre (AIC) in Makassar has been awarded the contract to undertake stage 2 of the Katalis Nursing project.

Sydney was announced as host city for the November 2024 AIBC Conference and Melbourne is hosting the March 2024 50th Anniversary of Australia as ASEAN’s first Dialogue Partner.
Expect Education and Training to be high profile at both events.
AIBC would like to hear from members who would like to contribute at both events.

Chair: Michael Fay 

Indoview

New Mining Areas - Investigation & Assignment Approach Upgraded

In his recent article, Bill Sullivan of Christian Teo & Partners, looks at new mining business license areas for metal minerals and coal in Indonesia.

"The Government is seeking to make it more attractive for private sector mineral exploration companies to work with the Ministry of Energy & Mineral Resources in developing new mining business license areas for metal minerals and coal.

Some potentially significant changes have been made to the so-called “investigation & research assignment approach” pursuant to which the Ministry of Energy & Mineral Resources may assign, to private sector parties, responsibility for determining the geological conditions in a particular area as well as the potential metal mineral and coal resources/reserves in that area.”

To read this article in full, click here.

New Export Proceeds Obligations & Restrictions

In his recent article, Bill Sullivan of Christian Teo & Partners, looks at new regulations for exporters of natural resource products in Indonesia.

"Indonesia has imposed significant new obligations on exporters of certain natural resource products as well as significant new restrictions on the uses that may be made of certain natural resource product export proceeds.

The new export proceeds obligations and restrictions reduce the amount of free cash flow that Indonesia’s natural resource product exporters have available, at any time, to cover their working capital needs.

For certain mineral producers, the new export proceeds obligations and restrictions come on top of recent significant increases in the export tariffs applicable to their products”

To read this article in full, click here.

The Indonesian Team Outstanding Achievement at the Mining Emergency Response Competition (MERC)

Perth, Australia - In the Mining Emergency Response Competition (MERC) held at Langley Park, Perth (24-26/11), the INA Garuda Mine Rescue Team achieved remarkable success for Indonesia. The INA Garuda Mine Rescue Team secured 1st place in the Vertical Rescue category, Best Team Spirit, 2nd place in the Hazardous Materials category, and 3rd place in the Firefighting and Breathing Apparatus category.

To read the full article click here.

Indonesia and Australia cooperation on electric vehicles

Australia and Indonesia have agreed to advance mutually beneficial cooperation on battery manufacturing, critical minerals processing and other aspects of the electric vehicle ecosystem.

Minister Husic has used his visit to Jakarta to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing an EV collaboration mechanism, with Acting Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs Erick Thohir.

Under the mechanism arrangement, both countries will work together on mapping EV supply chains, joint scientific and research studies, as well as fostering new business-to-business links.

The mechanism builds on previous agreement between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President Joko Widodo to advance cooperation on the EV ecosystem.

It also follows the announcement of the AU$200 million Australia-Indonesia Climate and Infrastructure Partnership launched by leaders last year.

To read the full article click here.