AIBCnews: Issue 195 - July / August 2021

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.

To continue reading the July / August 2021 issue, please click here.