↗ Indonesia is an archipelagic state situated between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It’s made up of approximately 17,000 islands. This makes it not only the world’s largest single-state archipelago but the biggest country in Southeast Asia. This position, as well as Indonesia’s traditional role as unofficial leader in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN, the region’s central multilateral organisation), have made it a pivotal power in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia is also key to Australia’s future and a central part of its economic and strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. However, the relationship is yet to reach its full potential. From educational ties to trade and investment, Australia’s engagement with its closest neighbour has not always lived up to expectations.