Roundtable with Ms Penny Williams PSM

On Friday 10 March 2023, the Perth USAsia Centre hosted Penny Williams PSM, Australian Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia for a private roundtable discussion at The University of Western Australia, attended by key leaders from government, business and academia.

Indonesia is Australia’s nearest neighbour and one of our most important partners. As the largest economy in Southeast Asia and expected to be in the world’s top four economies by 2050, there are opportunities for Australia to take advantage of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) to expand its trade and investment relationship with Indonesia.

Australia’s defence relationship with Indonesia also continues to make an important contribution to Indo-Pacific stability, with the two countries’ foreign and defence ministers meeting as recently as early February.

Discussion also covered the 2024 presidential elections, including the endurance and steadfastness of Indonesian democracy and the role that dis- and misinformation might play as Indonesians head to the polls next year.

Ambassador Williams noted that Jakarta is home to Australia’s largest foreign mission, reflective of the important role that Indonesia plays for Australia in the Indo-Pacific region. Prime Minister Albanese’s 2022 visit to Indonesia only 15 days into the prime ministership underscored that importance.  And as Indonesia seeks to transform its economy, it’s clear Indonesia wants Australia to be a part of its future prosperity.