ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Australia is stepping up its strategic and economic engagement with Indonesia as Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Assistant Minister for Immigration Matt Thistlethwaite begins an official visit to Jakarta.
The visit underscores the Albanese Government’s commitment to positioning Australia as Indonesia’s trusted and preferred partner while expanding cooperation across trade, investment, and institutional partnerships.
A key highlight of the visit is the launch of a new phase of Katalis, Australia’s flagship economic cooperation program that supports the implementation of the Indonesia–Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA). The initiative is designed to help businesses and institutions in both countries unlock greater commercial opportunities under the bilateral trade pact.
During his stay in Jakarta, Thistlethwaite will hold talks with Indonesian ministers and business leaders on ways to deepen economic collaboration amid increasing global uncertainty. Discussions will also focus on the ongoing General Review of IA-CEPA, aimed at ensuring the agreement remains relevant and delivers greater benefits to both economies.
The visit comes as Australia and Indonesia continue to strengthen one of the Indo-Pacific’s most important bilateral relationships. Both countries are working together to promote regional peace, stability, and shared prosperity while enhancing economic resilience in a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment.
Bilateral relations have gained fresh momentum following the signing of the landmark Jakarta Treaty by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in February 2026. The treaty elevated cooperation in strategic, economic, defense, and people-to-people engagement, marking a new chapter in the partnership.
Australia is also backing its long-term commitment with new investment. Under the 2026–27 Federal Budget, Canberra has allocated more than A$33 million in new funding to strengthen institutional links, expand Indonesian language expertise, and deepen Australia’s understanding of Indonesia.
The additional funding is expected to reinforce educational exchanges, government collaboration, and business connectivity while supporting closer ties between the two neighboring countries.
As Indonesia continues to emerge as one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies, Canberra sees deeper engagement with Jakarta as central to its broader Indo-Pacific strategy, with IA-CEPA serving as a key platform for expanding bilateral trade, investment, innovation, and sustainable economic growth. (AT Network)
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