The largest ever Australian outbound investment mission by delegates on 10-13 February 2025 visited Indonesia to explore opportunities in the region’s biggest economy.
The mission — led by Australia’s Business Champion for Indonesia and Chancellor of Western Sydney University Professor Jennifer Westacott —— centred on strengthening the Australia-Indonesia bilateral relationship and finding investment opportunities in Indonesia.
Delegates uncovered opportunities for investment and are actively growing a pipeline that the Southeast Asia Investment Deal Terms are developing and progressing.
Westacott says the calibre and size of the mission underscores the increased interest Australian investors have in Indonesia — “one of the fastest and largest growing markets”.
The delegation was a showcase of Australia’s investment ecosystem and included 39 senior representatives from 27 Australian investment firms. The firms included asset owners, asset managers, infrastructure experts, peak business groups and corporations.
Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) says the group represented a range of sectors including infrastructure, logistics, energy, mining and resources.
Australia is Indonesia’s 11th largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI). FDI will help Indonesia reach its 8% economic growth target, as well as strengthen the prosperity of Australia, Indonesia, and the wider region.
Significant Australian investments in Indonesia were announced during the mission:
- A US$8 million commitment by Australian Development Investments to Indonesian venture capital firm AC Ventures’ Climate Strategy.
- Opening of Western Sydney University’s campus in Surabaya, the first foreign campus in the city.
- ICON Cancer Centre ASEAN’s partnership with Bali International Hospital for advanced oncology care.
The four-day mission included in-depth political and economic briefings, which provided a strategic perspective on the new Prabowo administration’s priorities, the investment climate, opportunities and challenges.
The Indonesia Investment Authority also outlined mutually beneficial investment pathways into priority sectors, including transport and logistics, digital infrastructure, healthcare and critical minerals.
Delegates attended the Mandiri Investment Forum – Indonesia’s largest investment conference – to hear keynote speeches from senior government ministers. They also participated in bespoke business-matching meetings and sector-themed panels on the energy transition, infrastructure and financial markets.
The mission was well received, with delegates saying they valued the economic and political insights into Indonesia’s new government, tailored meetings with ministries and state-owned enterprises, and networking with local partners and fellow delegates.
Australia and Indonesia celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2024. The success of the investor mission demonstrates the enduring nature of the bilateral relationship – and the many trade and investment opportunities that are yet to be unlocked.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Austrade
