Sustainability discussion headlines IndOz Conference in Brisbane

Innovative energy solutions and plastic waste management were key themes of a panel session at the IndOz Conference in Brisbane City Hall.

Moderated by AIC Indonesia director Kevin Evans, the session included speakers from both the private sector, higher education and prominent consultancies.

The discussion covered key topics including environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles and significance as well as opportunities in renewable energy and technologies.

Panellist and chair of Pure Battery Technology, Stephen Wilmot, told the gathering that energy trends would favour Indonesian and Australia.

“The global drive towards increased sustainability and CO2 emission reduction gives Indonesia and Australia an opportunity to partner in providing the tools and materials required to meet these demands,” Wilmot said.

He said PBT was “well placed to support Indonesia’s nickel industry to access key markets in Europe and the US with advanced products”.

Delegates heard that Indonesia and Australia were harnessing the power of digital technology and data-driven insights to drive sustainable practices and enhance environmental stewardship.

Sustainability, especially in aquaculture, has been an important element of the work of the Australia-Indonesia Centre and its PAIR program.

Paul Hodgson, director for the Centre for Hydrogen and Renewable Energy and executive director regional futures – energy transitions, CQUniversity, presented on the similarities between the economies of Central Queensland and Indonesia particularly in agriculture, energy and minerals.

Mr Hodgson talked about the opportunity to share knowledge and conduct joint projects in research and workforce development, to drive sustainable regional development.

He said CQUniversity hopes to drive greater collaboration through their planned branch campus in Balikpapan.

Indonesian Ambassador to Australia Siswo Pramono spoke at the conference outlining several key bilateral trade links and opportunities across agriculture, mining and resources, e-commerce and renewable technology and infrastructure.

Australian trade and tourism minister Don Farrell also outlined Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 and several other government programs aimed at strengthening the connections between the two countries.

The conference also featured keynote addresses from Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and Privy chief executive Marshall Pribadi and Privy’s Australian country manager Rob Hotchin who discussed managing digital identities.

The theme of this year’s conference was Indonesia – Australia: Together Building Southeast Asia’s Economic Powerhouse.

IndOz founder and advisor David Widjaja said they were “absolutely thrilled” to have welcomed 579 attendees to this year’s event “which is another record”.

“IndOz continues to grow each year and we are so pleased to deliver an event that more and more attendees want to attend and engage with,” Mr Widjaja said.

Ambassador Pramono, state minister for agricultural development Mark Furner and opposition multiculturalism spokesman John-Paul Langbroek were at the dinner following the conference.

A training and curriculum alignment memorandum of understanding was announced between Central Queensland University and training provider PT Bisa Ruang Nuswantara (BIRU).

The MOU focuses on vocational education and executive education signifying opportunities for Indonesian and Australian companies.

In a statement, BIRU said it had entered into “a significant partnership” with CQU “aimed at advancing vocational education in Indonesia’s mining and hospitality sectors”.

“This collaboration will enhance curriculum development, provide mentorship and support educator upskilling to meet the critical skills needs within these industries,” according to the statement.