We begin to see the two neighboring countries’ efforts to not only strengthen bilateral ties but also to secure the future of the two great nations.
Trade
The Australia-Indonesia Centre (AIC) welcomes the ratification of the new comprehensive economic agreement known as IA-CEPA.
Both Indonesia and Australia have much work to do in order to strengthen their relationship, notably in building trust between the two countries.
In the ten years since Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono addressed a joint sitting of parliament, relations between Australia and Indonesia have been to hell and back, several times.
Indonesia is largely covered in the press in Australia these days – mainly about the three B’s – boats, beef and Bali. In other words, illegal immigration, live cattle exports and drug smuggling normally dominates.
President Jokowi will have the treaty in hand when he arrives in Australia this weekend on a state visit.
There’s no doubt that, despite the dominance of security issues and geo-politics, historically, Indonesia and Australia are long standing economic partners.
The latest interaction spotlighted ongoing efforts by both countries to manage the defense aspect of their relationship.
Despite being the largest Muslim population, Indonesia manages to avoid any major confrontation and play safely between conflicting countries in the region.
Since the last standoff between China and Indonesia in 2016, Indonesia has been increasing its defence, but not to the extent that it has deterred China from causing problems.
The Indonesian government is set to implement a new import regulation that will lower the maximum value of tax-free imported goods at the end of this month.
Indonesia is often presented as one of Australia’s most important neighbours and strategic allies, with formal diplomatic relations between the two nations marking a 70-year milestone last month.
As both countries are set to capture the opportunities presented by the IA-CEPA, this AIC Backgrounder explores how young people can play a critical role in boosting trade growth.
The final conclusion of negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership was a landmark achievement for ASEAN.
As disputes over palm oil and nickel head to World Trade Organization, residents affected by respiratory infections and other problems say they feel trapped.
“In addition to having a negative impact on exports of Indonesian palm oil to the EU, it will also create a bad image for oil palm products in global trade.”
