Indonesia Australia Business Council Australia Day Business Luncheon and Investiture

Today, the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Greg Moriarty, addressed the Indonesia Australia Business Council (IABC) members and guests during their Australia Day Business Luncheon and Investiture at the Intercontinental MidPlaza Hotel in Jakarta.

During his speech Ambassador Moriarty said the agreement to negotiate toward an Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) in November 2010 by President Yudhoyono and Prime Minister Gillard presented the perfect opportunity and vehicle to do more on enhancing the bilateral investment, economic and trade relationship.

“We plan to work with Indonesia and to support Indonesia to ensure we reach the best possible outcome for both countries. It will be absolutely crucial to consult all sectors – and we particularly need to consult with the business community and those organisations that represent the business community,” said Ambassador Moriarty.

Currently 400 Australian businesses have operations in Indonesia in fields ranging from mining to agriculture to education. Australian businesses have also invested over A$4.7 billion in Indonesia in 2009.

At the luncheon, Ambassador Moriarty also presented the insignia of honorary Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) to Mr Moetaryanto Poerwoaminoto, Founder and Advisor of the IABC, for his service to the Australian business sector, particularly through the IABC.

Mr Moetaryanto, also known as MP, is a senior Indonesian businessman and has been a member of the IABC since he assisted with its formation in 1989. As a highly respected businessman, Mr Moetaryanto has promoted trade and business between Australia and Indonesia over the past 40 years and has assisted many Australian business people in understanding the business environment in Indonesia.

From 1992 to 1996 Mr Moetaryanto was President of the IABC and has since taken on the role of Advisor. He is responsible for building the Council into an influential organisation which promotes trade and investment between Australia and Indonesia. The IABC is a substantial and well-regarded institution, considered by many as Mr Moetaryanto’s legacy.

The IABC is one of the most dynamic and active business bodies in Indonesia, promoting bilateral business cooperation between Australia and Indonesia, and works closely with its Australian counterpart organisation, the Australia Indonesia Business Council (AIBC).

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Jenny Dee, Counsellor (Public Affairs) tel. (021) 2550 5290 mob. 0811 187 3175