Media Release
8 December 2021
Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Ms Penny Williams PSM made her first official visit to East Java this week, 4-7 December 2021.
While in Surabaya, Ambassador Williams met with the Vice Governor of East Java, Mr Emil Elestianto Dardak, the Mayor of Surabaya, Mr Eri Cahyadi and East Java Province Deputy Chief of Police, Police Brigadier General Dr Slamet Hadi Supraptoyo, as well as Indonesia Australia Business Council members in East Java, women entrepreneurs, Australian alumni and business leaders.
“For decades now, East Java and Australia have enjoyed strong business and people-to-people links. And as we mark the 31st anniversary of the Sister Province between East Java and West Australia – two powerhouse economies – our relationship is stronger than ever,” said Ambassador Williams.
In East Java, Ambassador Williams visited several factories in Pasuruan and saw firsthand how Australian manufacturers are creating local jobs and bringing their expertise to the region. “It is fantastic to see so many successful Australia-Indonesia business partnerships and I hope to see more Australian investors establishing operations in East Java in the future.”
The Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA), which came into effect last year, provides certainty for investors from both countries. “Already we are seeing more interest from Australian investors in sectors such as education and renewable energy, which I strongly encourage.”
Ambassador Williams also briefed local entrepreneurs in Surabaya about how IA-CEPA has removed Australian tariffs on all Indonesian goods, giving Indonesian products an advantage over those made in other countries. Major exports from East Java to Australia include wood products, seafood and paper and cardboard.
The Ambassador also spoke about Katalis, a new program launched by the Australian and Indonesian governments in July to help businesses in both countries take advantage of the opportunities created by IA-CEPA. With a particular focus on agrifood, advanced manufacturing and services. Katalis is supporting businesses by identifying market access opportunities in both countries, as well as working with industry to identify skills needs and finding Australian training providers to meet them.
“I was pleased to meet with Australian investors and companies using Australian inputs to manufacture quality products in East Java. IA-CEPA is helping to encourage more of these partnerships,” Ambassador Williams said.
When meeting with Vice Governor Dardak, Ambassador Williams expressed Australia’s condolences to the families and communities affected by the eruption of Mount Semeru on Saturday 4 December. “Australia’s thoughts are with the people of East Java following the eruption of Mount Semeru. As close friends and partners, we stand with Indonesia in this difficult time.”
During her four-day trip to the City of Heroes, Ambassador Williams also visited historic cultural sites including the famous Sunan Ampel tomb and mosque and the former home of WR Soepratman, Indonesia’s national anthem composer.
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kedubesaustralia/albums/72157720268576165
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