Media Release
13 November 2025
Australian businesses are demonstrating robust confidence in Indonesia's market opportunities, with 77% expecting increased revenue from their ASEAN operations and 36% identifying Indonesia as a priority market for expansion, according to the 2025 Australian Business in Southeast Asia Survey launched in Indonesia at the Australian Embassy Jakarta.
The ninth edition of the annual survey, conducted by AustCham ASEAN in partnership with RMIT University, captures insights from over 350 Australian businesses operating across Southeast Asia. The findings highlight sustained optimism in the bilateral economic relationship as both countries mark the fifth anniversary of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA).
The launch event, co-hosted by Australian Charge d’Affaires to Indonesia Gita Kamath and Australia's Ambassador to ASEAN Tiffany McDonald, comes as Invested: Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 enters its third year of implementation, having already identified over $21 billion in investment opportunities across the region through dedicated Deal Teams.
“AustCham ASEAN’s survey provides an invaluable, data-driven snapshot of Australian business confidence in Southeast Asia, with Indonesia’s prominence as a growth market clearly shining through. It reinforces our efforts under Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 to foster regional economic integration and unlock opportunities for businesses across the region,” said Australia’s Ambassador to ASEAN Tiffany McDonald.
This optimism is underpinned by Indonesia’s strong fundamentals, as detailed in recent Katalis reports Unlocking Indonesia-Australia Investment and Australia-Indonesia Business Study. The research specifically identified Indonesia’s vast market size, significant economic growth potential, and abundant natural resources as the primary attractions for Australian investors.
“The optimism is evident, but the real value lies in understanding how to harness it,” said Australian Business Champion to Indonesia Jennifer Westacott AC. “The AustCham ASEAN survey confirms the ‘why’ in terms of immense market potential and revenue expectations, whereas the Katalis research provides the crucial ‘how’, identifying local partnerships as a critical factor and pinpointing infrastructure and green economy as key sectors. This is actionable intelligence that will drive more Australian capital into Indonesia.”
In 2024, ASEAN continued to be Australia’s second largest two-way trading partner at $195 billion AUD. Indonesia was Australia's ninth-largest trading partner with two-way trade valued at $35.38 billion AUD.
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