Australia and Indonesia: Partners in a New Era

The strength and warmth of the Australia-Indonesia relationship were clearly on show at a major conference in Sydney from 19 to 21 February 2009. The conference attracted current and future leaders from government, business, the media, universities and think-tanks, community organisations, faith and youth groups. Participants discussed ways to deepen the bilateral relationship and to address mutual challenges in governance, economic development and the environment. A number of ideas for strengthening people-to-people links were put forward.

The then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivered the keynote address at the opening dinner at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, an event which also marked the 20th anniversary of the Australia-Indonesia Institute (AII). The then Foreign Minister Stephen Smith described Indonesia as a natural and valued democratic partner for Australia. The then Trade Minister Simon Crean committed to building the $10-billion bilateral trade relationship, citing evidence that a bilateral free trade agreement could help realise its untapped potential.

More information from the conference:

The then Minister for Foreign Affairs Stephen Smith

The then Minister for Trade Simon Crean