Build Business Partnerships on Trust, IBC Tells AIBC National Conference

The Indonesian Business Council (IBC) participated in the Australia Indonesia Business Council (AIBC) National Conference in Perth from 7–9 October 2026, joining business and government leaders to discuss opportunities for closer economic cooperation between Indonesia and Australia.

IBC COO William Sabandar spoke in two sessions: “Pathways to Success – Building Two-Way Market Access” and “Partnering for Success: Investment & Infrastructure”, bringing Indonesian businesses’ perspectives and his experience leading MRT Jakarta to the discussions.

For Indonesian businesses, building stronger partnerships with Australia will mean attracting investment, developing technology and building skills that create value locally. Australia’s capital and expertise can complement Indonesia’s growing market, workforce and industrial base, connecting businesses through production and supply chains. Food and agriculture offer a practical starting point, combining Australian supply and technical capability with Indonesian processing, brands and distribution.

Trust is central to making these partnerships work. Businesses need partners who understand local priorities, work alongside Indonesian firms and remain involved through implementation. Sustained engagement allows companies to resolve problems together, develop local suppliers and build the confidence needed for longer-term investment.

In infrastructure, William Sabandar drew on MRT Jakarta’s experience to explain how international finance and expertise translate into delivery through capable local institutions and sustained partnerships. Beyond financing and construction, successful cooperation leaves behind the knowledge and workforce needed to operate assets and support future development.

Clean energy, infrastructure for special economic zones and urban services especially offer opportunities for Australian participation, beginning with early project preparation and engagement with Indonesian partners. Early involvement can help build the relationships needed to build clarity and experience around land, approvals, financing and responsibility for delivery in the country, helping address these issues before projects reach procurement and creating a stronger basis for investment.

These priorities build on IBC’s ongoing engagement with Australian counterparts, including the inaugural Indonesia–Australia Business Roundtable at the Indonesia Economic Summit 2026 and its contribution to the Indonesia–Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) General Review. Moving forward, IBC is looking forward to both participating in and convening regular dialogues among businesses, government agencies, financiers and technical institutions to maintain momentum and support practical follow-through. The next step is to turn shared interest into projects that secure investment, develop local suppliers and create skilled jobs, with progress measured by projects reaching financial close and operation.