On 6 November 2024, the Indonesian Business Council (IBC) hosted Jennifer Westacott, Australia’s Business Champion for Indonesia, at its Jakarta office to discuss opportunities for strengthening bilateral trade, investment, and collaboration.
Westacott was accompanied by Cosimo Thawley (Minister Counsellor Treasury, Australian Embassy) and Lauren Carew (Second Secretary, Trade and Economic, Australian Embassy). Representing IBC were Sofyan A. Djalil (CEO), William P. Sabandar (COO), Prayoga Wiradisuria (Director of Policy & Program), Diana Permana (Director of Membership & Corporate Affairs), and Noto Suoneto (VP International Affairs & Operations).
The meeting reinforced IBC’s commitment to supporting President Prabowo Subianto’s economic agenda and advancing Indonesia–Australia relations. Discussions focused on the Indonesia Economic Summit (IES) 2025 and the need for strategic agreements to unlock trade and investment opportunities.
Westacott identified priority sectors for cooperation, including lithium, agribusiness, energy transition, digital economy, health, and tourism. She also highlighted Australia’s interest in enhancing education partnerships, particularly in teacher training and PhD programs, to expand Australian universities’ presence in Indonesia. Drawing from her experience with the Business Council of Australia, Westacott emphasized the importance of measurable outcomes in bilateral projects.