Visit Highlights Tech and Infrastructure Focus
Australia eyes Batam for digital investment as part of its broader strategy to strengthen economic collaboration across Southeast Asia. In a two-day official visit on June 29–30, 2025, Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Rod Brazier. Professor Jennifer Westacott AC, Australia’s Business Champion for Indonesia, visited Batam to explore new business opportunities. She actively engaged with local stakeholders to strengthen partnerships between Australian and Indonesian companies in the Riau Islands.
Ambassador Brazier met with Batam Mayor and Head of BP Batam, Amsakar Achmad, during his visit. Professor Westacott also joined the meeting to discuss potential areas of collaboration. They also toured Nongsa Digital Park and visited three Australian companies already operating in Batam: Gelflex, Austin Engineering, and Thiess.
“Nongsa Digital Park presents an exciting opportunity for Australian tech companies and investors,” said Professor Westacott. “Its status as a Digital Special Economic Zone and the development of a new National Data Center create real possibilities for collaboration in digital infrastructure, data protection, and technology transformation.”
Ambassador Brazier shared similar enthusiasm. He expressed pride in seeing Australian firms contributing meaningfully to Batam’s growth. He noted that the city has become a key touchpoint in fostering long-term partnerships between the two nations.
“It’s great to see companies like Gelflex, Austin Engineering, and Thiess not only creating jobs, but also bringing Australian technology to Indonesia—then exporting it to the region and beyond. It shows just how important Indonesia is as a close partner of ours,” he said.
Australia Eyes Batam for Digital Investment
The visit also marked the 5th anniversary of the Indonesia–Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA). IA-CEPA came into force in 2020 and immediately boosted trade between Indonesia and Australia. It also drove a significant increase in Australian investment into the Indonesian market.
The Australian Government launched the “Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040” to strengthen economic ties across the region. This strategy places Indonesia at the center of Australia’s long-term investment priorities. The strategy prioritizes investment in digital sectors, clean energy, and the creative economy.
The Australian Embassy’s Investment Team in Jakarta actively engages with Australian businesses and investors. They help unlock new opportunities for trade, investment, and job creation that benefit both Australia and Indonesia.(lilis)
