The largest ever Australian outbound investment mission by number of delegates to Southeast Asia visited Indonesia from 10–13 February 2025. They were there to explore opportunities in the region’s biggest economy.
The delegation was a strong showcase of Australia’s investment ecosystem, and included 39 senior representatives from 27 leading Australian investment firms. They included asset owners, asset managers, infrastructure experts, peak business groups and corporations. The group represented a range of sectors including healthcare, infrastructure, logistics, energy, mining and resources.
The mission centred on strengthening the Australia–Indonesia bilateral relationship and finding investment pathways in Indonesia. Delegates identified opportunities for investment and are actively growing an opportunity pipeline that the Southeast Asia Investment Deal Teams are developing and progressing.
The mission was led by Australia’s Business Champion for Indonesia, Professor Jennifer Westacott AO, Chancellor of Western Sydney University. It was organised by the Investment Deal Team in Jakarta, supported by teams in Australia from Austrade, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Export Finance Australia.
‘I’m honoured to lead Australia’s largest investor delegation to Southeast Asia,’ says Professor Westacott. ‘The calibre and size of the mission underscores the increased interest Australian investors have in Indonesia – one of the fastest and largest growing markets.
‘As Business Champion, I want to make sure more Australian companies and fund managers understand Indonesia’s growth potential.’
Read more about the opportunities in Indonesia in Invested: Indonesia to 2040 [PDF, 2 MB]. This investment market guide outlines:
- the size of the market opportunity
- reforms Indonesia has made to attract investment
- opportunities in key Indonesian sectors.
Australia is Indonesia’s 11th largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) and is primed to make even greater contributions. FDI will help Indonesia reach its ambitious 8% economic growth target, and will strengthen the prosperity of Australia, Indonesia and the wider region.
Significant Australian investments in Indonesia were announced during the mission:
- A US$8 million commitment by Australian Development Investments to Indonesian venture capital firm AC Ventures’ Climate Strategy
- Opening of Western Sydney University’s campus in Surabaya, the first foreign campus in the city
- ICON Cancer Centre ASEAN’s partnership with Bali International Hospital for advanced oncology care.
Australian investors explored opportunities in Indonesia with the Indonesia Investment Authority (INA).
Connecting with Indonesia’s investment community
The four-day mission included in-depth political and economic briefings, which provided a strategic perspective on the new Prabowo administration’s priorities, the investment climate, opportunities and challenges.
The Indonesia Investment Authority also outlined mutually beneficial investment pathways into priority sectors, including transport and logistics, digital infrastructure, healthcare and critical minerals.
Delegates attended the Mandiri Investment Forum – Indonesia’s largest investment conference – to hear keynote speeches from senior government ministers. They also participated in bespoke business-matching meetings and sector-themed panels on the energy transition, infrastructure and financial markets.
The mission was well received, with delegates saying they valued the economic and political insights into Indonesia’s new government, tailored meetings with ministries and state-owned enterprises, and networking with local partners and fellow delegates.
Investing in Southeast Asia
Australia and Indonesia celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2024. The success of the investor mission demonstrates the enduring nature of the bilateral relationship – and the many trade and investment opportunities that are yet to be unlocked.
Australian investors interested in investing in Southeast Asia can reach out to the Southeast Asia Investment Deal Teams. The teams work with governments and businesses in the region to identify and facilitate outbound investment opportunities for Australian investors.
Learn more about how investing in Indonesia released capacity constraints for Austin Engineering, and how Aspen Medical’s investment is delivering benefits for Australia.
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Austrade can help Australian businesses to explore investment opportunities in Southeast Asia.