Indonesia is one of Australia’s largest trading partners, and there are many different organizations and programs that are based on improving relations between these two countries in all fields, from tourism to trade. There are many benefits of those efforts, and if you’re interested in learning more about the connection between these countries, here are some things you should know about.

Why this relationship is so important

Indonesia has a much bigger population than Australia, but its economy is not nearly as developed, which is one of the reasons why Indonesians value their relations with Australia. Of course, there are some differences in cultures and laws, but there’s a lot of effort put into mutual understanding, as well. Also, when it comes to innovation, strengthening the countries’ cooperation in the fields of business and education is essential. It can create amazing outcomes if done right, and both countries are aiming for such outcomes. Moreover, the more these countries do in terms of trade and investment, the better they’ll understand each other, which can only lead to more engagement and better cooperation. In short, the connection between the countries allows both of them to develop and provide their citizens with more opportunities.

Trade

Australia’s main export to Indonesia is livestock, but it also exports wheat, aluminum, and cotton. Indonesia, on the other hand, mostly exports, gold, steel, iron, and crude and refined petroleum. A great factor when it comes to trade is the proximity between the two countries, which reduces the shipping costs. Also, Indonesia has a law that states it can only import cattle from countries that are free from mouth and feet disease, which is one more reason why Australia is its main source. Moreover, the countries have recently signed a free trade deal, which benefits both countries. For example, it allows Australian-owned universities to operate in Indonesia, and it allows Indonesians to take part in work-training courses in Australia.

Education

In terms of education, there are curricula in Australia that focus on learning languages other than English, including Indonesian. The same curricula also deal with intercultural understanding and Australia’s engagement with Asia. So, it’s safe to say that Australia is putting an effort into reshaping the school programs and creating more culturally aware generations.

Moreover, there is also the federal government’s New Colombo Plan (NCP), which provides support for university students who wish to visit Asia through short-term programs, like business internships or language studies. Additionally, there are girls scholarships in Australia that help girls from underprivileged families get the equipment and tutoring they need in order to advance in their education. Furthermore, there are many scholarships available to students in Indonesia if they choose to study in Australia. For example, there is Australia APEC Women in Research Fellowship and Australia Awards. All in all, both Australia and Indonesia are doing their best to provide their students with both the education they need and more choices in terms of career paths.

Aid

Indonesia has been the largest recipient of Australian aid for a while, and there are many aid programs in the country. For example, after the tsunami in 2004, the countries created the Australia-Indonesia Partnership for Reconstruction and Development. Its main purpose was to help people rebuild their homes and help promote the economic growth in the country, in general. Similarly, in 2008, Australia helped the Indonesian economy during the global financial crisis. Australia has also helped Indonesia with infrastructure and sustainable development.

Tourism

Tourism is quite developed in both countries, and they are each other’s popular tourist destinations. Besides people going on vacations, there are also many people traveling from one country to another to visit their friends and relatives. Moreover, there is a transport safety partnership between the two countries, and it covers all transport options. Finally, both countries have invested and continue to invest in the training of pilots, air traffic managers, and the ability to investigate transport accidents when they do happen.

Australia and Indonesia are very connected in many different ways and fields. Of course, while there are still things that both countries can do to improve and strengthen the relations between them, there are already many benefits that people living in both countries can experience.