Western Australia (WA) has proudly hosted the Australia Indonesia Business Council (AIBC) Conference 2026, held between 7-9 October 2026. 

Bringing together government, industry and business leaders from across Australia and Indonesia, the conference highlighted the strong relationship between the two regions and the opportunities ahead.

This year's theme, ‘Pathways to Success: Connecting Business, Creating Value’, explored how trusted partnerships can help create new opportunities in a rapidly changing global environment.

The conference program featured discussions across a range of sectors, including agrifood, education and training, resources, tourism, innovation and mining equipment, technology and services (METS).

WA's close relationship with Indonesia was a key focus throughout the conference. As our 11th largest trading partner, Indonesia continues to play a significant role in the State's trade, investment and international engagement.

Paul Isaachsen, Deputy Director General of Industry and Economic Development at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, on behalf of the Premier, addressed delegates during the conference, highlighting the strength of the WA-Indonesia relationship and the opportunities created through long-standing collaboration between the two regions.

In his address, Mr Isaachsen reflected on the enduring partnership between WA and Indonesia, including the sister-state relationship with East Java, which has helped strengthen economic, educational, cultural and community connections for more than 35 years.

He also highlighted the importance of trade between WA and Indonesia, which was valued at approximately $5.4 billion last year. It also accounted for 27 per cent of Australia's total trade with Indonesia, the largest share of any Australian state or territory.

Mr Isaachsen’s remarks also touched on the significant role agrifood trade plays in the relationship. In 2024-25, Indonesia was Western Australia's third-largest agrifood and beverage export market, with exports valued at approximately $911 million.

Welcome to Western Australia

Alongside the official conference program, we hosted a Welcome to WA event for delegates attending AIBC 2026.

The event brought together international delegates, business leaders, investors and government representatives to continue exploring opportunities for trade, investment and collaboration between WA and Indonesia.

We were pleased to be joined by Simone Spencer, Deputy Director General of Strategy, Performance and International Engagement as the Master of Ceremonies for the event. 

Premier Hon Roger Cook MLA gave a welcome address celebrating the complementary strengths between WA and Indonesia that position both regions well for future growth.

Our Investment and Trade Commissioner for ASEAN (Indonesia), Bryce Green, was then joined by two WA businesses who shared their experience successfully expanding into Indonesia:

• Dian Kurniawati, CEO of Uluu Indonesia showcased how its seaweed-based alternatives to conventional plastics are helping address global sustainability challenges, highlighting WA’s strengths in biotechnology, advanced manufacturing and the circular economy.
• Chris Nelson, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Juicebox, shared practical insights into digital transformation, AI adoption and building commercial partnerships across Southeast Asia, drawing on its operations in both Australia and Indonesia.

We were pleased to also be joined by Australia Indonesia Business Council Chairperson, Vera Saragih, and Lord Mayor of Perth, Bruce Reynolds, who each delivered a closing address. Both speakers reflected on the enduring partnership between WA and Indonesia and encouraged delegates to continue building connections throughout the conference.

We would like to thank all delegates, speakers and organisers for contributing to another successful conference and strengthening the long-standing relationship between WA and Indonesia.

Connect with our ASEAN Hub to learn more about opportunities across the region.