Visit to Indonesia

I will visit Jakarta and Bali from 26 to 28 October to advance Australia's relationship with one of our most important economic and security partners, and progress our dialogue on key strategic issues facing the region.

In Jakarta I will meet senior ministers including Minister for Finance Dr Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Gen (Ret) Luhut Pandjaitan, and State Minister for National Development Planning Professor Bambang Brodjonegoro.

Being the two largest economies in South-East Asia, Australia and Indonesia are the only members of the G20 in our sub-region. We are now working towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to deepen our economic, trade and investment ties.

Indonesia is an important security partner for Australia. On 28 October I will participate in the annual Foreign and Defence Ministers' 2+2 Meeting, along with my colleague, the Minister for Defence Marise Payne, and our Indonesian counterparts, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu.

The 2+2 is the premier forum for advancing strategic dialogue and cooperation with Indonesia. This year we will focus on furthering our already substantial collaboration to combat terrorism and violent extremism, enhancing maritime cooperation, and working together to foster stability in the South China Sea.

Prior to that meeting, on 27 October I will attend the 16th Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers Meeting in Bali, the only ministerial-level meeting bringing together states from around the Indian Ocean. I will highlight Australia's leadership on innovation, the blue economy and women's economic empowerment. IORA plays an important role in the stability and prosperity of our region and Australia is pleased to support Indonesia to hold the inaugural IORA Leaders' Summit next March.