Ambassador to Indonesia

Today I announce the appointment of Mr Rod Brazier as Australia's next Ambassador to Indonesia.

It is impossible to overstate Indonesia's importance to Australia. Our bilateral relationship is grounded in a long history of friendship and cooperation between our people and governments. A strong and prosperous Indonesia is vital to the peace, stability and prosperity of our region.

Under our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership we are strengthening economic prosperity, advancing work on the energy transition, and deepening our longstanding cooperation on defence and regional security.

Australia's two-way trade with Indonesia is at record highs and we continue to expand our economic engagement, including in areas identified in Invested: Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

The signing of the Australia-Indonesia Defence Cooperation Agreement in August 2024 was a historic step in our bilateral relationship, reflecting our shared commitment to deepening our defence and strategic ties. We also share a commitment to ASEAN centrality, and its critical role in holding the centre of our region.

Indonesia is now Australia's top destination for short-term overseas travel, with around 1.37 million Australians visiting Indonesia in 2023.

Mr Brazier was most recently Deputy Secretary, Development, Multilateral and Europe Group, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He was previously Head of International Policy Division at the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and has served overseas as High Commissioner to Solomon Islands.

I thank outgoing Ambassador Penny Williams PSM for her contributions to advancing Australia's interests in Indonesia since 2021.