Seventh Australia-Indonesia Ministerial Forum

Today Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Aburizal Bakrie and I chaired the seventh Australia-Indonesia Ministerial Forum Meeting (AIMF). In a demonstration of the strong commitment of both countries to the relationship, eight Australian Ministers, my Parliamentary Secretary, and five Indonesian Ministers participated.

During our discussions Ministers highlighted the strength and practical focus of the relationship. Ministers agreed that Australia's generous assistance following the tsunami tragedy- including through the $1 billion Australia-Indonesia Partnership for Reconstruction and Development (AIPRD) - and the forthcoming visit to Australia by President Yudhoyono, heralded a new era in bilateral ties. Foreign Minister Wirajuda and two other Ministers and I were pleased to sign the AIPRD Joint Ministerial Statement, which sets the framework for the implementation of the program.

The AIMF proved to be an excellent opportunity to identify initiatives to give even more momentum to the bilateral relationship. To support Indonesia's democratic transition, Australia will provide another $5 million to assist with the holding of gubernatorial and local elections. To strengthen Parliamentary links, Australia will host a visit by the Indonesian Parliament's Commission I (Defence, Foreign Relations and Information) later in 2005. We will also fund a study tour to Australia by members of Indonesia's new upper house, the Regional Consultative Assembly (DPD). As part of our efforts to deepen people-to-people links, Australia and Indonesia will jointly organise another regional Interfaith Dialogue meeting in 2006, possibly in conjunction with another regional partner.

Reflecting Australia's commitment to working with Indonesia to combat terrorism, Australia will provide an additional $2 million program for anti-money laundering and combating terrorist financing assistance as part of the recently expanded $20 million counter-terrorism package. We are fully committed to our partnership with Indonesia in fighting the scourge of terrorism.

Given the importance Australia attaches to supporting the Indonesian Government's legal and economic reform efforts, we will also provide further assistance to Indonesia's anti-corruption court and for the Partnership for Governance Reform. This assistance will build on the recently commenced five year $22 million legal assistance program.

Ministers emphasised that expanding the trade and investment relationship was a priority for both countries and discussed initiatives to enhance these links. Ministers welcomed the commencement of the Australia-New Zealand-ASEAN FTA negotiations which promises to deliver significant outcomes for business.

The next meeting of the Ministerial Forum will be held in Indonesia in 2006.

Media inquiries : Chris Kenny (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500 , DFAT Media Liaison 02 6261 1555

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