New Consulate-General in Surabaya, Indonesia

Today I will officially open Australia's first Consulate-General in Surabaya, East Java.

This is Australia's fourth diplomatic post in Indonesia, and it is a demonstration of Australia's commitment to our relationship with Indonesia – a close neighbour and one of the most important and dynamic democracies in our region.

This new post is part of the Australian Government's commitment to expand our diplomatic network – the single largest expansion in over 40 years.

Surabaya, Indonesia's second largest city, is an increasingly important destination for Australian trade and investment. East Java accounts for about 15 per cent of Indonesia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Our Consulate-General in Surabaya will focus on enhancing trade and building economic partnership opportunities in East Java, including in financial services, education, health, manufacturing and infrastructure.

Our Consulate-General will also work to bolster cultural and community links with the vibrant region of central and eastern Java, and provide consular and other services to Australians.

I thank our first Consul-General to Surabaya, Chris Barnes, for his important contributions to the bilateral relationship over the past year.