Monash University, Indonesia, in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Canberra, Western Sydney University, and Deakin–Lancaster University Indonesia, hosted Australia Update 2026 at its BSD City campus on Tuesday 13 October.
Convened under the theme Five Years of IA-CEPA: Reviewing Progress and Optimising Performance for 2026–2030, the forum gathered around 150 government officials, diplomats, industry leaders, academics and students. Held back-to-back with Trade Expo Indonesia 2026, the event connected bilateral trade and investment policy directly with practical workforce and skills development.
The forum reviewed the first five years of the Indonesia–Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) and focused on shared strategic priorities for 2026–2030, including:
- Workforce upskilling and talent mobility across key growth sectors.
- Navigating the green transition, digital trade and emerging technologies.
- The movement of natural persons, featuring case studies on healthcare professionals, nurses, caregivers and construction workers.
- Strengthening institutional partnerships between universities, vocational providers and industry.
Keynote addresses were delivered by the Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia Dr Budi Santoso, the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Australia Dr Siswo Pramono, and the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Rod Brazier.
Pro Vice-Chancellor and President (Interim) of Monash University, Indonesia Professor Claire Macken noted that the event coincided with the University’s fifth anniversary in Indonesia, highlighting Monash’s evolution as an education-led, student-centred institution committed to building national capability.
“Agreements like IA-CEPA provide an essential framework, but people create the value. Progress across digital transformation, artificial intelligence and the green transition depends entirely on skilled professionals who can adapt and lead,” Professor Macken said. “Our presence in Indonesia is a long-term commitment to developing future-ready graduates and working alongside Indonesian universities to strengthen the broader higher education ecosystem.”
“From our collaborative energy transition research with PLN to cross-border learning across our Indo-Pacific network, Monash is focused on delivering practical impact that supports Indonesia’s ambitions for Indonesia Emas 2045,” Professor Macken added.
Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Australia Dr Siswo Pramono emphasized the importance of translating policy into tangible workforce outcomes.
“As trade and investment grow between our nations, demand for skilled workers continues to rise. Australia Update 2026 at Monash University, Indonesia provides a practical roadmap for governments, business and education providers to optimize talent mobility and upskilling for 2026–2030,” Dr Pramono said.
The discussions and policy insights generated during the seminar will form key recommendations for the upcoming IA-CEPA general review.