Representatives from IN Diplomacy magazine and the Australian Embassy in Jakarta met on Oct. 8, 2026, to discuss strategic communications concerning the bilateral relationship between Australia and Indonesia. The meeting’s stated purpose was to explore communications strategies that support mutual understanding and public engagement between the two nations.
The discussion was held between IN Diplomacy Editor-in-Chief Nomita Dhar, along with team members Alma Amarthatia and Rezkia Maghriby Yoandra, and officials from the Australian Embassy. The embassy was represented by Gemma Dabkowski, Second Secretary for Strategic Communications, and Angky Septiana, Unit Manager for Media.
The meeting focused on the role of media and diplomatic communications in conveying the scope of the Australia-Indonesia partnership to the public in both countries.
Australia and Indonesia maintain a long-standing diplomatic relationship, formally established in 1949. The two neighboring countries cooperate on a range of issues, including trade, security, and education. This relationship is structured under the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, an agreement signed in 2018 to guide bilateral cooperation.
Economic ties are a significant component of the relationship. According to Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Indonesia is a major trading partner for Australia. The Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA), which entered into force in 2020, is designed to facilitate trade and investment between the two economies.
In addition to economic matters, the two countries also collaborate on security issues, including counter-terrorism, maritime security, and defense. The Lombok Treaty, a security agreement signed in 2006, provides a framework for this cooperation.
Educational and cultural exchanges are also central to the bilateral relationship. Thousands of Indonesian students study in Australia annually, and programs like the New Colombo Plan facilitate Australian students studying in Indonesia. These initiatives are part of public diplomacy efforts intended to foster people-to-people connections. The meeting between IN Diplomacy and the Australian Embassy officials aligns with these ongoing diplomatic and public engagement activities.
