At least five Australian companies have committed to invest in Indonesia, marking a new phase of economic cooperation between the two neighboring countries, Investment Minister Rosan Roeslani announced on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 during President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Australia.

Speaking to reporters in Canberra, Rosan said the investments would span multiple sectors, including healthcare, downstream industries, and agriculture.

“They will invest one in the hospital sector and two in downstream industries. Two of them have already invested in Indonesia and are looking to expand,” Rosan said.

He added that the Indonesian government would facilitate the planned investments, including those related to agricultural cooperation, particularly in livestock and cattle farming.

“In the cattle sector, we are also building partnerships. There is one major investment project, possibly through Danantara, which we will explore further,” Rosan said, referring to a potential large-scale agribusiness initiative involving Australian investors.

President Prabowo’s trip marks his first state visit to Australia since taking office, and serves as a reciprocal visit following Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s earlier trip to Jakarta.

During his stay, Prabowo is scheduled to meet both Prime Minister Albanese and Governor-General Sam Mostyn to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation under the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA), which has been in effect since 2020.

“This visit is aimed at strengthening ties in investment, trade, and other areas of comprehensive cooperation between our two countries,” Rosan said.

Trade deficit

Rosan cited that Indonesia’s total trade with Australia currently stands at US$15 billion. However, Indonesia continues to record a trade deficit of nearly US$9 billion with its southern neighbor.

The minister said the government was looking to diversify trade and investment cooperation to help balance the deficit, while also emphasizing the importance of the services sector in sustaining economic ties.

“We’re fortunate that Indonesia’s services sector helps balance the trade relationship. For example, the number of Australian tourists visiting Indonesia, especially Bali, has reached almost two million people,” Rosan noted.

He added that the government hopes to encourage more Australian tourists to explore destinations beyond Bali, supporting local economies and reducing regional development gaps.

Both Indonesia and Australia have identified renewable energy, critical minerals, and food security as new pillars of cooperation under IA-CEPA.

Rosan emphasized that there remains “significant untapped potential” in the partnership, particularly in sectors like nickel downstreaming, healthcare infrastructure, and agritech.

“The cooperation between Indonesia and Australia can be further enhanced. We aim for a more balanced, mutually beneficial relationship that supports sustainable economic growth on both sides,” he said.