Trade and business relations between the Northern Territory and Indonesia are set to be further strengthened following the appointment of Mr Yudistira Adipratama, as the Northern Territory Government representative to Indonesia.
The announcement coincides with the 77th anniversary of Indonesia Independence Day, recognising a long trade history dating back to historic engagements between the Makassans and first nations people.
The Makassans came to the northern coast of Australia to source trepang (sea cucumber) and also traded in other goods and engaged with local culture.
In 2021 we saw trade between the Northern Territory and Indonesia at the highest level in more than a decade, reaching $447.8 million in exports and $11.1 million in imports.
Based in Jakarta, Mr Adipratama's role, will seek to grow business links in Indonesia and promote engagement with the Territory, as part of key diplomatic arrangements.
Indonesia is one of the Northern Territory's largest trading partners, with further trade opportunities arising following the significant global market changes caused by COVID-19.
Mr Adipratama has a Master of Laws from the University of Melbourne, Victoria and has years of experience in government and business development across various sectors within Indonesia and Australia, and globally.
He is currently the owner of the Indonesian law firm K-Case and Chairman of the legislation division of the Indonesian Esports Association, PBESI, and an ambassador for the Australia-Indonesia Business Council.
In November this year more than 250 Indonesian and Australian business executives and government leaders will converge in Darwin for the 2022 Australian Indonesian Business Council Conference.
The conference will emphasise both country's resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlight the unique role the Northern Territory has in Australia's relationship with Indonesia.
This is first time the Northern Territory has hosted the Australian Indonesian Business Council Conference.
Quotes from Minister for Northern Australia and Trade, Nicole Manison
"We must continue to strengthen our relationship with our key economic partners, diversify our markets and support local businesses to keep supply chains open and trade operating."
"Indonesia is a priority market for strategic, cultural and economic engagement and is one of the Territory's largest trading partners."
"Mr Adipratama is a well-respected member of the Indonesian-Australia business community and will be a positive addition to Northern Territory and Indonesian relations."
"The Territory Government now has a representative on the ground in Indonesia to help Territory businesses unlock new business, trade and investment opportunities."
Quote from the Northern Territory's Representative to Indonesia, Mr Yudistira Adipratama S.H., LL.M.
"I am humbled to be appointed as the Northern Territory's Indonesian Representative."
"I am honoured to take part in strengthening the bilateral ties between Northern Territory and Indonesia through the business sector."
"I hope to assist government and business in expanding the prosperous, mutually beneficial relationships."
Northern Territory Government
