- Bill Johnston to travel to Indonesia with a focus on jobs, energy, education and tourism
- Visit will recommit WA's Sister State relationship with East Java
Asian Engagement Minister Bill Johnston departs this weekend for a week-long trip to Indonesia to strengthen our State's relationship with our nearest neighbour.
Mr Johnston will travel to the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, as well as the cities of Surabaya and Bandung.
The visit will include meetings with government and business, universities, utilities, oil and gas company Pertamina and airline Garuda Indonesia.
The Minister will discuss why our State has a competitive advantage in the education, training, and mining and resources sectors.
While in Surabaya, he will take part in a ceremony marking the re-signing of our Sister State relationship with East Java.
Mr Johnston will also travel to Bandung in West Java, which is a special place for him having spent his final year of high school there as an exchange student.
Western Australia's exports to Indonesia were valued at $2.4 billion in 2016-17, up 31 per cent from the year before. Petroleum, wheat and iron ore were the most dominant commodities.
Comments attributed to Asian Engagement Minister Bill Johnston:
"I feel privileged to be the first member of the McGowan Government to travel to Indonesia in an official capacity.
"My focus is to capitalise on the rapid population and economic growth in Asia to create more job-boosting opportunities in WA.
"Indonesia is a significant export market for goods and services in WA, but there is still untapped potential in our trade and cultural relationship, especially education and tourism.
"I also look forward to re-committing to the future of our Sister State relationship with East Java - a longstanding friendship for both parties."
Minister's office - 6552 6700
