Australia will open Indonesia’s first foreign university campus and consider watering down its travel warnings in a show of unity between the two countries, as an historic trade deal begins.
But Prime Minister Scott Morrison says challenges around terrorism, foreign fighters and influence are still front of mind.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo and his wife Iriana are in Canberra for an official visit, with a new trade deal to be signed on Monday.
The agreement, passed by the Indonesian parliament last week, is aimed at boosting multi-billion dollar ties.
In a joint press conference, Mr Morrison announced Monash University will set-up Indonesia’s first foreign campus – a move he described as “a very good example of how this is a two-way street”.
The deal was made possible after the Indonesian government finalised regulations allowing foreign universities as part of a push to improve the country’s higher education performance.
Mr Morrison also detailed plans to ease travel between the countries.
“We are pleased that our home affairs minister here in Australia will be engaging with his Indonesian counterpart to proceed to look at how we can simplify and streamline the issues of entry into Australia,” he said.
“We also agreed to reconsider and look at the issues of travel advice into Indonesia, particularly for those areas most frequented by Australian visitors.
“We have also discussed today the many challenges around counterterrorism, foreign terror fighters and counter foreign influence.”
Australia’s travel advisory level for Indonesia is at level two: “exercise a high degree of caution”.
Mr Widodo said the agreement was a significant step forward in the relationship between the countries and within the broader Indo-Pacific region.
“Indonesia hopes Australia can become an important partner in infrastructure investment, as well as education,” he told reporters through an interpreter.
Mr Widodo addressed members and senators in federal parliament, an honour granted to his predecessor Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in 2010.
The president was given a ceremonial welcome on Sunday at Government House – the official residence of the Governor-General David Hurley – where he was also greeted by foreign secretary Marise Payne.
Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said the agreement with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies would be a major boost for Australian farmers through lower tariffs and improved access.
Indonesian goods will be subject to zero tariffs when entering Australia, while tariffs on 94 per cent of Australian goods imported to Indonesia will be eliminated gradually.
Indonesia and Australia already enjoy bilateral trade worth $17.8 billion.
The deal is considered important as Australia diversifies its economy and moves away from a heavy reliance on China.
AAP