Jakarta – Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Anindya Novyan Bakrie, said that opportunities to further enhance trade between Indonesia and Australia remain wide open.

Anindya, who is familiarly known as Anin, noted that since the signing of the Indonesia–Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) around five years ago, bilateral trade between the two countries has increased threefold. He added that the Indonesia–Australia CEPA is due for an update to better align with evolving needs and the dynamic nature of bilateral cooperation.

“I am confident that trade can grow another three times, or even more, within the next five years. This serves as an example of how cooperation with neighboring countries can generate significant benefits,” Anin said after attending the Australian Investor Mission Kadin Indonesia Lunch at the Shangri-La Hotel Jakarta on Wednesday (February 4, 2026).

Anin explained that the meeting between Kadin and prospective Australian investors discussed several strategic issues, including the utilization of Indonesian human resources in Australia. This includes approximately 250,000 Indonesian students as well as migrant workers, who are considered highly needed.

“There are also migrant workers, and they are indeed very much needed,” Anin said.

In addition, discussions covered efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector, particularly investment opportunities arising from Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG).

“With the large-scale rollout of the MBG program, Australia has an abundance of protein and vegetables that can be leveraged not only for trade, but also for investment,” Anin explained.

Anin further added that critical minerals—such as copper, gold, and nickel—were also among the key topics discussed. According to him, processed critical mineral products play a vital role in industries ranging from electrification to stainless steel manufacturing.

“I believe this is very positive, and Kadin fully supports efforts to enhance cooperation between Indonesia and Australia,” Anin concluded.

Also attending the event were Kadin Indonesia Vice Chairman for Foreign Relations Bernardino M. Vega, Vice Chairman for Migrant Worker Protection Nofel Saleh Hilabi, Chairman of the Kadin Indonesia Russia–Belarus Bilateral Committee Didit Ratam, and Chairman of the Kadin Indonesia Indonesia–Australia Bilateral Committee George Marantika.