Jakarta Dialogue considers the Widodo era

Joko Widodo is congratulated by supporters.
The election of Joko Widodo has changed the political landscape.

Griffith University’s Asia Institute will host the second annual Australia-Indonesia Dialogue in Jakarta today(November 25) where experts will address a broad agenda covering climate change, urban development, and the changing economic and political relationship between the two countries under Indonesia’s new president, Joko Widodo.

Dialogue convenor, Professor Andrew O’Neil, says enhancing the Australia-Indonesia bilateral relationship is central to promoting stability in our region.

“New leadership in both countries presents an excellent chance to bolster the relationship across political, economic and strategic spheres,”Professor O’Neil said.

“It’s important to follow up opportunities that are presented to deepen relationships in the government and non-government areas.”

The Dialogue will be held in collaboration with the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI). Leading academics in this area will be joined by government and industry representatives for the workshop.

The aim of the November workshop is to promote collaborative research between academics from both institutions in an effort to capture Australian and Indonesian perspectives on key topics such as globalisation, political science, economics and environmental and urban planning.

AON.small“The election of President Widodo has certainly changed the political landscape.” Professor O’Neil (left) said.

“The Dialogue demonstrates why cross institutional collaboration is so valuable. By exploring issues from both perspectives it leads to better policy recommendations for both governments and a better understanding of the ideas and values that shape our region.”

This year’s agenda will also focus on the Challenges of Contemporary Urbanisation, and regional perspectives on Climate Change Management.

Both Australia and Indonesia face the challenge of a growing urban populous, and the conference hopes to share learnings on how proactive policy changes can result in better solutions for both countries.

An outcomes paper will be developed from the forum to capture key points of discussions, as well as workshop papers submitted for publication in a special journal issue.