IBC Attends AFR Asia Summit in Sydney, Meets with Chinese and Japanese Leaders to Discuss Regional Direction

As part of its Australia roadshow, the Indonesian Business Council (IBC), a business association and think-tank representing Indonesian business leaders, attended the Australian Financial Review (AFR) Asia Summit 2025 in Sydney. This major event in IBC’s first official visit to Australia, demonstrates the Indonesian private sector’s efforts to become more active in shaping the strategic dialogue on the economic future and stability of Asia.

Speaking at a panel session titled “Navigating Asia’s Geopolitics to Advance Australia’s Prosperity”, Arsjad Rasjid, Chair of the Board of Trustees IBC, emphasized the ASEAN’s vital role amidst geopolitical tensions. “Asia is united not only by borders, but also by the determination to safeguard peace and stability. Inclusivity is our collective strength,” he said, underlining them as essential prerequisites for supply chain integration and sustainable investment flows.

During the summit, IBC held a sideline meeting with Fu Ying, Founding Chair, Center for International Security and Strategy; former Chinese Foreign Minister and former Chinese Ambassador to Australia. The discussion highlighted the need to strengthen Indonesia-China economic relations, particularly amid major shifts in global supply. The IBC delegation also had the opportunity to discuss regional clean energy investment and transition with Tatsuya Terazawa, Chairman & CEO of the Institute of Energy Economics Japan at a similar sideline talk.

IBC presence at the Asia Summit and bilateral meetings in Sydney reflects the growing involvement of Indonesia's private sector in regional economic diplomacy.

This roadshow also serves as initial step towards the Indonesia Economic Summit (IES) 2026, which will take place in Jakarta on February 3-4, 2026, with the theme of “Coming Together to Boost Resilient Growth and Shared Prosperity.” The forum is expected to be a strategic event bringing together more than 1,500 business leaders, policymakers, and global experts to discuss strategies for resilient and sustainable growth.