South and Southeast Asia (SSG)

Deepening Australia’s engagement with Southeast Asia is a priority. Building on our longstanding development partnerships with the region advances our mutual interests. 

Consistent with Timor-Leste’s strong commitment to democracy and human rights Australia is focusing efforts to improve gender equality and disability equity through targeted stand-alone programs and including this objective within all major investments.

The Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) Economic Cooperation Program (‘Katalis’) is a $40 million program over 2020-25 designed to support the implementation of IA-CEPA.

Due to Canada’s contribution concluding on 30 September 2024, the International Labour Organization commissioned an independent evaluation of TRIANGLE in ASEAN from January to June 2024.

Action on climate change is central to Australia’s national development priorities. Australia’s International Development Policy recognises that measures to adapt and build resilience to climate impacts are urgently needed to defend against climate-induced loss and damage.

Australia will work with partners to support regional economic growth through increased infrastructure investment and a stronger focus on integrating climate considerations in accordance with G20 infrastructure principles.

The Australia – South Asia (Regional) Development Partnership Plan 2024–2029 (DPP) translates into action the regional development priorities Australia shares with South Asia. The DPP sets out agreed objectives, how we will work with partners to deliver shared outcomes, and how progress will be monitored.

We will work together to support Indonesia's objectives of maintaining transparent and accountable justice institutions, reforming the criminal justice system and ensuring equal access to justice for women, girls and people with disability. We will also work with regional partners to counter violent extremism, support de‑radicalisation and address transnational crime.

We will identify opportunities to work with other development partners, including multilateral banks and UN agencies to support Indonesia's climate finance and energy transition needs.

Australia is committed to working with Indonesia to support sustainable and equitable economic transformation and to better integrate our two economies for mutual benefit both through ODA investments and through non-ODA investments.