The event aimed to discuss various opportunities for future collaboration between Indonesia and Australia. These opportunities covered a number of strategic sectors such as energy, minerals, manufacture, education, industry, and even sustainable infrastructure development.

The Indonesian Ambassador to Australia and Vanuatu, Dr. Siswo Pramono, underlined the importance of collaboration in key sectors. He also asserted that Australia is Indonesia's strategic partner to achieve sustainable development goals.

"Future investments are key to the collaboration between the two countries. Hopefully, this year's Australia Update will not only reciprocate industrial and education collaborations but also create practical solutions for Indonesia-Australia development and collaboration," he said.

In line with the previous statement, the Australian Ambassador for Indonesia, Penny Williams, revealed that Indonesia and Australia have been cooperating in education and innovation for a long time. She exemplified the collaboration between Deakin University, Australia, and several universities in Bandung—including ITB—as evidence of the two countries' ever-continuing collaboration.

"Collaboration in technology and innovation opens a world of new opportunities, particularly in education and industry. Energy transition is also one important point in this collaboration to create a sustainable environment and achieve net zero emissions," explained Penny Williams.

Moreover, she noted the importance of utilizing the natural resources of both countries in encouraging the development of a green economy. This was also one core aspect discussed in the collaboration to address challenges in energy transition.

Meanwhile, the ITB Rector, Prof. Reini Wirahadikusumah, Ph.D., underlined ITB's crucial role in supporting the Indonesian government in the energy sector. "Energy, especially new and renewable energy, is a major topic at ITB besides Artificial Intelligence (AI). Through research and innovation, ITB has contributed to the development of environmentally friendly technologies, such as net zero emissions, CCS/CCUS, and vehicle batteries."

Prof. Reini also hoped that Australia Update would become a dynamic platform for enhancing the synergy and collaboration between Indonesia and Australia in the fields of education, energy, and industry. "Hopefully, this forum serves as a stepping stone for a stronger collaboration and brings real impacts for both countries," she said.

This forum was expected to foster Indonesia and Australia to collaborate more closely in achieving sustainability goals, especially in efforts to transition to clean energy, as well as sustainable developments in education and industry.

Author: Anggun Nindita
Indonesian Editor: Anggun Nindita
Translator: Ariq Ramadhan Teruna (Chemical Engineering, 2021)
English Editor: Hanifa Juliana (Urban and Regional Planning, 2020)