WA's Jakarta trade office to close: Business community 'should have been consulted'

By David Weber

A decision by the Western Australian Government to close its trade office in Jakarta has left many in the business community surprised. 

The president of the Perth-based Indonesia Institute, Ross Taylor, was told of the closure by the ABC. 

Mr Taylor said there should have been more consultation before the Government decided to wind back its presence in Jakarta.

"We take it by some surprise because neither our institute, or as I understand it, the Australia Indonesia Business Council knows anything about this decision," he said.

"From the business community, it would be a little bit disappointing because it would have been I think better had some consultation process be taken with various organisations, just to ensure that we don't forfeit some enormous opportunities in developing business and trade." 

Mr Taylor said while Indonesia is Western Australia's biggest customer for live exports and wheat, there are also emerging opportunities in education, health and finance.
"West Australian relationships with Indonesia are at a very critical stage and are really sitting on the precipice if you like of absolutely enormous opportunities, not only within agriculture but a whole range of businesses including infrastructure, finance, medical and education," he said.

In as statement, the WA Government said that even though the office was closing, there would still be full-time representation in the Indonesian capital.

It is understood this may occur out of the Austrade office. 

Labor's spokesperson for trade Kate Doust said business was best conducted face to face.
"Particularly in a country like Indonesia, people like to actually get to know who they're dealing with and building that relationship," she said. 

"It's certainly good for our people to be able to see what sort of products or opportunities are available, it's not something that can be done online or over the phone, this is about building relationships to do business."

This article originally appeared 27 September in ABC News online.