FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR
INDONESIA AUSTRALIA BUSINESS WEEK
(17-20 NOVEMBER 2015)
Background
The Hon Mr Andrew Robb AO MP, Minister for Trade and Investment is expected to lead an Australian Government trade, education and investment mission to Indonesia from 17-20 November 2015. The mission aims to enhance bilateral relationships through high-level political and commercial exchanges, and to promote Australia as a trade, investment, education and tourism partner.
Indonesia Australia Business Week (IABW) is a government initiative which aims to promote Australia and Australian capability with a programme tailored to major industry sectors. Indonesia is a complex business environment and the sector-specific networking events will raise the understanding of doing business in Indonesia and enhance existing relationships with Indonesian businesses.
Indonesia Australia Business Conference
IABW will be preceded by the biennial ‘Indonesia Australia Business Conference’ hosted by the Indonesia-Australia Business Council (IABC) in Yogyakarta from 15-17 November. The conference is titled ‘Business as usual? A look at business in a new political environment’. It aims to explore the impact on business of recent political and social developments in Indonesia.
Conference participation is open to IABW delegates, and registrations are being managed by the IABC. Interested companies should complete the registration form on the IABC website (www.iabc.or.id) and will be expected to cover their own costs.
FAQs:
Q Do I have to pay to join the mission?
A International travel, transfers to and from the airport, accommodation and personal expenses (such as travel insurance, mobile calls and data roaming) are to be covered by individual delegates. Participation in the IABW programme which will include breakfast seminars each day, industry roundtables, a gala dinner in Jakarta on 18 November and a closing reception will be free of charge. Delegates are responsible for booking their own flights and accommodation however, Austrade will provide hotel booking codes to delegates when they are approved to join the mission.
Q Is there a subsidy that will assist me in paying for the mission?
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A There are no government subsidies for the IABW business mission. However, companies may be eligible to apply for the Export Marketing Development Grant (EMDG). For more information, please go to the Austrade website, http://www.austrade.gov.au/Australian/Export/Export-Grants.
Q How do I register for Indonesia Australia Business Week?
A You can register via the Austrade website (www.austrade.gov.au). Also as part of the IABW registration process, you will need to either login into your existing Austrade account or set up a new Austrade account (an easy four step process) before you can register for Indonesia Australia Business Week.
Q Do I have to set up the Austrade account to register?
A Yes, this is part of the registration process for receiving secure information about the business mission.
Q How do I set up a new Austrade account?
A You will be able to set up your new Austrade account when you register for Indonesia Australia Business Week. It is an easy four step process, before your EOI registration for Indonesia Australia Business Week that will ask for your contact details as well as your organisation’s name and address. You will also need to set up your login in name and create your password.
Q How long do I have to decide whether I am going to submit an EOI?
A Expressions of interest close on 16 October.
Q If I submit an EOI does that mean I am automatically registered to attend IABW??
A No, EOIs will be assessed as they are received and you will be advised within seven (7) working days if your EOI has been successful.
Q What happens after I am told my EOI has been successful?
A You will receive an email confirmation from Austrade that will provide you with information on how to access the Delegates secure website for additional information on Indonesia Australia Business Week such as the official programme, hotel booking code, register your dietary requirements etc.
Q Do I have to join the entire programme for my industry sector?
A As part of Minister Robb’s business delegation, you will be required to attend all confirmed meetings and events that include business delegates. There is some free time in the programme where you will have the opportunity to make your own arrangements. However, we ask that you keep
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Austrade informed of any arrangements to ensure your smooth involvement in the programme including for venue access arrangements.
Q Where in Indonesia will the business mission take place and how long is the business mission?
A IABW will be held in venues/hotels in Jakarta and runs from 17 to 20 November. Each industry stream programme will have relevant meetings, briefings, roundtables to that industry and, depending on the industry stream programme you choose, it may also include a site visit to another city in Indonesia.
Q How do I book my hotels? Does Austrade do this for me?
A Austrade will have block hotel bookings at recommended hotels. To book a room you will need to contact the hotels where Austrade has reserved block bookings. The names of hotels and key contacts will be supplied to delegates after their EOI has been assessed and their registration approved.
Q What is the weather like in Jakarta, Indonesia in November?
A Jakarta is very hot in November, average temperature is 28 degree celsius with afternoons reaching as high as 32 degree celsius.
Q I don’t speak any languages other than English. Will Austrade staff be able to assist me?
A Austrade staff will be available to assist where necessary. If you intend to conduct meetings outside of the confirmed programme then we suggest you arrange for an interpreter.
Q How will Austrade manage communications with me before, during and after the mission?
A Austrade will send all successful delegates an information pack with useful information such as:
1. The programme 2. Accommodation
3. Visas
4. General information on Indonesia During the mission Austrade will manage a communications platform possibly in the form of a microsite. The content will be updated on a regular basis. We are also considering an IABW LinkedIn Group.
Q When do EOIs for the business mission close?
A EOI registrations close 16 October. Austrade cannot guarantee that EOIs received after 16 October will be accepted.
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Q Do I need a visa to travel to Indonesia?
A All foreign nationals entering Indonesia are required to possess a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa obtained from an Indonesia Embassy or Post abroad. For the purposes of travel to Indonesia for participation in ‘Indonesia Australia Business Week’ you will need to apply for an Indonesian Business Visa.
Applicants in Australia are required to apply for their visas through their nearest Indonesian Consulate-General office, which are located in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Darwin and Perth.
Although the processing time for a Business Visa is five working days, you are strongly recommended to apply by 16 October, four weeks prior to departure. For information on visa requirements, visit your nearest Consulate-General’s website.
Austrade will provide more details on the visa requirements once you are register with the Business Mission. Your application will need to include two letters provided by Austrade and the Australian Embassy in Jakarta confirming that you will be participating as a member of business delegation for Indonesia Australia Business Week.
Q Will my security be assured on the business mission?
A Austrade takes security seriously.
Before departing for Indonesia, Austrade strongly recommend you read the travel advice for Indonesia and business visitors on the Smartraveller website, register your travel details, and subscribe to the travel updates. It is a requirement that you carry your identification (passport and delegates lanyard that will be provided on Day 1) at all times. Whilst the security arrangements have been carefully considered in the planning of all IABW activities and events, delegates are reminded that they are responsible for their own personal safety and security whilst in Indonesia.
Q I would like to participate in IABW but the Australian Indonesian relationship is tense. How will I be treated while I’m in Indonesia?
A Engagement between the Indonesian Government and Australian Government has recommenced starting last month with a meeting between Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Ms Julie Bishop and her Indonesian counterpart. Australia’s Minister for Justice Mr Michael Keenan also recently visited Indonesia and earlier this month Australia hosted a visit by the Chairman of BKPM, Indonesia’s investment agency. All of this renewed activity emphasises the efforts being taken by both sides to rebuild the bilateral relationship and Minister Robb has made clear that he sees Indonesia Australia Business Week as being a very significant event for building the economic relationship between Australia and Indonesia. All of our discussions with Indonesian officials about IABW have been positive and have confirmed that they also view this event as making a positive contribution to revitalising our trade and investment relationship.
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