CDU leads national conversation on Indonesia engagement with inaugural Think Tank Summit

Charles Darwin University (CDU) has taken a major step forward in strengthening Australia’s engagement with Indonesia, hosting its inaugural Indonesia Think Tank Summit in Darwin last month. 

Titled 'Engaging with Indonesia: Opportunities and Obstacles,' the summit brought together more than 70 leaders and experts from across government, industry and academia to explore new avenues for collaboration in research, education and trade.

Keynote speakers included Indonesian Consul to the Northern Territory (NT) Mr Bagus Hendraning Kobarsih, Federal Member for Solomon Luke Gosling OAM, NT Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Engagement and International Education, the Hon Robyn Cahill, CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman, and Chair of the Australia Indonesia Business Council NT, Kate Heelan. 

The summit showcased a range of collaborative initiatives spanning health, nursing and midwifery, environmental and livelihood research across Timor-Leste, Indonesia and Australia, architectural education and design, and artificial intelligence and IT - as well as the lived experiences of Indonesian students studying in the NT. 

CDU’s position at the heart of the Triple Helix model - an ecosystem that drives economic and social development through synergy between universities, industry and government - was also central to discussions. 

CDU Associate Vice-Chancellor Indonesia, Dr Nathan Franklin, said the event was a testament to the university’s vision to become a national leader in Indonesia engagement.

“The relationships we build with Indonesia today will define the region’s prosperity tomorrow,” said Dr Franklin. 

“CDU is proud to be the convener of this important conversation and committed to playing a leading role in shaping Australia’s future with our closest neighbours.”

Participants identified clear opportunities to strengthen ties with Indonesia, while also recognising the complex challenges ahead - including navigating regulatory environments, aligning education frameworks, and fostering mutual understanding across cultures and borders.

The Indonesia Think Tank Summit is part of CDU’s broader Indonesia Engagement Strategy, which aims to deepen partnerships and build shared capacity across the Indo-Pacific.