Yogi Eka Sahputra, Batam – The Australian Embassy visited Batam City, Riau Islands Province, on Monday, June 30, 2025. The visit aimed to present investment opportunities on Batam Island to Australian investors.
Rod Brazier, the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, led the delegation. Professor Jennifer Westacott AC, the Australian Business Champion for Indonesia, accompanied him. Prior to the visit, the delegation held a closed meeting with Amsakar Achmad, the Head of the Batam Indonesia Free Trade Zone Authority.
Brazier visited several Australian companies in Batam City, including PT Gelflex Indonesia. After visiting PT Gelflex, Rod Brazier stated that this Australian company could be an example for other Australian investors. He expressed hope that in the future, more Australian investors would come to Batam Island and invest.
He continued, stating that PT Gelflex, which produces contact lenses, demonstrates that investing in Batam City benefits the company and local workers. "We see this as a positive thing, where workers receive wages and everyone benefits from Australian investment," said Brazier.
During this two-day visit, Brazier also visited Nongsa Digital Park, PT Austin Engineering, and PT Thiess. He mentioned that Indonesia is one of Australia's closest partners. "It's very gratifying to see these Australian companies investing in Batam, creating jobs and bringing technology to Indonesia for export to this region and the world," he stated.
The visit to Batam coincides with the 5th anniversary of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA). Since 2020, IA-CEPA has supported a doubling of trade between Indonesia and Australia and increased Australian investment in Indonesia.
"Currently, 13 Australian companies are investing in Batam, with a total value of 13.3 million U.S. dollars," stated Brazier.
As the Australian Business Champion for Indonesia, Professor Jennifer Westacott AC mentioned that Australian companies contribute to Batam City in many ways, from labor to the local economy. "These companies employ more than 180 people," Westacott stated.
PT Gelflex is a manufacturing company that produces contact lenses. Westacott explained that the company's products are exported to various countries worldwide. "This is a good case study of an Australian company that remains consistent," she added.
David Masel, owner of PT Gelflex Indonesia, added that it was an honor for him to receive a visit from the ambassador and Professor Jennifer Westacott AC at his company. According to Masel, the presence of PT Gelflex Indonesia since 2007 is an extraordinary success.
"In my opinion, Batam is a fantastic place to do business, and we are proud of the relationship we have built between the two countries," he stated. Masel also encouraged companies in Australia to look at the investment opportunities available in Indonesia.