An enthusiastic and bright group of Indonesian officials arrived in Brisbane just over a week ago to undertake two-week short courses on public policy processes and public-private partnerships at the University of Queensland (see photo below). The courses are funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and managed by Australia Awards in Indonesia.

The courses are being delivered by teams organised by UQ International Development, and I have the privilege and pleasure of being one of the co-course leaders, along with John Ignatius, of the short course on public policy processes. Associate Professor Neil Paulsen from UQ’s Business School is leading the PPP course along with Queensland’s former Deputy Premier Paul Lucas.

The course participants come from the Indonesian Ministry of Finance, Planning Ministry BAPPENAS, Ministry of Education and Culture, Coordinating Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Health, National Public Procurement Agency and local governments.

The two groups had an exciting and busy first week, which included workshops on important public policy and PPP issues, and included a visit on Friday morning from Indonesian Vice Minister of Finance Professor Mardiasmo. This provided an opportunity for officials to talk to the Minister as well as to take the compulsory group photo and selfies!

Incidentally, Queensland’s current Deputy Premier Jackie Trad understands the huge opportunities for mutual benefit that come from closer ties with Indonesia. She has recently led a successful mission to Indonesia to attract Indonesian students to Australia (see her recent media release).  Well done, Deputy Premier.

Australia Awards short course participants and UQID people (including me) at UQ’s Global Change Institute on Monday, 23 May