​Cooperation in qualifications recognition and plans for student mobility workshops were among the outcomes of the 10th Australia –Indonesia Joint Working Group (JWG) on Education and Training, held in Indonesia from 29 April to 2 May.
The Australian delegation, led by Anne Baly, Head of the International Education and Science Division, met with officials from the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture (MoEC) to discuss key policy areas, and identify and agree on priorities for future collaboration.

Cooperation in education and training is an important component of the bilateral relationship between Australia and Indonesia. The Annual Joint Working Group (JWG) is an opportunity for the two governments to meet and discuss collaborative activities which focus on delivering the shared commitment to increasing government-to-government, institution-to-institution and people-to-people links.

Outcomes of the 2013 JWG include a commitment to continue joint cooperation in qualifications recognition, strengthen government and institutional links, and improve student mobility.

Other outcomes include:

• an agreed action plan of activities for 2013-14 such as a series of workshops on internationalisation and student mobility
  
• agreement to commence negotiations on the renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding on Education and Training cooperation between the MoEC and the department, which dates back to 1992
  
• agreement to develop an officer exchange program between the department and MoEC
• agreement for the department to assist MoEC in the implementation of Indonesia’s Qualification Framework
  
• agreement to facilitate MoECs relationship with Australian universities to develop collaborative programs on Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in Nursing education, and
  
• agreement to collaborate in the development of commonly agreed occupational and training standards and competency based approaches for TVET instructors working in Indonesian Community Colleges and Polytechnics in priorities areas such as mining, tourism and hospitality.

Under the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper, education engagement with Indonesia is described as a key activity for strengthening the bilateral relationship. Close to 17,500 Indonesian students enrolled in Australian institutions in 2012. Developing connections through existing exchange mechanisms such as the AsiaBound program, Australia Awards, Darmasiswa and other Indonesian programs provide the foundation for building intercultural knowledge and partnerships that are mutually beneficial. Growth in transnational education will be key to the relationship going forward.

Indonesia and Australian participants of the 10th JWG on education and training led by Anne Baly, DIICCSRTE, and Professor Ainun Na’im, Ministry of Education and Culture.