A Diplomatic Milestone: 35 Years of East Java–WA Ties
In a landmark visit to Surabaya, Western Australia (WA) Premier Roger Cook reaffirmed the enduring importance of the East Java sister-state relationship, celebrating its 35-year anniversary. The trip underscores Western Australia’s commitment to deepening regional economic integration, particularly in the ASEAN region, at a time when global supply chains and critical minerals are undergoing massive reconfiguration.
Figure1: WA Premier Roger Cook meeting with East Java officials during his visit to Surabaya, marking the 35-year sister-state relationship.( Source: The West Australian – Editorial Use)
Roger Cook’s presence in East Java signifies more than a symbolic gesture—it is a calculated move to position WA as a long-term partner in Southeast Asia’s resource development and downstream industrialisation.
Economic Diplomacy in Action: Surabaya and Beyond
As part of his diplomatic tour, Roger Cook participated in high-level meetings with Indonesian governors, business delegates, and the Australian Consul-General in Surabaya. These discussions aimed to bolster bilateral collaboration in trade, education, agriculture, and—most notably—mining and energy diversification.
WA and East Java have maintained a sister-state relationship since 1989. This enduring connection is now being reshaped by global interest in green critical minerals, energy security, and Southeast Asia’s growing demand for resources aligned with net-zero ambitions.
“We are not just celebrating history—we are writing a new chapter in economic co-operation,” Roger Cook said in a press briefing.
Mining at the Forefront: Austmine Southeast Asia’s Role
Figure 2: Australia–Southeast Asia Mining Innovation Exchange at GRX25. Source: Austmine on LinkedIn
Mining featured heavily on the agenda, with Roger Cook highlighting the presence of WA-based mining innovators and service providers through Austmine Southeast Asia. The organisation serves as a key bridge between Australian mining technology companies and emerging Southeast Asian markets, including Indonesia.
Cook’s delegation showcased WA’s capabilities in mining automation, digital mineral exploration, and low-impact processing solutions, which are increasingly relevant for Indonesia’s downstream ambitions under its mineral export ban policies.
“Indonesia is looking for expertise, and WA’s METS sector offers exactly that,” Roger Cook said, referencing the Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) sector’s adaptability.
Singapore Roundtable: A Triangular Trade Strategy
Following his Indonesia engagements, Roger Cook travelled to Singapore to meet with key regional investors and business leaders. This leg of the visit was designed to complement Australia’s strategic shift toward economic diversification beyond China.
Singapore’s role as a financial and logistics hub makes it a prime platform for facilitating WA’s mineral exports and renewable energy technology deployment into the ASEAN region. At the roundtable, Cook met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s trade envoys and private equity representatives focused on sustainable development.
“Australia’s future lies not only in extraction, but in strategic partnerships. Our presence in Singapore symbolises that pivot,” said Cook.
Roger Cook’s Vision: Beyond Resources, Toward Resilience
Roger Cook’s diplomatic push comes amid increasing geopolitical uncertainty and a global scramble for critical minerals. His message was clear: Western Australia is not just a supplier of raw materials, but a reliable partner offering value-added solutions, strong governance, and innovation-led growth.
With the backing of the Australia-Indonesia Business Council, WA plans to launch new bilateral task forces to accelerate mining project approvals, environmental tech exchanges, and talent pipelines through academic partnerships.
“We’re no longer just exporting ore—we’re exporting expertise, ethical supply chains, and opportunity,” Cook concluded during a media session with the Australian Consul-General in Surabaya.
Strategic Takeaways: What This Means for Australia and ASEAN
Cook’s twin-track diplomacy—linking Indonesia’s industrial base and Singapore’s capital markets with WA’s mining and renewable capacity—marks a shift from transactional trade to transformational collaboration.
By reinforcing the East Java sister-state relationship, this visit paves the way for:
– Greater METS exports to Indonesia
– Green technology transfer aligned with ASEAN climate goals
– Deeper academic and industry collaboration
The outcomes of this trip are expected to shape Australia’s regional economic architecture for years to come.
