Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Visits Kupang
The Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Rod Brazerm, conducted a working visit to Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province, lasting three days from 30 July to 1 August 2026. The purpose of this visit was to strengthen the strategic partnership between Australia and NTT across various crucial sectors.
In a meeting with the Governor of NTT, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, Ambassador Brazier discussed several development priorities, ranging from education and health to inclusive economic development and disaster resilience. The two also personally inspected the Kupang City Samsat Office to observe the effectiveness of motor vehicle tax reduction policies. This programme is supported by the Australian SKALA initiative and has delivered tangible positive impacts, particularly for persons with disabilities in the region.
“I am very pleased to visit Kupang and witness the long-term partnership between Australia and East Nusa Tenggara,” said Ambassador Brazier. He emphasised that Australia is committed to working alongside the government, schools, and businesses to create economic growth opportunities that can be felt by all layers of society.
In addition to provincial government agendas, Ambassador Brazier met with the Deputy Mayor of Kupang, Serena Cosgrova Franscis, and various health officials. The discussions focused on strengthening immunisation and child welfare services through the KITA SEHAT programme, a collaboration between Australia and UNICEF. Ambassador Brazier also visited the Disaster Management Operations Control Centre (Pusdalops), which partners with the Australian SIAP SIAGA programme to enhance NTT’s preparedness for potential natural disasters.
The women’s economic empowerment sector was also a highlight. In Oenaek Village, Ambassador Brazier engaged in dialogue with female entrepreneurs involved in the seaweed industry through Birufinery, an initiative supported by the Australian Investing in Women programme.
In the field of education, Ambassador Brazier visited SDK Citra Bangsa Mandiri and SDN Palsatu to interact with students and teachers involved in the BRIDGE and INOVASI programmes. As a gesture of appreciation for people-to-people links, he also hosted a reception for the Australian alumni community in Kupang.