Indonesian finance minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati has suggested how Australian universities could set up there. Speaking yesterday at ANU she said that it was legally difficult for HE foreign providers to establish in Indonesia but they could be based in the education equivalent of foreign-investment zones.

In a wide-ranging speech, the minister addressed Indonesia’s economic need for a much larger educated workforce and spoke on the competitive benefits of foreign competition, including in education.

But even if the much-anticipated free trade deal is done and it includes access for Australian institutions in Indonesia, there would still be a great deal to do for both nations to benefit. The Group of Eight sets out core requirements, including;

 * comprehensive accreditation framework including on-line courses

* provisions for both countries to establish campuses in the other

* addressing visa processes and conditions to encourage Indonesians to study in Australia, (CMM September 3 2018).