The Katalis Podcast

Sondang Sirait and Robbie Gaspar sit down with Professor Jennifer Westacott AC, Australia’s Business Champion for Indonesia, to explore how she’s championing change in this vital and evolving partnership — and why it matters now more than ever. From trade to talent, this is a conversation not to be missed. The Katalis Podcast is produced by Katalis, a unique, government-backed business development...

Investing in care is the next trillion-dollar opportunity – and in The Care Revolution, we dive into why now is the time for Australian and Indonesian investors to act. Driven by aging populations, rising healthcare costs, and groundbreaking tech, the care economy is on the verge of explosive growth . Join pioneers Irene Blackberry, John Richards Chair and Director of Care Economy Research Institu...

From the pitch to the podcast! We sit down with Shalika Aurelia, Indonesian women’s football powerhouse, and CEO of Jebreeet Media, who’s also a renowned football commentator, Valentino Simanjuntak AKA Bung Jebreeet, to talk about all things football, women, and diplomacy. From FIFA World Cup Qualifier power plays between Australia v Indonesia to cross-border goals, we break it all down. The Katal...

Ready to future-proof your team? On the new episode of The Katalis Podcast, industry leaders Tim Gilbert, VP International Development, Melbourne Polytechnic, and Devi Ariyani, Executive Director, Indonesia Services Dialogue, share why the new Australian digital training platform, Indonesia-Australia Skills Exchange, is the go-to solution. The Katalis Podcast is produced by Katalis, a unique, gove...

Three Australian alum now leading Jakarta’s lifestyle industry share their thoughts on creating their own hype, staying authentic and thriving in this glitzy but cutthroat world, as Indra Mawira Agnes Ansari and Noorsetyo Utomo talk to The Katalis Podcast. The Katalis Podcast is produced by Katalis, a unique, government-backed business development program that unlocks the vast potential of economi...

“This is very much a new area,” says Keiko Nowacka from the Asian Development Bank, as she joins Paul Bartlett and Moekti Prasetiani Soejachmoen from Katalis in pushing the boundaries of the links between gender equality, care and trade on the newest episode of the Katalis Podcast. In an expansive and practical conversation, they dive into these complex and interconnected issues and explore innova...

Both melodic and transfixing, the sound of Balinese gamelan can be captivating to the ears. But to many, the music still sounds foreign. At the helm of Gamelan DanAnda, a Melbourne-based Balinese gamelan community orchestra, [John Cheong-Holdaway] is dedicating his life to sharing the music and introducing Australia to Indonesian culture. The Katalis Podcast is produced by Katalis, a unique, gover...

Join acclaimed chef/restaurateur William Wongso as he invites the The Katalis Podcast into his home for a tantalising culinary journey. Hear his distinctive, almost purist, approach to cooking, as he shares his flavour-filled tales and his love affair with Australian ingredients. The Katalis Podcast is produced by Katalis, a unique, government-backed business development program that unlocks the v...

When Ben Cass first started Living Well Seniors Communities 10 years ago, private senior care service was a foreign concept in Indonesia. Fast forward to a decade later, the industry is on the verge of disruption, as real estate developers in Indonesian major cities rush to integrate the concept into emerging residential areas. As for Ben, he’s now looking to expand his business back to Australia....

Ask any business and they’ll tell you one of their biggest challenges is providing a seamless, consistent experience at all touchpoints. One Australian company has discovered the secret to effectively transform complex consumer journeys for the health sector and is ready to expand internationally. On this episode of The Katalis Podcast, Brisbane-based Five Faces CEO Nicole Nixon shares what she do...

From beefless rendang to shroom balls, Indonesian plant-based food tech startup Green Rebel Foods is making it hip to be vegan. The company follows the success of its sister company Burgreens, a popular chain in Indonesia, and offers favourite Asian comfort food made from plants to a growing list of fans abroad. CIO Max Mandias shares his growth ambition in the latest episode of The Katalis Podcas...

Australian sports presenter and commentator Stephanie Brantz is a familiar face to millions of viewers. With a new role as Chair of DFAT’s Sports Diplomacy Advisory Council, and a little-known Indonesian connection, she’s never been more emboldened. Capping off 2023, The Katalis Podcast features a heart-to-heart conversation with Stephanie on her background, passion, and goals. The Katalis Podcast...

Top-notch expertise and state-of-the-art technology, with a stunning backdrop of tropical paradise. These are only a few reasons among many why Bali is increasingly make a name for itself in medical tourism. Australian Simplr Health CEO Dean Kilby shares why and how his company is leading the pack to invest in the island of gods. The Katalis Podcast is produced by Katalis, a unique, government-bac...

From satisfying her sweet tooth to changing the course of her life—that’s what chocolate did to Tissa Aunilla, CEO and Co-founder of Pipiltin Cocoa, Indonesia’s leading premium cocoa maker. In this episode, she talks about her commitment to sustainaibility and ventures into Australia. The Katalis Podcast is produced by Katalis, a unique, government-backed business development program that unlocks...

Four cities in four days. The “Eyes on Indonesia” Australia roadshow in August 2023 brought together leading businesses in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane in dialogue with Katalis. This new episode of The Katalis Podcast lets you in on those conversations to find out just how businesses on both sides of the aisle are unlocking the vast potential of the IACEPA.   The Katalis Podcast is produ...

In this final episode of Season 2 of The Katalis Podcast, Robbie Gaspar, President of the Perth-based Indonesia Institute, talks about his life journey as the first Australian professional football player in Indonesia, leader of a peak body for independent insight and engagement into Indonesia-Australia bilateral relations, and agtech entrepreneur. The Katalis Podcast is produced by Katalis, a uni...

Tourist behaviours and spending habits may be changing post-pandemic, but one thing for sure, many are showing more care for the environment and society, the very core of sustainability. In "The Rise of Sustainable Travel”, co-hosts Sondang Sirait and Rachel Mason Nunn talk to leading Indonesian premium tourism developer Alfonso Pardede and Australian sustainable tourism expert Dr Campbell Dr...

In Indonesia, festive seasons such as Ramadan bring to centre stage the topic of food prices, where amidst current global challenges, food security has never been more important. In “Food for Thought”, co-hosts Sondang Sirait and Rachel Mason Nunn explore strategies to address food security challenges. This episode features an interview with Maria Monica Wihardja, Advisory Board Member of Australi...

It’s no secret that trade improves women’s economic empowerment. In Indonesia especially, women’s entrepreneurship continues to boost economic activities, support families, and promote gender equality. In “Empowering Women in Trade”, co-hosts Sondang Sirait and Rachel Mason Nunn explore how to take women’s entrepreneurship to the next level. This episode features an interview with Dewi Harlas, CEO...

Traveling or healing? However you see the concept, more and more people are embracing it as a necessity. In Indonesia, many are now favouring domestic destinations. By partnering with Southeast Asia's lifestyle superapp Traveloka Katalis seeks to boost the digital readiness of tourism villages throughout the country. Catch Traveloka VP Public Policy and Government Affairs Widya Listyowulan and the...

In this final episode of the year, “Tracing Trepang”, The Katalis Podcast takes you back to the early days of trade between Indonesia and Australia as early as the 16th century, by exploring traces of contacts between sailors hailing from the Port of Makassar and the Yolngu people of Arnhem Land, northern Australia, and posing questions as to what can be done to revive the fascinating stories and...

As Indonesia sets ambitious goals for its future as an electric vehicle manufacturing and exports hub and transitions into a decarbonised economy, there’s a big push to attract investment in storage battery—something that’s proving to be an attractive entryway for Australian investors. In “Charging Forward”, co-hosts Sondang Sirait and Rachel Mason Nunn explore the supply and demand aspects of the...

An Australian-Indonesian partnership to promote women leadership recently brought together prominent executives to share lessons on how women are overcoming barriers and leading emerging bilateral trade and investment opportunities. Supported by Katalis, the partnership between Australia’s Chief Executive Women (CEW) and the Indonesia Business Coalition for Women’s Empowerment (IBCWE) recently hel...

NEW EPISODE! We’re back with a new season and a new concept. Join co-hosts Sondang Sirait and Rachel Mason Nunn as they talk about opportunities to bring Australia and Indonesia closer and stronger together through trade and investment ties. Recorded on location at Brisbane City Hall in late August 2022, ‘Stronger Together’ features interviews with some prominent names in the Australia-Indonesia t...

In the busy streets of Jakarta, change is brewing as major transport and services firms transition their fleets to electric vehicles. In this episode of The Katalis Podcast, Shinto Nugroho, GoTo Chief of Public Policy and Government Relations, shares how Southeast Asia’s leading on-demand services platform is making an impact  as it aims for zero emission by transitioning to 100% EVs by 2030....