WA changes tack on Indonesia

West Australian Premier Colin Barnett is on his first trade mission in Indonesia, a year after considering closing the state's Jakarta trade office.

Mr Barnett departed on Sunday and is focused on increasing WA's agriculture, education, tourism and resources ties.

Last year, the state government reviewed the future of WA's trade office in Indonesia, but Liberal backbenchers Nigel Hallett, Phil Edman and Brian Ellis urged a re-think, which led to the office being expanded.

Australia Indonesia Business Council national vice president Phil Turtle applauded Mr Barnett for making the trip, saying it came during a particularly busy month of trade missions and high-level visits in both directions.

It's Mr Barnett's first official visit to Indonesia, and admits the state has focused too much on north Asia and not enough on south-east Asia, particularly Indonesia.