Early Indonesian migration to Australia was spurred by the pearling and sugar cane industries. From 1901 to 1973, Indonesian migration was limited by the implementation of the White Australia policy.



The Colombo Plan, which began in 1951, saw the arrival of Indonesian students to study in Australia. Many acquired temporary residency.



The end of the White Australia policy in 1973 saw an increase in Indonesian immigration to Australia.



In the 2021 Census, 85,798 Australians self-identified as having Indonesian ancestry.