Monty is on leave from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), where his last assignment was as deputy head of mission in Baghdad. He has also previously served with DFAT in Jakarta, Baghdad and New York. In Canberra he has worked on international issues in a range of policy and analytical roles, including most recently on initiatives to advance economic ties with India.

Monty’s PhD research examines Indonesia’s approach to defence policy in an era of increased strategic competition.

Supervisor: Associate Professor Marcus Mietzner

Publications

• Pounder M (2025) ‘Big changes off a low base: Indonesia's military modernisation’, The Interpreter, Lowy Institute, https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/big-changes-low-base-indonesia-s-military-modernisation