A shot of reality

Perth researcher Dr Greta Nabbs-Keller has read the map and been brave enough to tell the truth:

'There's no special relationship between Canberra and Jakarta and there never was, precisely because the goodwill expressed toward Australia by individual Indonesian political leaders, diplomats and military officers has never really permeated Indonesia's broader political elite or public consciousness. Instead, there's confluence of common interests and personal rapport between leaders at key junctures.'

That rapport is rare and common interests limited. Our history, culture, values, lifestyles and language owe little to Asia. The praiseworthy migration program that has brought more than seven million new settlers since 1945 has included Chinese, Vietnamese and Indians – but the greatest numbers have come from the UK and NZ.

We remain a predominantly European nation eating foods, playing sports and following faiths rooted in another continent far away. Our 'special relationships' are confined to the Anglosphere, particularly the UK and the US, which are also the major investors in Australia.

We claim to have good intentions and be part of the neighbourhood; but we'll soon have 2,500 US marines in Darwin, just 830 kilometers from Kupang the capital of Nusa Tenggara province. Imagine our reaction if the Chinese army set up a similar base on Indonesian soil.

It's depressing enough to give even the most one-eyed fan of Indonesia reason to turn elsewhere. Yet despite these depressing facts there are solid practical and moral reasons to stay staunch, listen to the politicians' messages and demand they hear their own voices.

Indonesia is neither about to move nor shrink. It will remain our nearest neighbour and the world's fourth most populous country with almost 90 per cent Muslim.

If we don't know what's happening next door, what the folk are thinking and doing, understand their concerns, how can we ever be mates? And if we're not – then what are the alternatives?

The time for appeasement has passed. We can't ignore issues like Indonesia's vile use of capital punishment, its corrosive corruption and seriously damaged application of the rule of law. We should be strong in condemnation, adding our voices to those in Indonesia who are equally appalled and seeking reform.

Our principles are not for sale, and Indonesia is unlikely to honour a nation that doesn't plainspeak its values. Developing a respectful relationship built on a hardstand of facts is going to be a long, tough sweat – but the end result should be a safer world for our kids.