Pending release of Bali bomber Umar Patek indicates weak relationship between Australia and Indonesia

Whether Patek is released or not, could be seen as some form of bellwether about Australia’s relationship with Indonesia. Indonesia has been mildly critical of Australia’s entry into the AUKUS alliance last September. Comments construing in some way that Bali is seen as a client state of Australia is taken as condescension by the Jakarta elite.

Australia’s relationship with Indonesia has been transactional at best. This latest event shows this directly to the new Albanese Government. There is really a lot of work required by Australia to improve relationships with its near neighbours in this region, without venturing out to the rest of the world seeking diplomacy.

The Albanese Government may have failed this early test and not even known it.