Bridging the gap with Indonesia

Australia’s best fight against terrorism is to enjoy a cordial relationship with Indonesia and all our neighbours.

Australia has the foundations of a reciprocal flow of services and information with Indonesia already in place, such as the Australia-Indonesia Institute and APEC, but it needs to form a common bond with the “man in the street” to become a peaceful neighbour. Australia should consider Indonesia as more than a “cheap holiday” and start exploring the complex history and culture of our Asian neighbour.

The first stage would be to set up more cultural exchange programs through our schools and universities. We could set up think tanks and forums to discuss foreign policy and international relations. We can build on forums such as APEC and develop a commitment to constant dialogue between the two countries. While these things already exist they must be expanded and developed.

Indonesia has some misconceived ideas of how Australians think of them. Indonesia believes the Australian media portrays Indonesia in a negative light. This perception is more important than arguing whether it is the case or not. Indonesians are generally gregarious people and have an intense national spirit. Like any sovereign country they resent being patronised.

Australians have to relate to Indonesia as they would any mature and developed country. While there are major issues confronting Indonesia in the near future, such as the fractured civil service, ballooning debt and regional issues such as Aceh, Australia needs to work with the Indonesians in trying to limit terrorism in the Asia-Pacific.

Too many walls have been built and not enough bridges.