Australia will pursue closer relations with RI<\/p>\n
BANDUNG, West Java (JP): Senior envoys from Indonesia and
\nAustralia expect little change in the relationship between the
\ntwo countries despite the advent of a new government in Canberra.<\/p>\n
\"Of course there will be some change but it won't be as
\ndramatic as some people worry about,\" said Indonesia's former
\nambassador to Australia Sabam Siagian.<\/p>\n
Speaking here on Saturday during a seminar on The Development
\nof Foreign Relations Between Indonesia and Australia, Sabam, who
\nended his tenure as ambassador last year, said that being its
\nclosest neighbor, Indonesia weighs heavily in the balance of
\nAustralia's geopolitical map.<\/p>\n
\"For them it is quite clear, if Indonesia fails or there is
\ninstability then this geopolitical environment will be trying,\"
\nhe said.<\/p>\n
He remarked that for Australia, Indonesia's economic and
\npolitical potential can no longer be doubted.<\/p>\n
While relations between the two countries have generally been
\ngood, it was only after the advent of Prime Minister Paul Keating
\nthat ties between Jakarta and Canberra began to get stronger.<\/p>\n
However, with the defeat of Keating and the ascendancy of the
\nLiberal party under John Howard earlier this month, some have
\nquestioned if the new administration will maintain the same
\ncommitment and passion for Indonesia.<\/p>\n
According to Sabam, Howard also realizes, like Keating, that
\nthe key to Australia's future in the post-Cold War era lies in
\nclose cooperation with its Southeast Asian neighbors.<\/p>\n
Relations<\/p>\n
Similarly, Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Alan Taylor,
\nsaid in Bandung on Friday that Howard will likely pursue the
\nclose relations with Indonesia established under Keating.<\/p>\n
Taylor was in Bandung to attend the launching of a joint stamp
\nissuing between Indonesia and Australia.<\/p>\n
Sabam underlined that Jakarta is an important friend for
\nCanberra because Indonesia is playing a greater role in both
\nregional and world affairs.<\/p>\n
While underlining the importance that Australia attaches to
\nits relationship with Indonesia, Sabam pointed to the various
\nmoves that Indonesia has to make in order to improve the people's
\nwelfare.<\/p>\n
He remarked that Indonesia has to maintain its territorial
\nintegrity and ensure peace and stability in a country that is so
\nvast and heterogeneous.<\/p>\n
He then pointed to the importance of a more equitable division
\nof economic benefits among the people.<\/p>\n
According to Sabam, Indonesia must also perfect the ethical
\naspect of its political culture. \"This includes advancing the
\nimplementation of human rights and democratization,\" he remarked.<\/p>\n
It is in this context, he said, that the two sides must
\ncombine their mutual interests.<\/p>\n
He added that many agreements were signed with Indonesia
\nduring Keating's administration, but that it was now up to Howard
\nto implement them. (17\/mds)<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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