Australia's new cabinet<\/p>\n
Our southern neighbor, Australia, now has a new cabinet. The
\n27-member cabinet of Prime Minister John Howard was sworn into
\noffice on Monday and is now officially executing its duties.<\/p>\n
What does this mean for Indonesia? Will Australia drastically
\nchange its political course? Will the new government adopt a
\ntougher attitude with regard to East Timor, for example, which
\ncould create tensions between the two neighbors?<\/p>\n
Howard, in his campaign rhetoric, promised to sharply correct
\nthe political course of his predecessor. One of the major
\ncorrection involves putting the country's domestic interests
\nbefore foreign relations. This promise proved successful in
\nattracting voters and Howard is now committed to keeping his
\nword.<\/p>\n
In liberal democratic countries such as Australia changes in
\npolicy follow a change of government, which in theory can happen
\nonce in every four years.<\/p>\n
The presence of new people in the government always brings
\nopportunities as well as risks. New people need time to
\nfamiliarize themselves with the old patterns established by their
\npredecessors. At the same time they have the potential of looking
\nat the existing problems with fresh eyes and creativity. It is
\nnot impossible that they may even establish closer relations
\nbetween Australia and Asia, and Indonesia in particular.<\/p>\n
Australia cannot disregard Asia. In this era of globalization
\nno country can afford to serve its own domestic interests while
\nneglecting the world outside. Still, Australia under its new
\ngovernment will probably need some time for fine tuning,
\nconsolidation and reflection.<\/p>\n
-- Republika, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/australias-new-cabinet-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }