Aussie ambassador to Indonesia

As an Australian citizen currently living in Indonesia, I share the concerns of Pak Djoko Susilo, a member of the House of Representatives, regarding the choice of Bill Farmer as Australia's next ambassador to Jakarta.

Over the last nine years, the Howard government has consistently shown little indication or appreciation of the importance that our bilateral relationship has for the national interests of both countries. This is evidenced through the absence of any interest in broadening the relationship through enhanced people-to-people contact or in expanding Indonesian studies and language training in Australia's education system or in the broader Australian community.

Following the tsunami in Aceh last December, there was some evidence and hope that the "penny may have finally dropped" for the Howard government in regard to the importance of a deeper and mutually respectful bilateral relationship.

With the appointment of Farmer, however, the rhetoric of recent months appears to be just that, rhetoric. Putting aside the obvious conclusion that Farmer is being sidelined in order to remove an embarrassing political problem for the Australian Prime Minister, his appointment will, I am sure, be widely seen here among influential Indonesians as an inappropriate and insensitive choice.

Australian expatriates with whom I have spoken in recent days are equally dismayed. Farmer has presided over, and is perceived to be the "enforcer" of Howard government policies that are deeply unpopular in Indonesia.

Indonesia deserves an Australian ambassador who is not only professional and competent but can understand the nuances and feelings of Indonesian culture and society. Indonesia does not need someone who will arrive with unwanted and undesirable political "baggage". I hope that the Australian government will review this decision and make a more appropriate and considered choice for such a sensitive diplomatic position.

CHRIS STEWART, Jakarta