Australia and Asia

There has been a wealth of correspondence published in The Jakarta Post concerning the recent federal elections in Australia and subsequent change of government from the ruling Australian Labor Party under Paul Keating to the Liberal/National Coalition under John Howard.

The majority of correspondence I feel has focused on potential but unsubstantiated negative aspects of the change of government. The underlying theme has been that a government under a Liberal/National government and more specifically John Howard, will focus more on internal issues at the expense of further developing ties with Asia already initiated by Paul Keating.

As a small country (sparsely populated) Australia needs to develop new economic ties as well as maintain old ones if it is to survive economically, continue to develop and play an important economic and political role internationally. This I believe is the key not only for Australia but also Indonesia in the future and begs the question: Is it bad that Australia wants to maintain its ties with established trading partners as well as establish new markets?

In light of the recent summit in Bangkok, Thailand, between all the major Asian nations and European Economic Union leaders the answer would have to be that part of the John Howard vision for Australia is the same as that being developed by Australia's Asian neighbors. Also, wouldn't the strong ties Australia already has with the European markets be of benefit to Asian nations?

However it appears that Indonesia is special of John Howard's commitment to Asia, primarily because in the publicity and campaigning prior to the election Paul Keating tried to paint a picture of John Howard as someone tied to Australia's past with little interest in Asia. Australia under the Liberal/National parties does not have a proud history of welcoming Asia nor does the Australian Labor Party until the last four years of government. Even during this time, under the leadership of Paul Keating, Australia's relationship has had its ups and downs as highlighted by, among other issues, our current relationship with Malaysia and the dispute that arose over the appointment of Gen. Mantiri as the Indonesian Ambassador to Australia.

Inadvertently I believe Paul Keating may have undone some of his good work in developing Australia's relationship with Asia during his election campaign by highlighting to Asia prejudices and fears that do not exist in young Australians. As a result of negative election campaigning by Paul Keating, John Howard will have to work that much harder to convince Asia that he is committed to the region. Australia needs and wants a strong relationship with Indonesia and for this to develop this requires both nations to forget history and focus on the future and inevitably trust each other.

I have no reason to not believe John Howard when he says he will continue to develop relationships with Asia. This is paramount to John Howard being able to solve the internal economic and social problems that exist in Australia. Criticisms that Australia will be more inwardly focused, that it will not be able to continue the vision of Keating and that Australia will experience a withdrawal symptom from Asia are not giving credit to the people mainly responsible for the developing relationship between Asia and Australia -- the Australian People.

The only reason leaders of countries change is that they no longer hold the respect of their people. Paul Keating no longer held the respect of Australians. However, no one has lost respect for the work he did in developing Asian relations and as such Australians will dictate to John Howard that he must continue this work, if he does not he will suffer the same fate as Paul Keating. He will lose the respect of Australians and lose government.

MATT FRAWLEY

Sydney, Australia