Australia-RI relations stronger in storm of crisis
Australia-RI relations stronger in storm of crisis
Political and economic changes put to the test the strongest
of diplomatic relations.
Governments come and go, leaders assumed to be assured lengthy
terms in office suddenly find themselves ousted and the dynamics
of relations shift inexorably.
Being able to survive bumpy rides of change with ties intact,
and improving, is proof of the depth of the relationship,
believes Australian Ambassador to Indonesia John McCarthy.
"Historically, we have had very close links, way back to
Indonesia's independence. We were at the forefront in our
recognition of the country and cosponsorship of its membership in
the UN. I think those things are still remembered by
Indonesians."
Ambassador McCarthy acknowledged since then there "have been
good periods and others a bit troublesome".
"There were problems in the 1960s during the Konfrontasi with
Malaysia, but I think several of Indonesia's neighbors had the
same unease. There were also problems in the 1970s regarding
Timor, and in the late 1980s."
Part and parcel of maintaining the relationship, he added, was
not allowing differences to become a hindrance to further
development.
"In the last 10 years, we had our differences, but we have the
capacity to manage those differences."
He believes relations amid the recent sweeping changes in
Indonesia's political makeup are better.
"By and large, the relationship has worked well, particularly
since the early 1990s. We want to keep it that way. In the last
few years, more elements have come in which have made it
stronger, such as commercial aspects."
Australia has leant a helping hand during Indonesia's acute
economic crisis.
"It is not something I am keen to trumpet from the rooftops,
but I think Australia's response in assistance during the krismon
has been a good one. Our biggest single contribution is the IMF
(International Monetary Fund) commitment of US$1 billion."
He also cites the good working relationship between the two
countries on defense, development assistance and Australia's rank
as the biggest educational destination for Indonesian students.
The advent of a democratic process in Indonesia will set the
stage for enhanced ties in the future, Ambassador McCarthy said.
"It was improving anyway, but quite clearly the differences
between our systems during the Soeharto regime were an
impediment, you can't get round that. But now you have a free
press and democratic system of government, which makes things
easier."
Australia can play a role as Indonesia moves along the rocky
path to democratization after a long period in the shadow of
authoritarianism.
"We are willing to make available, and are making available,
assistance on that front, e.g on the technical side of human
rights or the electoral process. In addition, Australia is
helping Indonesia in the freeing up of the economy."
Ties are entering a new, more productive phase.
"What I'm lucky to be seeing here is a relationship which is
becoming self-sustaining," Ambassador McCarthy said. "A decade
ago we depended on governments. Today, we have enough community-
to-community relations to keep them going. I don't think that has
been reduced."
He recognizes that even good relationships must be continually
aware of means to develop and improve.
"There are a couple of things Australia needs to develop, such
as with contacts with all sectors of society as democracy
flourishes. Just one year ago, we had to deal principally with
one man."
The opening up of the archipelago also necessitates reaching
out to new areas and maintaining established ties.
"It is important to maintain links with all parts of the
archipelago. We have opened consulates in Medan, Balikpapan and
Kupang, and we'll be opening in Ambon, Ujungpandang and Surabaya.
"It is important for Australia to broaden its contacts in this
society and to deal with centers other than Jakarta, and we're
doing that."
Ambassador McCarthy is pleased the about 400 Australian firms
in Indonesia have not fled in the wake of the debilitating
crisis.
"Australian companies are committed to Indonesia. They may
have thinned down, such as by reducing the number of expatriates
from 10 to four, but the number of companies has not decreased."
Australia's policy shift on East Timor has not caused a major
rift, almost a certainty in the past.
"Indonesia has made it known it does not agree with the
approach we've taken, and that it will be discussed further.
Again, a decade ago there would have been a lot more difficulties
in coming together on these questions."
The ability to accept differences of opinion is proof of the
mutual commitment, Ambassador McCarthy said.
"Both countries are pretty committed to having a good
relationship with each other; each must think seriously about its
neighbor."
Commitment means dealing with peaks and valleys in relations
-- and learning to overcome them.
"Not a week goes by without a development," Ambassador
McCarthy said. "We are constantly managing developments. Now they
are dealt as just one element in an overall, committed
relationship."