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."