Australia will pursue closer relations with RI

Australia will pursue closer relations with RI

BANDUNG, West Java (JP): Senior envoys from Indonesia and
Australia expect little change in the relationship between the
two countries despite the advent of a new government in Canberra.

"Of course there will be some change but it won't be as
dramatic as some people worry about," said Indonesia's former
ambassador to Australia Sabam Siagian.

Speaking here on Saturday during a seminar on The Development
of Foreign Relations Between Indonesia and Australia, Sabam, who
ended his tenure as ambassador last year, said that being its
closest neighbor, Indonesia weighs heavily in the balance of
Australia's geopolitical map.

"For them it is quite clear, if Indonesia fails or there is
instability then this geopolitical environment will be trying,"
he said.

He remarked that for Australia, Indonesia's economic and
political potential can no longer be doubted.

While relations between the two countries have generally been
good, it was only after the advent of Prime Minister Paul Keating
that ties between Jakarta and Canberra began to get stronger.

However, with the defeat of Keating and the ascendancy of the
Liberal party under John Howard earlier this month, some have
questioned if the new administration will maintain the same
commitment and passion for Indonesia.

According to Sabam, Howard also realizes, like Keating, that
the key to Australia's future in the post-Cold War era lies in
close cooperation with its Southeast Asian neighbors.

Relations

Similarly, Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Alan Taylor,
said in Bandung on Friday that Howard will likely pursue the
close relations with Indonesia established under Keating.

Taylor was in Bandung to attend the launching of a joint stamp
issuing between Indonesia and Australia.

Sabam underlined that Jakarta is an important friend for
Canberra because Indonesia is playing a greater role in both
regional and world affairs.

While underlining the importance that Australia attaches to
its relationship with Indonesia, Sabam pointed to the various
moves that Indonesia has to make in order to improve the people's
welfare.

He remarked that Indonesia has to maintain its territorial
integrity and ensure peace and stability in a country that is so
vast and heterogeneous.

He then pointed to the importance of a more equitable division
of economic benefits among the people.

According to Sabam, Indonesia must also perfect the ethical
aspect of its political culture. "This includes advancing the
implementation of human rights and democratization," he remarked.

It is in this context, he said, that the two sides must
combine their mutual interests.

He added that many agreements were signed with Indonesia
during Keating's administration, but that it was now up to Howard
to implement them. (17/mds)