On refugee crisis

Reference is made to Robin Goodfellow's article in The Jakarta Post on Sept 4, 2001 titled Howard fails to consult Indonesia on refugee crisis. While I disagree with many of the comments made by Mr. Goodfellow, (a supposed "cross-cultural specialist") I feel he gives a great disservice to Indonesia in stating that, "It is in Indonesia's interests to expedite the departure of refugees from their shores, to turn a 'blind eye' to the lucrative people-smuggling rackets and sit back and watch the show". This is surely not the attitude of a country endeavoring to get back on its feet, to embrace the international community and look for international support.

People-smuggling is a problem for Indonesia as well as Australia but as Indonesia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda stated on the same date as Mr. Goodfellow's article, "Australian Foreign Minister Mr. Downer & Immigration Minister Mr. Ruddock would make a visit to Jakarta on Friday". The countries I am sure have been and are working together on the issue. Both have vast coastlines and want to solve the problem. At least Prime Minister Howard took a stance, made a necessary quick decision, it will be for the courts and others to say if he was correct. I am sure Indonesia would understand this situation and not be diverted by the current short-term rhetoric on this long-term problem.

PAUL R MILTON

Jakarta