On the right track
Early this week, when it was announced that Foreign Minister Ali Alatas would undergo heart bypass surgery in Melbourne, Australia, some people joked that it was further evidence of the sound relations between the two countries.
But, jokes aside, there actually seems to be some truth to it. After all, a few years back, when relations between the two countries had soured, Australia would have been an unlikely place indeed for a high ranking Indonesian government official to seek medical treatment.
Yes, there is no question that at the moment Indonesia- Australia relations are reaching their highest peak. What is more important is that the two countries have done their utmost to maintain this high profile diplomacy. It is as if the two have only recently found out that, geographically and historically, they are destined to be the closest of neighbors, forever.
As reported recently by the press, even the Armed Forces (ABRI) has decided to send its officers to Australia instead of the United States for advanced military courses. Although some believe the human rights issue kept our officers from studying in the U.S., there is no denying that the newly found Indonesian- Australian bond played a significant role in the decision.
Things have moved fast in the past two years or so, when Prime Minister Paul Keating announced his move-closer-to-Asia policy, paid a visit to Jakarta, and later named Indonesia as the most important country for Australia.
There is no doubt that much of the credit for the closer ties lies in the approaches made by Australian officials, notably Keating, Foreign Minister Gareth Evans and the current Ambassador Allan Taylor. But, one surely should also commend Alatas and Ambassador Sabam Siagian for their role in strengthening the bond.
And yesterday, as Evans and Coordinating Minister for Industry and Trade Hartarto officially launched the month-long Australia Today Indonesia 94 promotional drive, it is obvious that the two countries have taken another step forward.
Yet it is unrealistic to expect that the path to future relations will be all sweetness and light. Many things still need to be straightened out before both can sit down and relax.
There are enough indications that the Australian move-closer- to-Asia policy is still mostly confined to the current ruling government. Surveys reveal that the majority of Australians do not see their country as being a part of Asia.
The rising anti-Asian sentiment as shown by graffiti in some Australian cities with messages such as "Stop Asian Immigration Now" is another reminder that many Australians still see Asia as an alien continent. And although the current Australian government shows an "understanding" on the East Timor issue, there is no guarantee that problems won't arise in the future.
On the other hand, from the Indonesian side, although Australia is now seen by many as a safe and better place to visit and to send children for schooling, most Indonesians remain ignorant about that country's politics and system of values. Thus, one should not be surprised that outcries in Australia over certain events in Indonesia elicit a strong response from some people here, a factor which could eventually sour relations.
Still, as things stand now, we have reason to be optimistic. We know we are on the right track and should keep moving in that direction.