Prospects and pitfalls in Australia-RI ties

Prospects and pitfalls in Australia-RI ties

Ali Alatas, Former Foreign Minister, Perth, Australia

Part 2 of 2

As may be recalled, through this approach both sides consciously and actively developed and agreed on a number of accords and cooperative endeavors in various fields, in trade, communications, tourism, science and technology etc. The Australia -- Indonesia Institute was established in Australia. Many outstanding issues were resolved such as the delimitation of the sea boundary and the Exclusive Economic Zone.

Agreement was also reached on the establishment of the Indonesia -- Australia Ministerial Forum which met once every 18 months to discuss a wide spectrum of bilateral issues. Two achievements, which drew rather wide publicity at the time but which have now been either superseded by events or abrogated, are the Agreement on the Timor Gap Zone of Cooperation and the Agreement on Security Cooperation.

Also, in the regional and international context, enhanced Australian -- Indonesian cooperation yielded notable achievements on such issues as the Cambodian peace negotiations, the establishment of APEC and various international security and disarmament questions.

In facing the present situation, I believe we should follow a similar tack of bolstering existing and developing new areas of cooperation in order to further add weightage to our relationship.

Of course, as many have pointed out, there may be deeper causes underlying the present strain in our relations. Undeniably, there are basic differences between our two countries and our two societies, differences sourced in culture, tradition, history and socio-political systems. But this is not unique to Indonesian -- Australian relations, and does not apply to our bilateral relations only.

Both our countries have relations with scores of other nations where the same cultural "gaps" apply, yet no similar brittleness is to be found in these relationships as compared to ours. Hence, it seems to me that apart from the obvious, long-term need to nurture deeper mutual understanding and appreciation of our cultural differences.

There is, in the shorter term, clearly the need also to free ourselves of lingering prejudices and pre-conceived notions, to consciously develop at least greater tolerance and sensitivity towards each other's aspirations and cultural values, and a greater sense of proportion and objectivity in viewing, appraising and reporting on our respective conditions.

Australia's prominent role in Interfet has unfortunately also affected the perceptions of some of its Southeast Asian neighbors, as that role was seen to be a bit too eager and rather insensitive to Indonesia's feelings. Furthermore, comments at that time by some Australian leaders as to how the Government viewed its relationship with Asia (although mostly directed at the policies of the previous Government) also sent the wrong messages to Australia's neighbors.

These resulted in renewed scepticism about Australia's sincerity in desiring to develop a policy of comprehensive engagement with Asia, especially Southeast Asia, and in the perception that Australia had reversed or at least backtracked from that policy. Hence, after the general elections, the new Government, whether Labour or Liberal, will need to make its position clear on this matter in order to dispel such negative perceptions.

For a considerable time to come, Indonesian -- Australian relations will continue to be colored by two sensitive triangular relationships: the Indonesia -- East Timor -- Australia and the Indonesia -- Papua Niugini -- Australia triangles. The need here will be to judiciously manage these two sets of triangular relationships so as to prevent them from becoming potential sources of misunderstandings and tensions.

In this context, the proposed Southwest Pacific Forum may be helpful in providing a multilateral forum for continuing frank dialogue and cooperation, including in the political field, and in serving as a mechanism for preventive diplomacy. At present the Indonesian Foreign Ministry is undertaking consultations and preparations directed towards the possible creation of a loosely organized forum rather than a full-fledged association, initially comprising Papua Niugini, independent Timor Lorosae, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia.

The East Timor experience has also shown how public opinion, channeled through NGO's and the media, can have a powerful influence on diplomacy, especially in the Western democracies. Both Australia and Indonesia should be aware of this important and sensitive aspect in the management of their bilateral relationship, especially at this time when Indonesia is still facing separatist pressures and religious and ethnic turmoil in several of its provinces.

Another reality also needs to be taken into account. In going through its present transition from authoritarian rule to democracy, Indonesia is also undergoing a temporary transformation from an active and dependable player in regional affairs to a country seemingly wholly preoccupied with its own problems.

Such an Indonesia becomes a more unpredictable factor, both in its bilateral relations and in the regional context. This will require not only greater understanding from its friends but also a certain measure of patience.

Spanning more than five decades, the Australian -- Indonesian relationship has had its ups and downs, its highlights and setbacks.

Today, it may again be at a low point, but given the inherent goodwill that has always characterized relations between our two peoples, and the political determination of our two Governments, I am sure we will soon be able to overcome the present malaise.

Let us therefore build even greater substance and diversity into our relationship so as to make it robust enough to withstand the occasional shocks and bumps on the road that we have to travel together as two nations destined by geography to be next- door neighbors.

This article is excerpted from his speech delivered on Nov.5, before the AustralAsia Centre of the Asia Society, in Perth.