Public diplomacy

Public diplomacy

I write in response to Roger Smith's letter to the editor of
March 31 entitled Elitist diplomacy.

The suggestion that I only speak to elite forums in Indonesia
is wrong. I accept many invitations on a regular basis to a wide
variety of forums including media conferences, lecture series,
launches and open public forums. These are attended by a broad
spectrum of Indonesians and expatriates from all walks of life.

In regards to Smith's second point about the Australian
Embassy not hosting film festivals in Indonesia, it is a shame
that Smith was not able to attend the free, week long film
festival that the Australian Embassy hosted in January this year.
The successful event which showcased Australian film excellence
was advertised in the Indonesian and English print and broadcast
media and attracted over 5,000 members of the Indonesian and
expatriate community.

DAVID RITCHIE
Ambassador
Australian Embassy
Jakarta