'Radio Australia'

'Radio Australia'

It was a great shock to learn the Australian government has
decided to shut down Radio Australia's short wavelength
broadcasts in Indonesian following a very long "on air" history
since 1939.

I do not mean the Indonesian media is less accurate and less
satisfactory, rather I have been listening to Radio Australia and
its news broadcasts since 1973 as supplementary. My principle is
that Indonesian people really know where our country is going
while outsiders do not. However, the Australian government's
decision would surely disappoint its listeners in Indonesia.

Despite the fact that the relationship between Australia and
Indonesia is sometimes very tense, for example on the East Timor
issue, Radio Australia has won the hearts of its Indonesian
listeners. Radio Australia has been bridging both nations in any
way possible. It would be wise for the Australian government to
review the decision concerning this matter. Never in history have
two nations of different race, color, and religion been so well-
connected due to the help of radio broadcasts despite the
volatile relationship of its leaders.

More importantly, in 1973 when I was still in high school I
did gain fluency and grammatical skills thanks to Radio
Australia's, program English for You broadcast four times a week.
My gratitude to Radio Australia is beyond words. Other listeners
may share the same opinion as mine.

A.S. DEWANA
Jakarta