The Wizard of Oz

Australians have spoken. Over the weekend, they overwhelmingly returned John Howard to office. Kudos not only to Australians for this fine exercise of democracy, but also to Prime Minister Howard. His political skill and art undoubtedly were instrumental in securing his record fourth term in office. We join others in Indonesia and the rest of the world in congratulating the people of Australia, and the prime minister, for the democratic election and the result.

We in Indonesia may have some misgivings about a leader who keeps getting reelected. We had a bitter experience with a leader who refused to stand down. But there is obviously a huge difference in the way Howard has been democratically reelected, and the way Soeharto stayed in power for over three decades, which he did through the use of force, intimidation and violence.

Shakespeare said familiarity breeds contempt. That is exactly what we had with Soeharto; contempt, lots of it. And today, the nation is still paying the price for this complicity. As far as Howard's reelection is concerned, however, it is for the Australians to decide if they want to keep him and for how long.

As far as Indonesia is concerned, this familiarity with Howard at the helm of our biggest neighbor has its merits. The experience of the last 10 years or so has shown that Howard has ably managed Australia's relationship with Indonesia, in spite of having to deal with four different presidents. Is it not strange that we have now turned the tables: it is the Australian leader who has to cope with ever-changing Indonesian presidents?

If anything, the onus of making this relationship work falls on Indonesia's new president-elect, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who takes office on Oct. 20. It was therefore heartening to hear that Howard planned to call Susilo first thing if he won Saturday's election. We assume he made good on this promise, for this will help set the pattern for future relations between the two leaders.

Today, our relationship with Australia has become much more mature and diverse, so no single issue can dominate, and thus upset, the overall ties. We have come a long way from the time when East Timor constantly undermined our ties.

We also learned over time that relations between Indonesia and Australia cannot be taken for granted. We have to work hard to create a greater understanding between the two countries. In spite of our close geographical proximity, our histories and cultures could not be more different. Conflicts, arguments and friction are bound to occur in this kind of relationship.

Indonesia's strong opposition to the war in Iraq, and to Australia's participation in the U.S.-led coalition, is well known. But leaders of the two countries have learned to respect each others' positions on this issue, and on a host of other issues as well. We do not see any reason why this should change with Howard's reelection and after Susilo takes over the presidency later this month.

Australia and Indonesia are today bound together by tragedy, namely the Bali bombings on Oct. 12, 2002, and last month's bombing outside the Australian Embassy in Jakarta. Indonesia and Australia have never been this close as we join forces to fight the threat of terrorism. Ironically, the war on terror has become the tie that binds.

Today, exactly two years after the tragedy of the Bali bombings, it is appropriate to remind both Howard and Susilo of the need to continue to work hard at building this important relationship. We wish both men a successful endeavor.