The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

how a Labor government could revamp our relationship with Indonesia

  • Written by Rebecca Strating, Director, La Trobe Asia and Associate Professor, La Trobe University, La Trobe University
how a Labor government could revamp our relationship with Indonesia

During the election campaign, Anthony Albanese singled out[1] Indonesia as a key regional partner.

The new prime minister made a point of declaring he intended his first overseas visit[2] as head of a Labor government would be to Indonesia.

His first overseas visit as Labor leader was also to Indonesia[3] in 2019, as was his first trip as a minister in 2007.

Albanese is not the first newly-minted prime minister to prioritise a trip to Jakarta as Scott Morrison’s first overseas visit as leader was also to Indonesia.

Instead, Albanese has had to travel to Tokyo for a pre-planned meeting of Quad nations[4] (Australia, India, Japan, and the United States).

Nevertheless, judging by the campaign, and a bit of recent history, we can expect to see a Labor government pay more attention than their predecessors to Indonesia – and Southeast Asia in general.

Read more: Indonesia will take a big step on the global stage this year – are Australians paying enough attention?[5]

From a rollercoaster to a plateau

Both major parties say they recognise the “vital importance[6]” of the Australia-Indonesia relationship.

Despite this, ties between the neighbours have often been described as a “rollercoaster”[7]. Unpredictability and insensitivity have often clouded the relationship, no matter who is in power.

Labor Prime Minister Julia Gillard government’s snap ban on live cattle exports to Indonesia in 2011 caused tensions with Indonesia. Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott came to power in 2013 promising “more Jakarta, less Geneva”, only to quickly abandon it as the government repeatedly damaged[8] relations with Indonesia. Tensions emerged over boat turn-backs[9], bugging[10] and spying allegations, and the death penalty[11].

Perhaps relations never fully recovered after Australia, under the Howard government, led a multinational force in East Timor in 1999.

But in recent years, Indonesia has barely rated a mention in Australian foreign policy discussions.

Rather than a rollercoaster, the relationship has plateaued.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott came to power in 2013 promising ‘More Jakarta, less Geneva’ but relations soon suffered. AP Photo/Rob Griffith

Read more: How well has the Morrison government handled relations with Southeast Asia?[12]

Personal ties matter

There were some early successes in the Morrison era, including the two countries signing a new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership[13] in August 2018 that promised to deepen ties and cooperation.

The following year, both countries signed the “landmark[14]” Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA).

But these two early successes built on the work of previous governments.

The IA-CEPA deal had been in the works for over a decade[15].

Morrison’s predecessor Malcolm Turnbull carefully cultivated a strong personal relationship with his Indonesian counterpart, Joko Widodo. Turnbull’s 2015 Jakarta visit involved one of Widodo’s “blusukans[16]” - an impromptu visit to a market. Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and her Indonesian counterpart, Retno Marsudi, also had a reportedly strong relationship.

This personal touch has not quite been replicated under the Morrison government.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and her Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi also had a reportedly strong relationship. EPA/DON WONG

Areas of friction

A low point was a surprise announcement by Morrison during the 2018 Wentworth byelection[17]. Unexpectedly, Morrison said he’d consider moving the Australian embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, following similar moves from then-US President Donald Trump.

This wasn’t well received in Muslim-majority Indonesia. The optics were not good – it suggested a tendency on Morrison government’s part to privilege electoral ambitions ahead of the national interest.

In a reported[18] text message exchange, Marsudi purportedly told Payne the embassy issue “will slap Indonesia’s face [and] affect bilateral relations”.

There have been other areas of friction. Indonesia initially[19] responded critically[20] to Australia’s AUKUS deal, which reflected concerns about how Australia acquisition of nuclear powered submarines might affect regional security, the arms race and non-proliferation.

Following the announcement, Morrison’s plan to stop over in Jakarta[21] from a US visit was called off when Widodo opted to visit provinces outside Jakarta instead.

The impression was that the Coalition looks to Australia’s “great and powerful friends” in the US and the UK for security, while Labor prioritises regional relationships.

This difference was on display in the pre-election foreign ministers debate between Marise Payne and Penny Wong.

While Payne talked up the Quad and AUKUS (both which don’t include Indonesia), Wong focused on the Pacific and Southeast Asia. However, Indonesia was barely mentioned by either.

Labor’s election campaign rhetoric emphasised regional engagement based on ‘mutual respect and a sense of genuine partnership’. Tracey Nearmy/Pool Photo via AP

How might Australia-Indonesia relations change under Labor?

Labor’s election campaign rhetoric[22] emphasised regional engagement based on “mutual respect and a sense of genuine partnership”. It announced a Southeast Asia policy[23], including A$470 million over four years in foreign aid and the creation of a Southeast Asia office in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Despite the lack of specific attention to Indonesia during the campaign, there are some positive signs, though. Labor advocates a First Nations foreign policy, which could be appealing to Indonesia.

Australia and Indonesia already cooperate fruitfully on shared interests in maritime security, marine science[24] and the blue economy[25]. This is likely to continue regardless of who is in power.

Most importantly, Labor’s national security plan[26] highlights climate security as an area of cooperation, promising a A$200 million climate and infrastructure partnership with Indonesia.

But more needs to be done. Labor should focus more on bolstering Asian studies and languages[27] in secondary schools and universities, particularly Bahasa Indonesia.

The new government also needs to listen to Southeast Asian perspectives.

States like Indonesia don’t want to be forced to make a choice[28] between US and China.

Engaging with Indonesia requires creative, nuanced and modulated diplomacy. Sensitivity around sovereignty, autonomy and regional security is key.

References

  1. ^ singled out (asia.nikkei.com)
  2. ^ first overseas visit (anthonyalbanese.com.au)
  3. ^ Labor leader was also to Indonesia (anthonyalbanese.com.au)
  4. ^ meeting of Quad nations (theconversation.com)
  5. ^ Indonesia will take a big step on the global stage this year – are Australians paying enough attention? (theconversation.com)
  6. ^ vital importance (alp.org.au)
  7. ^ “rollercoaster” (research.monash.edu)
  8. ^ repeatedly damaged (theconversation.com)
  9. ^ turn-backs (www.theguardian.com)
  10. ^ bugging (www.theguardian.com)
  11. ^ death penalty (theconversation.com)
  12. ^ How well has the Morrison government handled relations with Southeast Asia? (theconversation.com)
  13. ^ Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (www.dfat.gov.au)
  14. ^ landmark (www.trademinister.gov.au)
  15. ^ over a decade (www.smh.com.au)
  16. ^ blusukans (www.afr.com)
  17. ^ Wentworth byelection (theconversation.com)
  18. ^ reported (www.abc.net.au)
  19. ^ initially (www.abc.net.au)
  20. ^ responded critically (www.abc.net.au)
  21. ^ plan to stop over in Jakarta (www.smh.com.au)
  22. ^ rhetoric (alp.org.au)
  23. ^ Southeast Asia policy (www.smh.com.au)
  24. ^ marine science (theconversation.com)
  25. ^ blue economy (theconversation.com)
  26. ^ national security plan (www.alp.org.au)
  27. ^ Asian studies and languages (www.theguardian.com)
  28. ^ make a choice (www.lowyinstitute.org)

Read more https://theconversation.com/mutual-respect-and-genuine-partnership-how-a-labor-government-could-revamp-our-relationship-with-indonesia-183116

The Times Features

Why Regional Small Businesses in Bendigo Deserve Better Access to Finance in 2025

In the heart of regional Victoria, Bendigo has long stood as a beacon of innovation, resilience and community spirit. As we step further into 2025, the importance of nurturing sm...

Is It Time for a Deep Cleaning? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Most people know they should visit the dentist for a regular check-up and cleaning every six months. But sometimes, a standard cleaning isn’t enough. When plaque and tartar build...

The Hidden Meaning Behind Popular Engagement Ring Cuts

When it comes to engagement rings, the cut of the diamond is not just about aesthetics. Each shape carries its own symbolism and significance, making it an important decision for...

Annual Health Exams in the Office: How They Can Reduce Sick Days and Healthcare Costs

Regular health check-ups, especially annual health exams in the office, can significantly impact the overall well-being of your workforce. A proactive approach to employee health...

Best Deals on Home Furniture Online

Key Highlights Discover the best deals on high-quality outdoor furniture online. Transform your outdoor space into a stylish and comfortable oasis. Explore a wide range of d...

Discover the Best Women's Jumpers for Every Season

Key Highlights Explore lightweight jumpers for spring and summer, ensuring breathability and ease. Wrap up warm with cozy wool jumpers for the chilly autumn and winter season...

Times Magazine

The Essential Guide to Transforming Office Spaces for Maximum Efficiency

Why Office Fitouts MatterA well-designed office can make all the difference in productivity, employee satisfaction, and client impressions. Businesses of all sizes are investing in updated office spaces to create environments that foster collaborat...

The A/B Testing Revolution: How AI Optimized Landing Pages Without Human Input

A/B testing was always integral to the web-based marketing world. Was there a button that converted better? Marketing could pit one against the other and see which option worked better. This was always through human observation, and over time, as d...

Using Countdown Timers in Email: Do They Really Increase Conversions?

In a world that's always on, where marketers are attempting to entice a subscriber and get them to convert on the same screen with one email, the power of urgency is sometimes the essential element needed. One of the most popular ways to create urg...

Types of Software Consultants

In today's technology-driven world, businesses often seek the expertise of software consultants to navigate complex software needs. There are several types of software consultants, including solution architects, project managers, and user experienc...

CWU Assistive Tech Hub is Changing Lives: Win a Free Rollator Walker This Easter!

🌟 Mobility. Independence. Community. All in One. This Easter, the CWU Assistive Tech Hub is pleased to support the Banyule community by giving away a rollator walker. The giveaway will take place during the Macleod Village Easter Egg Hunt & Ma...

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

LayBy Shopping