Australia’s Defence and Foreign Relations with Indonesia, 1997-2010

This thesis examines relations between Australia and Indonesia from 1997 to 2010, with special focus on the areas most important to Australia’s interests, namely defence and aid. The ADF’s central role in the relationship, including the diplomatic and humanitarian aspects, is examined here in detail as well as general trends and issues that should receive greater acknowledgement and consideration within Australian foreign policy circles; for example, how Australia’s relationship with the US specifically colours subsequent dealings with Indonesia, and the vexed question of Australia’s involvement in East Timor. Of equal concern are the pressures exerted on the relationship by external regional and world issues. Responses to mutual threats from transnational terrorism and crime as well as assistance with natural disasters have had a tangible effect on Australia’s reputation in Indonesia, but not always to its advantage. Australia’s continuing and effective aid programs, however, do tend to provide continuing long-term benefits. The period covered in this thesis saw significant social and political changes in Indonesia and provides precedent for dealing with several of the continuing challenges facing the bilateral relationship today. Of particular interest are the insights available into Canberra’s repeated failures to engage Jakarta government to government, and into Canberra’s unfortunate propensity to alienate many of Indonesia’s most influential individuals. Many Indonesians tend to regard Australia with what President Yudhoyono has dubbed Australiaphobia. While it is true that there is a degree of acceptance, appreciation, and cooperation for and with Australia, it is still outweighed by habitual mistrust, suspicion and general estrangement. Sensitivities over territorial integrity, sovereignty and neo-colonialism coupled with what are perceived to be Australia’s arrogance and dubious motives in its dealings with the region to this day, still more than counter-balance any goodwill that has been established. Indonesian perceptions of Australia need to be seen as a complex cocktail and it behoves our policy-makers to take account of the range of reactions Jakarta has had to Australia’s behaviour over the past decade