Essay- Given that many commentators view Australia and Indonesia as natural regional allies, why has it proven so difficult for the two countries to forge a stable and productive relationship?
Australia and Indonesia have found that there are numerous concerns that contribute to their stable and constructive connection. Indeed, the main barriers such as the distinct closeness of these countries and the fundamental differences alters the attitudes of the citizens and their leaders. Other matters in Australian and Indonesian societies were also built around terrorism, execution, trade and defence; however, with all these setbacks the commentators were still keen to view Australia and Indonesia as natural allies.
Indonesia’s executions of Andrew
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Budiono Kusumohamidjojo (2008) stresses the fact that Australia and Indonesia must behave in the same attitude towards each other. He states that ‘do not hurt us because we do not hurt you’ (p. 145). This illustrates that due to the closeness of these countries, Australia must come to terms with the Indonesians. It is critical to note that countries such as India and China exert influence on Indonesian nations. According to the Foreign Minister Mochtar Kusumaatmadja, ‘Australia expects much more from Indonesia’ (p.144) this indicates that Australia’s insincere and turbulent attitude is the destructive force in this connection. For instance, Indonesians assume that the Western countries will allow access to education and work. As Australia seems to be a nation that allows individuals to have a better chance to achieve a better future; however, this is an area of discussion. Kusumaatmadja states ‘Australia should understand us (Indonesia and South-East Asia) better and should be aware that they belong to this part of the world’ (p.145). This demonstrates that if Australia was to show more care and comfort to other countries, it would allow relations to flourish. In addition, Kusumohamidjojo mentions that most Indonesian leaders are resistant to the idea of commitments made with the Western countries. It is clear that ‘in many cases, Indonesia does oppose the Western countries …show more content…
Rowan Day (2015) draws attention to the concern of Islam on the Australian-Indonesian link. Day makes it clear that the attack on the United States by Al-Qaeda (2001) and the bomb attack in Bali (2002), create a shift in the attitudes of individuals towards terrorism. He claims that Indonesia is ‘a physical threat to the nation’s security’, (p.672) this manifests the idea that Australia was fearful, and at the same time was drawn out in different directions. As a result of these events, the World Trade Centre was torn down and thousands of individuals lost their lives. This meant that the Indonesian leaders were seen as victims of criticism, and for this reason there were anti-Indonesian sites within Australia. On the other hand, there were beliefs that Australian scholars were anti-Indonesian, and these circumstances were enforced on Australian students. This indicates that the idea of ‘such a group exists, even if it is a misleading or simplistic label, can influence Indonesia’s approach to the relationship’ (p.679). Similarly, Indonesia stimulant laws is the source of concern in the Australia-Indonesia relations. According to Jeff Lewis and Belinda Lewis (2010), President Suharto introduced the laws, as a ‘significant gesture toward Sha’riah and the widening ambit and political strength of religious politicism in Indonesia’ (p.145). This indicates that the Indonesian leaders were known for
On the 15th of February in 1942 one of the biggest defeats of the British Empire was accomplished by the Japanese, Singapore was surrendered. The Fall of Singapore was relatively destructive to the relationship between Britain and Australia. Australia relied on Britain holding Singapore as it was the last defence against the Japanese and it was feared that Japan would go on and invade Australia if it fell, Australia openly showed that they could not rely on the British for defence by becoming a strong ally with America and asking them to help with the feared Japanese invasion. Australia feared the threat of invasion constantly throughout the war, when Singapore fell the Australian government predicted a certain attack by the Japanese.
Balendra starts by explaining what happened during the attack against the lifesavers, and how it created a national outcry on December 4th. Media and newspapers called the event an "attack to Australian culture". I do not condone the actions of these six men. What I also do not condone is that every newspaper was putting extra effort to make sure the reader understood that the attackers were of “middle eastern appearance”, increasing the tensions between Australians and Muslims which had been created during the incident of September 11th. By doing this the media was branding every men and woman a terrorist, and if not that a criminal. Also, why was this an attack to Australian culture? Was it because these lifesavers got beat up or because they got beat up by men of “middle eastern appearance”? Also, what would the papers have said if it was six white Australian males who beat up the lifeguards? This is just another example of racism in media as many events occurred, but this was the one newspapers and TV decided to link to an attack to Australian culture. I don’t know if it’s just me, but I would’ve linked yanking off a woman’s hijab, bashing her and spitting in her face as an attack on Australian
They have juggled power between them and Australia has emerged a powerful and intelligent nation under their leadership.
After evaluating the above factors, it is clear that the partnership between Australia and Japan is of significant importance to both countries. With reference to the Centre for Study of Australian-Asian Relations (1997:152) the future prosperity of Australia will to an increasing extent, be dependent on that of her neighbours in the Asia-Pacific area. Currently the Australia-Japan relationship could be described as “comfortable and relaxed”. However both Australia and Japan need to be alert to the changing environment and must ensure that the right frameworks and policy settings are in place in order for the two countries to prosper.
MacDermott, D. (1993). As we see you. In D. Grant & G. Seal (Eds.), Australia in the world (pp. 86-91). Perth: Black Swan Press
Australia and South Korea share want to help in strengthening outcomes for their students. They have exchange programs in place that allow many Australian students to come and experience Korea. Australia has many thousands of Korean students studying in their country. South Korea is Australia's 4th largest origin of international students, with nearly 21,000 full-time students studying in Australia in 2015. South Korea is a popular destination for Australian students under the New Colombo Plan (NCP). The numbers of NCP students studying in Korea continue to increase year after year¬. For 2017, 12 NCP scholarships have been awarded. Both the active Korean community in Australia and the growing number of alumni in South Korea show great personal
Indonesia faced many positive and negative effects from Dutch Imperialism. Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia, and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyyono is the current president. Approximately 253,609,643 people reside in Indonesia today, ranking fifth most populous nation in the world. Indonesia is a Republic government, and its land mass is an archipelago composed of 13,466 islands. Indonesia faced both positive and negative impacts after being imperialized. Imperialism is “the policy of extending a nation's authority by territorial acquisition or by the establishment of economic and political hegemony over other nations” . Indonesia as a whole underwent many changes after imperialism. Many countries fought battles to try to gain control of Indonesian spice production. However, the Dutch had the most influence and control over Indonesia of any country . Although Indonesia battled The Dutch in the early 1600s, it was not until the 1800s that Indonesia was taken over by the Dutch, and finally won independence in 1945. Indonesia was a colony during imperialization. The term “Indonesia” did not appear until the early 20th century. The Dutch imperialization of Indonesia had both negative and positive effects because of the wars, the Cultivation System, and advances in the country.
About two years ago I read Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s memoir “Infidel” and was immensely moved by her story, especially the atrocities she went through in her childhood in Africa and the way she struggled to flee from an oppressive life. At that time, I could not imagine that anyone (except fanatic Muslims), let alone victims of the same oppression that she was, would not share her feelings and views. However, the reading of Ian Buruma’s Murder in Amsterdam sheds light on bigger and obscure components of this story, which clearly influenced some people to disapprove her behavior – even Islamic women. Like in Hirsi Ali’s story, Ian Buruma also identifies nuances in the main episode of the book – an episode that at face value could be described as a murder of a fierce critic of Islam, Theo van Gogh (Hirsi Ali’s friend), by a Muslim extremist, Mohammed Bouyeri. According to Buruma, although the common theme is immigration – involving two guests, Hirsi Ali and Bouyeri, and one host, Van Gogh – there is no single explanation for what happened. Instead, each of these three characters, he explains, was influenced by a blend of personal experiences and external forces. It was thus the clash between their diverse cultural values and personal identities that ended up leading to the tragic morning of November 2nd, 2004, the day of Van Gogh’s murder.
One can see the main character, Guy Hamilton, first arriving to Indonesia with goals of becoming a great journalist and even betraying his friends by trying to report that the PKI were going to be armed by Chinese Communists. It must be noted that this was a popular belief during Suharto’s presidency, but the Indonesian communists were not found to own any weapons. The film’s decision to follow this notion can also relate to Ileto’s idea popular histories; in which history could be shaped by popular belief amongst ordinary citizens of a nation. Referring back to the character of Guy Hamilton, it is apparent that he was determined to stay in Indonesia and report despite the violence/danger displayed in the film. At first, Hamilton views Indonesia as a place he needs to be in and that’s why I argue this could be a way of Hamilton finding a “home.”
Indonesia has one of the fastest growing economies’ in the world. Concerns grow over how this will affect the region as predictions estimate it will be larger than Australia’s by 2030 and in the top four by 2040. With the Global Financial Crisis still fresh in people’s minds, an evaluation must be given to the validity of this prediction by examining Indonesia’s recent economic movements. The growth prediction currently serves as an important fact for neighboring countries to plan and develop their long-term bilateral economic and security policies. As the Indonesian economy expands, resulting security implications will negatively and positively affect Australia. The increasing threat of terrorism and transnational crimes is of concern to
Australia and Indonesia have found that there are numerous concerns that contribute to their stable and constructive connection. Indeed, the main barriers such as the distinct closeness of these countries and the fundamental differences alters the attitudes of the citizens and their leaders. Other matters in Australian and Indonesian societies were also built around terrorism, execution, trade and defence; however, with all these setbacks the commentators were still keen to view Australia and Indonesia as natural allies.
Many years ago, in swear an oath “one homeland, one nation, one language”, namely Indonesia. A dreamed of independence. And on 17 August 1945 finally independence could be achieved. It is inseparable from the struggle of Pangeran Diponegoro in the Java, Tuanku Imam Bonjol in Sumatra, Kapitan Pattimura in Maluku and certainly all the people of Indonesia. It is evidence that
Mohsin Hamid has successfully captured the dominant political discourses of the contemporary world and presented them as mutually exclusive. What makes this book work is the masterful employment of irony and controlled suspense to create a subtle polemic. As one reviewer has put it:-
Moreover political resources in comparison with Malaysia are said to be an instruments of nation-states thereby use of political resources often interacts particularly with economic resources vice versa. However to the mere of international realists, a nation-state’s international status is often reflected by its national power, including its military, economy, national will, social cohesion, literacy rate etc. As a matter of fact there is a notion which says that if a country’s looks stronger is dependent upon the country’s national power which improves international status level with greater ability to influence the global arena. Indeed international standing can be established in the decision-making process of unilateral organizations. Another example of international relations strength is on economic resources which are upon foreign trade; overseas deal and foreign aid are the most popular economic resources...
Despite this diversity, Indonesia today has a common bond that united them all into one nation, one language, and one people. Due to this diversity, conflicts are unavoidable. However, the people of Indonesia have been able to overcome their differences. The spirit of musyawarah (to deliberate or confer), mufakat (to agree), and gotong-royong (mutual assistance) that have been instilled by their fore-father have helped in achieving peace between the people's groups. We have yet find this quality in any other nations of the world.