Foreign Policy 6 - Indonesia at Melbourne

Talking Indonesia: China, Indonesia and the Cold War

Foreign Policy, History, Society, Talking Indonesia

What was Chinas role, if any, in the events of 1965? How did transnational ethnic ties and the daily practices of the ethnic Chinese influence state-to-state diplomacy at the time? Dr Charlotte Setijadi discusses these issues and more with Dr Taomo Zhou in Talking Indonesia.

Indonesia-Australia trade deal could help sandbag relationship against elections, politics

Analysis, Economy, Foreign Policy, Policies

The free trade agreement between Australia and Indonesia was finally signed on 4 March. Matthew Busch writes that if successful, it could help stabilise economic, trade and investment cooperation in the face of future turmoil in the bilateral relationship.

An Indonesian perspective on 'Egg Boy': was he really defending Islam?

Analysis, Foreign Policy, Religion, Society

Will Connolly, the 17-year-old who egged racist Australian Senator Fraser Anning, has been celebrated in Indonesia for defending Islam. But former Australian resident Iqbal Aji Daryono writes that this interpretation is too simplistic.

Time for an Indo-Australis?

Analysis, Foreign Policy, Security

The Indo-Pacific is slowly replacing the Asia-Pacific as the dominant security and economic concept in our region. Natalie Sambhi writes that the complex challenges of this vast region should be approached bit by bit, and Australia, India and Indonesia could start by strengthening trilateral cooperation in the region's southwest sector, the "Indo-Australis".

Reflections on 20 years of reform: former Foreign Minister Alexander Downer

20 Years After Soeharto, Economy, Foreign Policy, Human Rights, Interview

To mark 20 years since the fall of Soeharto and the New Order regime, Indonesia at Melbourne is speaking to a range of prominent figures about their views on the reform process. Today we speak to Alexander Downer, Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1996-2007.

Reflections on 20 years of reform: former Australian Ambassador John McCarthy AO

20 Years After Soeharto, Foreign Policy, Interview

To mark 20 years since the fall of Soeharto and the New Order regime, Indonesia at Melbourne is speaking to a range of prominent figures about their views on the reform process. Today we speak to John McCarthy AO, Australian ambassador to Indonesia from 1997-2000.

Post-reformasi Indonesia: the age of uncertainty

20 Years After Soeharto, Analysis, Foreign Policy, Politics

Indonesia has achieved remarkable change since Soeharto stepped down. But Professor Tim Lindsey writes that where the country will head next is far from certain, and recent developments suggest its future may be less liberal and less welcoming of foreign engagement.

China’s Confucius Institutes in Indonesia: walking a fine line

Analysis, Education, Foreign Policy, Society

The Chinese state's Confucius Institutes are often depicted as vehicles for expanding Chinese soft power. But as Rika Theo writes, the Indonesian experience demonstrates that the institutes are not simply unidirectional projects imposed on Indonesia from a wealthy partner seeking to expand its influence.

Australia and Indonesia: going separate ways?

Analysis, Foreign Policy

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull appears to have developed a strong rapport with President Joko Widodo. But Professor Tim Lindsey and Dr Dave McRae write that this may not be enough to overcome the mutual misunderstandings and suspicions, and tensions over human rights issues, that complicate the bilateral relationship.

Posted in: Foreign Policy