Over lunch at a quaint cafe in South Jakarta, I caught up with an Australian friend who is an English teacher in a British cultural organisation. Our conversation meandered through various topics, but one subject kept resurfacing: the relationship between Indonesia and Australia. Between bites of his steak sandwich, he leaned in, his tone turning serious.
"You know," he began, "Australia is a bit on edge about Indonesia."
Surprised, I raised an eyebrow. "Why's that?"
He sipped his coffee thoughtfully before continuing. "Australia is the only 'white country' in this region, surrounded by Asia's massive population centres. We're a small country in terms of people, with just over 26 million. And our closest neighbour," he paused for effect, "has a large, diverse population and a reputation for making decisions without always thinking them through. It's like living next to a loose cannon."
Australia is the only 'white country' in this region. (Lowy Institute)
Though he didn't mention Indonesia by name, the implication was clear. "That's why Australia treads cautiously in regional politics," he added. "We have to play smart, or we risk being overwhelmed."
It was an intriguing perspective, but one that left me with questions.
Tea with a Development Specialist
A week later, I met another Australian friend over afternoon tea. This friend worked in international development, and I recounted what the teacher had said.
He shook his head with a chuckle. "I disagree with that theory. It's too simplistic," he said, pouring himself another cup of tea. "The relationship between Australia and Indonesia isn't about fear---it's about necessity. We need each other."