He went on to explain how intertwined the two nations were. "Take international development projects, for instance. Australia invests heavily in Indonesia, funding programs to improve education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Indonesia's development directly affects us---it's in our interest to have a stable, prosperous neighbour."
He elaborated further. "It's not just development. Trade, for example. We're major trade partners. Indonesia buys Australian wheat and beef, while we rely on Indonesian goods and labour. Then there's security. Terrorism, transnational crime, illegal fishing---these are issues we both face. We work together to tackle them."
He paused, letting his words sink in before adding, "And let's not forget climate change. We share environmental challenges, like deforestation and rising sea levels. If we don't work together, we'll both suffer."
His explanation was compelling, painting a picture of mutual dependency rather than tension.
Dinner with My Brother
That evening, over dinner, my brother joined the discussion. As a senior producer for documentary programs about Indonesia and its international ties, he had a nuanced take on the relationship.
"Yes, it's complex," he admitted. "But Indonesia and Australia share a lot of common ground."
He pointed out shared interests: "Both countries care about regional stability. We're both committed to tackling terrorism and ensuring secure maritime borders. Then there's trade and economic cooperation---it's mutually beneficial."
But he was quick to highlight the differences, too. "Australia has a more developed economy, a smaller population, and a Western political system. Indonesia is sprawling, diverse, and a young democracy. It's no surprise their priorities sometimes clash."
When the topic turned to security threats, my brother leaned forward. "Take China, for instance," he said. "Its influence looms large over both countries, but in different ways. For Australia, China is a trading partner but also a geopolitical rival, especially in the Pacific. For Indonesia, China's activities in the South China Sea and its growing regional presence create tensions, especially near the Natuna Islands."
