Friends or Rivals? The Complex Dance of Australia and Indonesia

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."

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.

It's no surprise their priorities sometimes clash. (South China Morning Post)

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."

He explained how both countries navigate these dynamics cautiously. "They share concerns over transnational crime, illegal fishing, and regional stability, but they approach China from different perspectives, shaped by their unique relationships with Beijing."

China's activities in the South China Sea and its growing regional presence create tensions. (Asia Times)

A Thoughtful Conclusion

Reflecting on these conversations, I began to piece together a broader understanding of Australia's caution in its regional politics. The country's unique position as a developed Western nation in a predominantly Asian region naturally makes it careful. Its small population and proximity to a vast and complex neighbour like Indonesia necessitate thoughtful diplomacy.

For Indonesia and Australia, the key lies in maintaining mutual respect and recognizing their shared interests, from security to development. They must also navigate their relationships with China carefully, balancing economic ties with concerns about regional dominance.

As I finished my cup of tea that evening, it struck me how vital this relationship was---not just for the two nations involved, but for the broader stability of the region they call home.