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Australia, Indonesia sign partnership agreement
Australia and Indonesia yesterday flagged a new era in their relationship by signing an agreement which lays the groundwork for closer ties between the two nations. Australian Prime Minister John Howard and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono signed off on the partnership agreement, which covers economic and security links, particularly their joint fight against terrorism. A key part of the agreement will be a future security pact between the countries, which is still being negotiated.
While tragedy had played a part, Mr Howard said it was not the only reason for the closer relations. "We are forever in this part of the world and we are therefore committed to ensuring that this relationship goes from strength to strength," he said. Dr Yudhoyono is on a three-day visit to Australia, only the third by an Indonesian leader in 30 years. He used his visit to thank Australia for its help in tsunami relief efforts in Aceh and also expressed his sorrow over the deaths of the nine Australians killed in a helicopter crash during an aid mission to Nias island.
Indonesia intends to award medals of honour to the 11 Australians, including two survivors, involved in the tragic mission. During a visit to the Australian War Memorial, Dr Yudhoyono told military personnel involved in the Aceh relief operation history would note their contribution. "It shows to our people ... that we are one in times of difficulties," he said. Dr Yudhoyono said the partnership agreement was a logical step forward in the relationship between the countries, describing it as a significant landmark in bilateral relations. "It is not enough for us just to be neighbours, we have to be strong partners," Dr Yudhoyono said. "(The agreement) assumes that security, prosperity and stability of Indonesia and Australia are interconnected. "It assumes that our countries are locked together not just by geography but by a common future, one that can be best harnessed if we can just closely work together for the long term." Peter Jennings, director of programs at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, welcomed the positive direction of Australian-Indonesian relations. "There has not been an Indonesian leader before who has given so much thought to what he wants out of the relationship with Australia," he said. But Mr Jennings said it may be more difficult translating the vision outlined into practical co-operation between the countries. The growing ties between Australia and Indonesia mark a stark change from the often-strained relations of the last decade, which hit rock bottom when Australia backed East Timor's quest for independence. As a measure of the goodwill, Indonesia is backing Australia's further involvement in the region by supporting Australia's participation in the East Asia summit later this year. The position is at odds with Malaysia which is opposed to Australian involvement in the first summit. Mr Howard also urged Australian business to boost investment to Indonesia, saying it was an important way to defeat terrorism. "A successful, moderate, Islamic, Indonesia led by a man of compassion and man of vision such as President Yudhoyono, is about the most powerful weapon that we can have against zealotry and extremism in our part of the world," he said. Dr Yudhoyono yesterday evening flew to Sydney, where he will spend the final full day of his visit to Australia. |
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![Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (2nd L) and his wife Ani Bambang Yudhoyono stand with Australia's Prime Minister John Howard (L) with his wife Janette (R) in front of the Sydney Opera House April 5, 2005. [Reuters]](xin_040402051050477246812.jpg)
