Release of ASPI Strategy Report – Seeing Indonesia as a normal country: Implications for Australia

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The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) today released a new report on Indonesia, examining the country’s political and economic evolution since the Soeharto era and the implications for Australia. 

The report was launched by The Hon Stephen Smith MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs, at Parliament House. In his speech, the Minister welcomed the publication of the report and said it will do much to help Australians better understand the very special nature of the connection between Australia and Indonesia. 

‘This report helps inform the Australian public about important and fascinating changes that have occurred in Indonesia and it provides very thoughtful insights into future directions for our bilateral cooperation’. 

The report, authored by Professor Andrew MacIntyre and Dr Douglas E Ramage, urges Australia to understand the more stable landscape of Indonesia. It makes a number of specific policy recommendations including:  

  • a new approach to engagement with the military
  • a geographic shift within the country of our development assistance programs
  • a renewed emphasis on supporting economic growth, poverty reduction and enhancing governance at the national and sub-national levels.

 ‘Indonesia in 2008 is a stable, competitive electoral democracy…playing a constructive role in the regional and broader international community’.