Indonesia ‘could lose out’
By Sandra O’Malley
Sunday Times 27mar06
FOREIGN Minister Alexander Downer has warned Indonesia has as much to lose as Australia if relations between the two countries deteriorate over a decision to grant protection to a boatload of Papuan asylum seekers.
Indonesians are outraged by the Australian decision, announced last week, to grant temporary protection visas to 42 of the 43 Papuans who landed at Cape York in January.
Jakarta recalled its ambassador to Canberra on Friday, and today hundreds of Indonesians rallied outside Australia’s embassy in the Indonesian capital.
Organisers warned peaceful demonstrations could turn into attacks against Australians living in Indonesia unless the Papuans were returned within days, and some Indonesian MPs have called on Jakarta to abandon talks on a prisoner exchange deal in retaliation. Australia has attempted to play down the Indonesian anger, which has put the most strain on relations since Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono came to power in late 2004.
Mr Downer said he could understand the depth of feeling in Indonesia.
But he said the decision was made by immigration officials, not the government.
Mr Downer made it clear the relationship between Australia and Indonesia was beneficial to both parties, with both bound to suffer if it failed.
“We hope that Indonesians continue to understand the enormous mutual benefit that we get from our joint cooperation in a range of areas,” Mr Downer told Sky News.
Mr Downer asked Indonesians to reflect on the areas where Australia had gone to their aid, such as the aftermath of the tsunami and after both Bali bombings.
Australia had also helped western nations understand the benefits of democracy in Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim nation.
“(Those Indonesian MPs) who are often very critical of Australia … they should reflect on the enormous help that Australia gives Indonesia in counter-terrorism and assisting people as a result of the tsunami,” Mr Downer said. "Australia is a great asset for Indonesia, is a great friend of Indonesia’s and I think a more sober reflection will remind those people in the parliament and some people in the Indonesian media and elsewhere … that there is great benefit for Indonesia in a good relationship with Australia.