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Indonesia in Australian Defence Planning
Authors: Paul Dibb and Richard Brabin-Smith
Volume 3, Number 4 (November 2007), pp. 67-93.
Abstract
This article examines the place of Indonesia in Australian defence planning, from the early days of the Republic to the present day. It draws four main conclusions. First, Australia’s interest in Indonesia derives from a geostrategic perspective that cannot be ignored. Second, some of the differences between Australia and Indonesia have the potential to be a significant source of tension. Third, beyond the immediate future, it is important not to dismiss the possibility of failure of the democratic experiment in Indonesia and some unpalatable alternatives. Fourth, a degree of ambiguity is inherent in Australia’s defence relationship with Indonesia: Indonesia has the attributes both of a valuable friend and, should the relationship seriously deteriorate, a potential adversary. It is important that the two countries continue to find ways to build on their shared interests and to manage the differences that, inevitably, will arise.
About the Authors
Paul Dibb is Emeritus Professor at the Australian National University’s Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, of which he was Head from 1991 to 2003. Other previous positions include Deputy Secretary of Defence and Director of the Joint Intelligence Organisation. Richard Brabin-Smith is Visiting Fellow at the Centre. Some of his previous positions include Deputy Secretary of Defence and Chief Defence Scientist. The authors would like to thank Meredith Thatcher for her help with some of the sources used in this article. paul.dibb@anu.edu.au; richard.brabin-smith@anu.edu.au.
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