VIVAnews - Bali may have become major tourism destination to Australians. Some of them even consider Bali their “backyard”.
However, as reported by Uni Z Lubis from an Indonesian TV station antv, a survey conducted by Lowy Institute in Sydney proves the opposite.
Lowy Institute is a think-thank institution that analyzes international issues in Australia. The survey says more than half of Australian respondents do not believe Indonesia will be able to perform well on international level.
According to Lowy Institute researcher, Fergus Henson, the survey has also obtained similar findings on how Indonesian respondents see Australia.
Hanson, the writer of “The Policy Brief Indonesia: Time to be Radical” which is published today, March 8, says that the relationship between the administration led by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and the one helmed by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is getting better.
But, the relationship is still susceptible and filled with some controversies such as people smuggling, terrorism, illegal fishing, human trade and legal procedures on Australian citizens prosecuted for drug problems.
All of the issues are heating up amid the debate between Rudd’s governance and the opposition that has sparked before the elections, which are planned to be held this year.
Australia-Indonesia collaboration has been improving lately with Australia becoming the biggest donor in bilateral assistance. Collaboration in holding training programs for Indonesian police to fight terrorism has also established properly.
Hanson suggests both governments to amend public diplomacy by organizing activities that involve the people.
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Translated by: Nataya Ermanti
