More Than Embarrassing: Australians Behaving Badly in Indonesia
The DiplomatIn late April, in two separate incidents, two Australian men were arrested in Indonesia. While these two alleged incidents are extreme cases, they speak to the wider perpetual problem of Australia’s foreign policy – no two neighbors are as culturally distinct as Australia and Indonesia, yet, arguably, no relationship is more important to Canberra. Security cooperation is strengthening; Australia is assisting in Indonesia’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as investing significantly in infrastructure improvements within Indonesia. A recent report from the Asian Studies Association of Australia titled “Australia’s Asia Education Imperative” argues that there is no coordinated national strategy within Australia to enhance the country’s understanding of its region. But critically this would mean that Australians would have a greater understanding and respect for Indonesia’s cultural norms – especially the differences throughout its regions – while traveling within the country.
Discover Related
)
