Australia in pursuit of human rights in Indonesia

Abstract

Australia and Indonesia are among the most dissimilar neighbours in the world. During their five decades of political interaction various issues have bedevilled their relationship. As a result of geopolitical and geo‐economic considerations, since the mid‐1960s Australia has been tolerant of the Indonesian regime's poor human rights record. With the economic meltdown since 1997 and the emerging regime change Australia has a new opportunity to assist in the development of human rights in Indonesia, but even now this pursuit is somewhat compromised by other Australian interests.