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ID: 119224

Reforming Indonesia's foreign ministry: ideas, organization and leadership / Nabbs-Keller, Greta

Nabbs-Keller, Greta	Journal Article
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2013.

Summary/Abstract

More than a decade after Indonesia's democratic transition, the effects of domestic politics on the conduct of Indonesia's foreign policy continue to attract scholarly attention. Relatively less attention, however, has been given to the foreign ministry, the principal institutional actor responsible for foreign policy formulation and management of Indonesia's external relations. This article argues that this neglect is a mistake: institutional changes within the foreign ministry, together with the emergence of new ideas, have played a key role in transforming the country's foreign policy. It was principally within the foreign ministry that significant attempts were made to change Indonesia's national self-image so that it better reflected the values of the reformasi experience. This article explores how democratic norms have been internalized in both the organization of the foreign policy bureaucracy and in the conceptualization of Indonesia's external identity.

Key Words

Military ; Indonesia ; Democratization ; Foreign Ministry ; Foreign Policy

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ID: 175654

Understanding Australia-Indonesia relations in the post-authoritarian era: resilience and respect / Nabbs-Keller, Greta

Nabbs-Keller, Greta	Journal Article
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Summary/Abstract

Attributing the tempestuous nature of Australia-Indonesia relations to marked cultural differences is almost an article of faith in Australian foreign policy analysis. Indeed, policy and media commentary tends to depict the bilateral relationship as frequently in crisis and at risk of irreparable damage. This article contends that constructs which characterise Australia-Indonesia relations as especially fragile overlook powerful strategic imperatives as a basis for ongoing cooperation. The article examines two key variables shaping Australia-Indonesia relations in the post-authoritarian era—resilience and respect. A perceived lack of consultation by successive Australian Governments on policy announcements of vital national concern to Indonesia has been a catalyst for repeated bilateral tensions in the post-authoritarian era. This has been compounded by important shifts in Indonesia’s post-authoritarian polity and the state’s rising significance in international economic and political terms. The article concludes that in spite of periodic bilateral tensions, Indonesia-Australia relations have remained surprisingly resilient. Such resilience is based on an appreciation by foreign policy elites in both states about the relationship’s utility for maintaining stability and prosperity in a transitional Indo-Pacific order.

Key Words

Security ; China ; Australian Foreign Policy ; Indonesian Foreign Policy ; Indo-Pacific ; Australia-Indonesia Relations

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