# Application for Application ([CAUSINDY](https://www.causindy.org))

Glen.w.wright@gmail.com
[REDACTED PHONE]

1. How have you been involved in the Australia-Indonesia relationship so far, and what perspectives do you think you can bring to the Conference? My involvement in the Australia-Indonesia relationship so far has been through learning the Indonesian language and conversing with young Indonesians. During a 2 week period over Christmas 2012 I attended an intensive language course in Bali, receiving four hours of one-on-one tuition each day. I undertook this course of study voluntarily during my holidays in order to further my personal interest in Indonesia. I have since continued weekly lessons and regularly arrange language exchange sessions to speak with young Indonesians. During these sessions, I have the opportunity to practice my Indonesian and assist them in learning English, while also learning more about Indonesia. I also read the news in Indonesian to stay abreast of current affairs and improve my language skills. I am keen to extend my involvement and to learn more about our closest neighbour. I have recently joined the ANU’s Indonesia Study Group and hope to attend the lunchtime study sessions. I have also registered for the Indonesia Update conference later this year and continue to undertake regular language exchanges. As someone interested in Indonesia on a personal level, but also accustomed to thinking in an academic manner on other subjects, I feel that I am in a unique position to reflect on the relationship between the two countries in a balanced and reflective manner. At the same time, my background as a lawyer allows me to take a practical approach to improving the relationship, focusing on the pragmatic and possible, rather than the ideological.

2. Why do you think it is important that the perspectives of young people are heard in the bilateral relationship? Do you think it is important that young people are able to with connect leaders from government, business and academia in discussing this issue? To date I feel that the Indonesia-Australia relationship is strong as between the two governments, but that it is characterised between misunderstanding and a lack of knowledge as between citizens. The openness and enthusiasm of young people can overcome this. The young people of today are the government, business and academic leaders of the future. It is therefore essential that young people that will influence the direction of the Australia-Indonesia relationship can connect early on to current leaders, .

3. What will be the three biggest issues in the bilateral relationship 10-15 years from now? Why? Strengthening relations in a changing geopolitical contextI believe the biggest issue in the bilateral relationship will be the improvement and maintenance of the relationship itself as a strategic response to changing dynamics both globally and within the region. Indonesia and Australia are natural strategic partners but at times the relationship has been antagonistic, whereas more effort is required to strengthen the relationship over the next 10-15 years. In a changing world with the US and China as the major powers, Australia and Indonesia may not wish to be closely allied to either, and would benefit from being closely allied to each other in order to mutually advance their respective interests and provide a balance to this emerging power. This relationship is also a natural one: while we are two very different nations, we do share an interest in having open democracies and economies, ensuring unity, and advancing and protecting human rights. TradeWhile Indonesia’s $14.6 billion annual trade with Australia makes it only our # largest trading partner, by 2030 Indonesia is predicted to be the tenth largest economy in the world. Negotiations toward the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IACEPA) will increase the importance. This is true of any free trade agreement, but particularly with the IACEPA, which aims not only to open up trade between the two nations, but also use innovative programs to increase bilateral relations. More than 400 Australian companies already operate in Indonesia and this will only increase as ImmigrationImmigration will continue to be important, but I believe the focus will shift considerably over the next 10-15 years. The narrow focus on boat arrivals may already be subsiding in light of the recent announcement of the PNG solution. Rather, future relations regarding immigration will focus on voluntary migration and travel for education, tourism and business
•	Already large numbers of Indonesian students come to Australia to take advantage of our world class education facilities. This will surely increase in the next decade. Likewise, the implementation of the AsiaBound program will see many more Australian students visit Asia and Indonesia over this time.
•	Indonesia was only Australia’s thirteenth largest source country for tourists in 2010 (spending $0.608 billion). However, as the middle class in Indonesia grows, Australia is likely to benefit from substantial increases in tourism arrivals – this has already been observed with China. For many Indonesians, Australia evokes images of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Great Barrier Reef, and Kangaroos. I think it is only a matter of time before greater numbers of Indonesian tourists arrive to see these world-renowned sights for themselves.
•	Greater investment by Australian businesses in Indonesia, particularly in minerals… Indonesia…
4. Describe three ideas you think should be considered by policy makers, business people and academics to enhance Australia-Indonesia ties. Support for language learning
In order for Australia to engage with Indonesia, there must be opportunities for young people to undertake studies in Bahasa Indonesia. Yet between 2001 and 2010 enrolments dropped by 40%; there are now fewer students taking Indonesian than in the 1970s. Policymakers and academics should consider implementing a long term program to foster and support the teaching of Bahasa Indonesia at all levels, much like that National Asian Languages and Studies in Schools Program did between [REDACTED PHONE]. The government has recognised the importance of the language, but more needs to be done to ensure that it does not vanish from our schools and universities.