This Month
Trump’s Iran choice: last-chance diplomacy or a bunker-busting bomb
The US could still become directly involved in a new conflict, taking on Iran in exactly the kind of war that the president has sworn he would avoid.
BHP considers return to nickel business with ultra-cheap mine project
The resources giant shut down local production of the commodity in the face of a surge in low-cost Indonesian production backed by Chinese investment last year.
May
Swim with whale sharks at this seldom-visited reef
A 10-day cruise through Indonesia’s Raja Ampat on a 12-cabin pinisi ship is a feast of snorkelling, relaxing and delectable delicacies.
Husic is right: Albanese is too timid about the challenges ahead
Insiders describe a PM more concentrated on the management of daily political tactics than the hard brainwork of developing strategies for the longer term.
Indonesia is Australia’s ‘most important relationship’. Is the feeling mutual?
Anthony Albanese was given the royal treatment on his visit to Jakarta this week, but Australia’s closest neighbour is also opening up its friendship circle.
After three wobbly years, Albanese’s second term is taking off
The stack of new Labor MPs is reminiscent of the “class of 96”, which acted as John Howard’s praetorian guard for many years.
Albanese rejects questions on Russian airbase
The prime minister refuses to answer what Australia knew about Moscow’s reported request to base military aircraft in Indonesia.
What the PM’s Indonesian entourage says about his second term priorities
Anthony Albanese is again making Indonesia his first official visit of the parliamentary term, but the absence of his defence minister is notable.
April
Russia will try again for a South-East Asian airbase, say strategists
Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam could be pressured, according to military analysts, after Indonesia rebuffed a Moscow request for a military presence.
Shelved airbase gambit fails to clarify Russia’s long-term ambitions
The fallout over Moscow’s bid for an airbase Indonesia has prompted a rare admission from Peter Dutton, and sparked fresh Russian criticism of AUKUS.
Why Canberra can’t afford to ignore Jakarta
In the shifting tides of the Indo-Pacific, the real danger lies not in Indonesia’s dance with others, but in our failure to keep in step.
March
Australian tourist killed as snorkelling boat capsizes near Bali
The Sea Dragon boat was on its way from a port in Bali to Nusa Penida, a popular tiny island near Bali, when it was overwhelmed by high waves, police said.
January
North Korean secret diary reveals deadly ‘drone bait’ tactic
The written notes of a dead soldier published by Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces describe the reckless ploy, along with expressions of love for Kim Jong-un.
December 2024
South Korean upheaval rattles US plan to counter China
There are questions over whether a new government in Seoul might complicate Washington’s efforts under Donald Trump to counter the rise of China as a military superpower.
Prabowo’s first overseas visit was a shambles
The Indonesian president was so charmed by Xi Jinping that he agreed to a Chinese draft of a joint statement that gave away his nation’s longstanding positions.
November 2024
Did you miss the Indonesian president’s November surprise?
While Australians were absorbed by the US election, the new leader of their large neighbour was busy strengthening ties with Russia and China.
‘America’s loss is Australia’s gain’ if Trump cuts green energy scheme
Any move by Donald Trump to curb the Inflation Reduction Act could drive investment to Australia, says Anthony Albanese.
October 2024
Japan’s China paradox has lessons for Australia
Japan’s new prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, wants a more equal relationship with the US. That could spell trouble as Tokyo confronts the “deep threat” from China.
September 2024
Sun Cable undaunted as Indonesia cuts in on Singapore exports
Singapore has granted conditional approvals for several Indonesian clean electricity export ventures, but also increased its target for imports.
August 2024
Government hasn’t matched Keating’s Indonesia pact
The new defence agreement with Jakarta is a welcome development, but the government claims too much too soon about its place in history.