Mr Albanese opens a new chapter with close friend

Anthony Albanese has arrived in Jakarta with goodwill on both sides and a challenge to deepen economic as well as security ties for the benefit of our region. Had it not been for the prearranged meeting of the Quad in Japan, Indonesia would have been the first international visit for the new Prime Minister, signifying the importance of the relationship for Australia. By offering an olive branch to attend the G20 meeting planned for Jakarta in Bali in November, Mr Albanese has shown respect for his host, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who has a lot of personal status invested in a successful gathering of world leaders. Whether things change as the world hardens its attitude towards Russia and the terrible events it has unleashed in Europe remains to be seen, but Mr Albanese has shown that Australia has no wish to offend the host nation at a time of serious global geopolitical upheaval.

Mr Albanese will be eager to continue the perception among elite opinion in Jakarta that the ALP is more engaged with regional affairs than the Coalition, but the evidence is that the bilateral relationship with Indonesia has been nurtured by both sides. Malcolm Turnbull upgraded the relationship with Indonesia to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Scott Morrison ushered in a new trade deal that can now be given life. It is unlikely that talks this week will include substantial public discussion about China and its new assertive posture. While Indonesia and Australia share concerns, they have differing cultural norms about how it should be addressed.

It is to the advantage of both countries that top of the list on this week’s agenda will be greater economic integration and business investment, increased aid, infrastructure development, trade, climate resilience and the economic recovery from the pandemic. To underscore the point, Mr Albanese has expanded the Australian-Indonesian annual leaders meeting in his first visit to Jakarta to include a high-level business and ministerial delegation.

Inevitably, however, there will be discussions about Russia, a sensitive issue given Vladimir Putin’s likely attendance at the G20 summit. As host of a gathering that carries immense global significance for his country, it is no surprise that Mr Widodo wants to see a full turnout of all the members of the world’s major economies that the G20 represents. Before landing in Jakarta, Mr Albanese highlighted the importance of the G20 meeting to Indonesia but noted it was the case that people who respected human rights would feel uncomfortable sitting around the table with Mr Putin. In his remarks on Sunday, Mr Albanese leant towards a compromise position floated by US President Joe Biden, under which both Mr Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, leader of Ukraine, a non-member, attended. As things stand, there is little likelihood of Mr Zelensky being able to leave Ukraine to travel to Bali. Since the war started, Mr Putin has been looking for a way to have him killed. Equally, Mr Putin has not travelled outside Russia since the pandemic started and, with the World Court looking for an opportunity to indict him on war crimes charges, it is unlikely he would go to Bali. For the time being, however, both the Russian ruler and Mr Zelensky have indicated their willingness to attend in some form. A similarly nuanced position can also be expected on the issue of China.

Mr Albanese must let Mr Widodo know exactly where Australia stands both on the issue of Russia’s war on Ukraine and China’s belligerent actions closer to home. But he is right not to let uncertainty over the G20 cloud what are vitally important discussions with our neighbour and trading partner, with which we enjoy a mature relationship across a range of issues from trade to security and defence.