For more than decade, there have been signs that Australia is losing diplomatic access and influence in Indonesia. This is cause for concern, given Indonesia’s size and influence in the Indo-Pacific, and because of the strategic benefit of its location along Australia’s northern approaches. Last month, Janes reported that Russia had requested aircraft access to Manuhua airbase at Biak in Indonesia’s Papua Province. And earlier this year, to circumnavigate Australia, the Chinese navy transited through Indonesia’s straits. At the same time, Indonesia has become increasingly enmeshed with China in economic, foreign policy and security terms.
Indonesia is more important than ever: Australia must nurture the relationship | The Strategist
