Turnbull sees better relations ahead with Jakarta

JAKARTA — Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull yesterday hailed a "great future" for relations between his country and Indonesia during his first trip to the key ally since taking power, seeking to turn the page after a series of crises.

Ties between the neighbours sank to their lowest level in years under his conservative predecessor Tony Abbott, over rows about Jakarta's execution of Australian drug smugglers, Canberra's hardline policy of turning migrant boats back to Indonesia, and espionage allegations.

Hopes are high that relations will improve under Mr Turnbull, who took power in a Liberal Party coup in September. His views are more socially liberal than Mr Abbott, whose tough approach often riled Jakarta.

Despite signs of warming relations, Mr Turnbull's government has shown no sign of easing its tough immigration stance and the controversial policy of turning back boats from its shores remains a source of tension.

Mr Turnbull tried to keep the focus firmly on economic ties during the one-day visit to Jakarta, repeatedly stressing that both he and President Joko Widodo were businessmen who had later entered politics.

Following talks at the presidential palace, Mr Turnbull said he and Mr Widodo had "enjoyed very frank and exciting discussions about the great future for our two countries".

"We have common, very common interests, and common objectives and it is about growth, it's about jobs, it's about stronger economies," he said.

The Premier said the major trade partners talked about infrastructure and investment — key focuses for Mr Widodo as he seeks to boost Indonesia's slowing economy — as well as the cattle industry, which has traditionally been a flashpoint between the neighbours. Indonesia is the biggest market for exports of Australian cattle, but caused alarm earlier this year when it dramatically slashed its import quotas from Australia.

Jakarta insisted the decision was aimed at achieving self-sufficiency, though some said the move stemmed from bad blood between the countries.

The leaders avoided publicly referring to recent tensions yesterday, although, at the start of their meeting, Mr Widodo acknowledged the "potential for friction" between Jakarta and Canberra due to the "proximity of our two countries".

Source: Turnbull sees better relations ahead with Jakarta