It has become a cliche to say that Indonesia-Australia relations have their ups and downs. This fact should no upset us. Being such close neighbours geographically, but being so diferent in many respects, makes the relationship one of continuous adjustments by both sides. Of importance to task is to maintain and strengthen the various channels of communication.



The past decade has seen the emrgence of an intense web of communication between the peoples of both countries. There may still be some misunderstanding and a lack of appreciation about each other's views or ideas on a whole range of issues. However, many serious problems have largerly been overcome due to the willingness on both sides to talk to each other.



In March 2001 an Indonesian-Australia Conference was held by CSIS in cooperation with the Indonesian Project on The Australian National University to discuss recent developments in the two summarizes the main issues in the bilateral relationship that have been discussed in this conference. This publication is made possible with the support of the Commonwealth Bank.