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Rudd to hold crucial talks with Yudhoyono
Tony Hotland , The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Thu, 06/12/2008 10:18 AM | World
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will arrive in Indonesia on Thursday for a three-day visit, his second to the country since assuming office in November last year.
Rudd first visited Indonesia in December last year, to attend the United Nations climate change conference. This new trip will focus on boosting relations and discussing crucial issues of mutual interest.
He will meet with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Friday morning, after which a joint press conference will be held, presidential spokesman Dino Patti Djalal said.
Rudd will also meet with Vice President Jusuf Kalla, House of Representatives Speaker Agung Laksono and ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan.
On Saturday, Rudd will travel to Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam for the inauguration of a school and the Aceh Aquaculture Development Center. He will also meet with Aceh Governor Irwandi Yusuf to discuss the progress of reconstruction and rehabilitation following the December 2004 tsunami.
The meeting between Yudhoyono and Rudd is expected to focus on the implementation of the Lombok Treaty, which covers a number of aspects of Indonesian-Australian cooperation, including defense, law enforcement, counterterrorism, intelligence and maritime security.
The government has also expressed interest in learning more about Rudd's recent proposal for a European Union-style Asia-Pacific community.
Djoko Susilo, a member of House Commission I, which oversees defense and foreign affairs, said Wednesday the talks should also address the issue of Indonesian fishermen from East Nusa Tenggara jailed in Australia for illegal fishing.
"Australia said the fishermen trespassed into their territory, and then imprisoned them. How do you expect local fishermen, fishing in wooden boats, to understand such territorial concepts?
"In the past, Australia usually arrested and deported such fishermen. However, a tougher policy was brought to bear when former prime minister John Howard took office. We will see if Prime Minister Rudd has a better policy," Djoko said.
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Chris Egan (not verified) — Fri, 06/13/2008 - 11:50pm
I find it intriguing how we both have issues with the law systems of both countries. While Indonesia wants to discuss with us the legal situation of fisherman being imprisoned for fishing in territorial waters, Australia is going to discuss the death sentence of the Bali Nine.
Its an intriguing concept how despite how close we both are, we both have different ideological impressions on how law and order works. To understand both nations legal systems more, will be integral for the continued growth of the relationship between Australia and Indonesia.