Letters: RI-Australia's ties

I have just finished watching the full and unedited television coverage of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's presentation to the Australian parliament.

The purpose of my letter is to point out that as an inconsequential Australian, albeit with some previous and very positive exposure to Indonesia, seeing Yudhoyono's speech has made my year so far!

It reminded me of the fact that when it all comes down to it, we really are the most consequential neighbors for one another, that the political relationship has been heading in the right direction for quite some time now and that is a fact both Indonesians and Australians should all celebrate.

The President's first signal point was that one of the major goals for the future is for each of us to bring about changes in the mindsets of our populations.

I've been lucky enough to travel in Indonesia (although only from Java to Flores I'm embarrassed to say) and have had the pleasure many times since of pointing out to the ignorant, in Australia, Asia and North America, the fact that the world's largest Islamic country, and Australia's great neighbor, is also one of the world's most successful large democracies.

Viva Indonesia!

And God bless the friendship of our countries - long may it continue.

Marc Roberts
Queensland