By Ross B. Taylor
The decision by Indonesian (4-Star) General Gatot Nurmantyo - who is a very senior and powerful military officer in Indonesia - to suspend military ties with Australia over 'offensive' material issues is a gross overreaction; but not surprising. Nurmantyo has never liked or respected Australia and his anti-Australia views go back as far as Australia’s support for the independence of East Timor.
The decision by Indonesian (4-Star) General Gatot Nurmantyo - who is a very senior and powerful military officer in Indonesia - to suspend military ties with Australia over 'offensive' material issues is a gross overreaction; but not surprising. Nurmantyo has never liked or respected Australia and his anti-Australia views go back as far as Australia’s support for the independence of East Timor.
In fairness to the General though, there is still some confusion as to whether he suspended all military ties with Australia or simply the language training segment; but it then running out-of-control in the 'vibrant' Indonesian media.
The 'offensive' material behind the suspension of
military ties mainly related to issues concerning 'West Papua' and also the
creation of a 'word' Pancagila from the philosophical important
Indonesian word Pancasila; the former meaning something like Indonesia
is five times crazy or mad. Pancasila is very important to Indonesians -
particularly given Indonesia was occupied by foreigners for over 300 years - as
it represents the foundation of their society: One God; A just and civil
society; Unity; Democracy; and Social Justice.
We in Australia would, for example, be very upset
if a military person in Indonesia created a new word from ANZAC'S that was
derogatory. It was stupid thing to do.
Having said that, for Nurmantyo to suspend military
ties - without reference to his political masters - shows how much he dislikes
Australia and just how sensitive things are right now in Indonesia as the
nation deals with a challenge to its principals by Islamic hardliners and the
future of its Jakarta Governor over blasphemy charges.
Privately, Indonesian diplomats are disappointed
with the General's actions. Australia and Indonesia are facing
significant issues with terrorism in our region and the rise of China in the
south-China sea.
Never has it been so important for Indonesia and Australia to
be working closely together - as we do - with both policing and military
co-operation to maintain the stability and security of our region.
Actions such as this, by the most senior military
officer in Indonesia, does not help this process. It also does not help his
president who currently should have more important issues to deal with.
Ross Taylor: @indorosstaylor
7th January 2017
This article first appeared in The West Australian Newspaper on Friday 6th January 2017
A lot of issues being played out behind the scenes at present
ReplyDeleteAbout time someone said it as it is. Grow up Indonesia. Alan.
ReplyDeleteWhy don't we just walk away from them.
ReplyDelete