There will be a lot of homework after President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo’s visit to Australia. Diligently doing the homework will be the key to successfully improving relations between the two countries.
Bilateral relations, including between Indonesia and Australia, are multidimensional involving economic, trade, science, technological and military relations. With regard to economic issues, Indonesia and Australia are continuing to finalize comprehensive economic partnership agreements that foster tariff cuts and trade promotion. The agreements are expected to be completed later this year.
For the military, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and President Jokowi agreed to restore cooperation. Just for the record, Indonesia suspended military cooperation last month after a member of the Indonesian Military (TNI) taking part in an exercise at the Australian Defense Force facility discovered teaching materials and messages that were considered insulting to Indonesia.
In a joint statement, Turnbull said that he and Jokowi had agreed to restore cooperation for exercises and defense activities. The defense cooperation would not only be for defense equipment to face conventional war but also to face fourth-generation war with asymmetric characteristics, including information wars aimed at crippling business functions and military operations.
The two leaders also agreed to enhance cooperation in the maritime field. We remember that Australia used to supply Nomad maritime patrol aircraft, which contributed greatly to services. The new cooperation is expected to be not only for defense, but also for the utilization of marine resources.
The two leaders were also equally aware that the foundation for a successful relation is mutual respect for the sovereignty of each. In this regard, Turnbull emphasized his commitment to Indonesia\'s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Meanwhile, the Indonesian President said a strong relationship between Australia and Indonesia could be built, "when both parties can mutually respect their respective territorial integrity, also not mutually interfere in respective domestic affairs and develop partnerships that are beneficial to both parties."
The two leaders also touched on the need to serve as a balance between China and the United States, which have for dozens of years constituted the dominant powers in Asia.
The visit has been accomplished. Now it is time for the two countries to do their homework to harvest its fruit.