More to Indonesia than an exploding volcano.
Most Australian’s interest in Indonesia over the past three months has had only one focus: Mt Agung. The erupting volcano has thrown the travel plans of thousands of people into chaos leaving many frustrated and confused Australian holidaymakers wondering if heading to Bali is such a good idea anyway? The Mt Agung disaster has understandably received huge media coverage; not unusual as every time things go badly wrong in Bali, whether it be executions, boat people or spiked drinks, Australian’s suddenly become very ‘interested’ in our n…
ISIS expansion into The Philippines belies another threat to our long-term security.
For several years, foreign minister Julie Bishop has warned Australians that ISIS would seek to use returning Islamic fighters from South-East Asia to establish a foothold in our immediate region. Recent events in the Southern Philippines city of Marawi have proved Ms Bishop right. But another subtle threat also exists even closer to home; in Indonesia. The threat comes from Saudi Arabia as it uses its enormous wealth and influence to win-over the minds and hearts of Indonesia’s majority Muslim population - the world’s largest with ove…
Indonesia - A Smoking Paradise
As Western countries place increasing pressure on the large cigarette companies they have now found the ‘perfect’ market.... By Ross B. Taylor AM Arrive at Indonesia’s international airport in Jakarta, and you can’t miss the number of billboards telling you that smoking is ‘part of the good life’. And if you believe the message of these large and imposing advertisements, smoking is even better if you are young and are seeking ‘fun, happiness’ and an ‘active’ life. As western countries like Australia and the US A enforce even…
Schapelle Corby: The enduring 'big news' story.
By Ross B. Taylor AM Remarkably, the Schapelle Corby story was set to define not only the perceptions of Indonesia by many Australians, but also to define the bi-lateral relationship over an extended period as from late 2004. So why was this case, involving a young woman from Australia who had been charged with importing marijuana into Bali, propelled to become such a major issue both within Indonesia and Australia? A combination of factors and timing combined to create the incredible interest in this case: Firstly, it needs to b…
Flaws in Indonesia’s judiciary exposed as former Jakarta governor ‘Ahok’ jailed for two years.
By Ross B. Taylor By any measurement Indonesia has made an amazing transformation from a ruthless dictatorship to a vibrant and mostly open democracy within the past 19 years. Even the much maligned police force has slowly begun to transform itself as evidenced by the outstanding relationship formed between the National Police (POLRI) and Australia’s Federal Police (AFP) on terrorism issues. Indonesia’s judiciary however, continues to be a significant drag the image of this young nation as the world watches as case-after-c…
Please exercise extreme care when riding motor bikes in Asia - including Bali
May I plead with the 1.1 million Australians who holiday in Bali each year to take extreme care if riding motor bikes there. I have spent 45 years traveling to, and living in, Indonesia and often have used my own transport. Driving anywhere in Asia is NOT like Australia for several reasons. Only on last Thursday night a 26 year old Australian woman was killed after crashing her motor scooter in Canggu, north of the popular district of Seminyak. She was reportedly not wearing a secured helmet. Not only do many Australians …
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