Reluctant Indonesians

In 1999 East Timor emerged victorious as an independent nation after a long struggle for liberation from Indonesia. But East Timor's hard-won independence also created a major crisis in Australia's relationship with Indonesia and jeopardised the stability of South-East Asia.

Now the movement for independence has shifted to another part of the Indonesian archipelago, and once again they are looking to Australia for support. As the strength of West Papuan nationalism grows, so does the pressure on our diplomatic relations with Indonesia – when the Department of Immigration issued temporary protection visas to forty-two West Papuans who sought asylum in Australia, Indonesia withdrew its ambassador in protest. As the West Papuan cause wins the hearts of the Australian public and media, fears are growing within Indonesian military and diplomatic circles that West Papua will become the next East Timor.

Clinton Fernandes surveys the rise of the West Papuan independence movement, its potential to succeed, and its likely impact on Australia, Indonesia, and the region. He looks to the lessons that can be learnt from East Timor, and offers tactical insights into the challenges that Australia faces as it negotiates its future in the region.

Reluctant Indonesians is a timely and thoughtful look at the changing face of Australia's neighbours.