Distinction in travel journalism
Is independent travel journalism important to you?
Click here to keep it independent

27 Nov, 2013

The bad neighbor story: Malaysia yesterday, Australia today? | Jakarta Post

On Indonesian news websites, two topics have attracted hundreds of comments: Islam and Malaysia. But now Malaysia has been replaced by Australia as the bad neighbor in Indonesian stories.

The Indonesian government has been active in pursuing claims and taking a stand against Australia’s stance, compared to the relatively tamer reactions in squabbles with Malaysia.

The issues of interest are allegations of Australian espionage in Indonesia and Indonesia’s refusal to accept 60 boat people rescued by an Australian Border Patrol ship in Indonesian search and rescue zone.

While the cause of the Indonesian public’s displeasure with Australia is clear in the first issue, it is less clear in the second, which is actually a complex subject.

Read the rest: The bad neighbor story: Malaysia yesterday, Australia today? | The Jakarta Post.