Prime Minister Tony Abbott has said in a statement on Thursday that he believes there is enough scope for Australia and Indonesia to become “trusted partners” despite the events in the recent past that have affected the bilateral ties between the two countries.
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Rizal explained that the government had set up criteria for countries that could enjoy visa-free entry into Indonesia.
The CNN Indonesia report also said that three nations that have contributed greatly to tourist arrivals – Australia, India and Taiwan – would be included on the list, which has to be approved by Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
However, Australians travelling to Bali will still have to fork out $50 in visa fees, despite Jakarta’s willingness to scrap the charge. The execution was followed by a number of other developments like Australia’s decision to turn back migrant boats and slashing down live cattle import from Australia by Indonesia.
Indonesia has received its first shipment of Australian cattle after a dramatic import cut.
Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has ruled out changing Australia’s no-exemptions policy for tourists from any country, discussing the issue with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi at a ” warm and constructive ” breakfast meeting in Sydney on Thursday.
He said the government’s previous policy to waive visas for 45 countries had proved positive with tourist arrivals increasing by 15 percent.
It seems like a sign there are still significant tensions between our land and Oz, despite Bishop’s assertion from today that relations between our countries are now “in very good shape”.
“Retno Marsudi and I keep in constant contact … much to the chagrin of our diplomats”, Ms Bishop said.
The well-known user of social media, and particularly emojis, in global diplomacy said she had been texting Ms Marsudi regularly.
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Trade Minister Andrew Robb is expected to lead a business mission to Indonesia soon.
