Jokowi’s visit shows the power of personal diplomacy

There always will be ample scope for conflict in Australia–Indonesia relations, due to different political and cultural priorities, but when conflict does arise, the ability of leaders to talk frankly and limit the fallout can prove pivotal.

China can’t avoid a clash over Hong Kong

Clashes between nervous autocrats in Beijing and Hong Kong’s young pro-democracy activists may have severe repercussions for the region.

Remembering the lessons and legacies of Australia’s East Timor intervention

Just over 20 years ago, a letter from Australian prime minister John Howard to the president of Indonesia, B.J. Habibie, set in motion a chain of events that would lead to East Timor’s passage to nationhood.