We can learn Indonesian, Chinese and other Asian languages. We can also trade and work with those countries. We can also learn from them. However, we should be aware of the differences in our outlooks.

I was taken aback when Keating came back with a treaty signed the then Indonesian government headed by Suharto. The Indonesian army, especially the Australian trained Kopassus Division had committed atrocities including not only their own people and the territories they occupied but also murdering Australian reporters in East Timor. Indonesia possibly will change their educational system in the near future. At present their plan is to replace science, English and social studies with courses in nationalism, the official Indonesian language and religion. Alexander Aan, an Indonesian, stated that he was an atheist on facebook and is serving a term in prison for that 'offense.' It is clear that they are rejecting not only our values and our freedoms but also modernity itself.

Those are internal matters for the Indonesians, but it affects their relations with the outside world. We are in this part of the world, but we do not and should not accept many of their values. I am not a young person, but, if I were and were thinking of my future, I would prefer not to have much to do with Indonesia.

For a thorough critique of "this puffed self-important , childish document" see Binoy Kampmark, Counterpunch, Oct 31,2012.
I fear that this is but a foretaste of the confusion about China in the forthcoming Defence White Paper. Leslie

...The Asian nations are built on crime corruption and drugs, (with a large dose of extortion and slave labour). This is a world Abbott and Howard were prepared to engage, with their innovation of “work choices”. Unfortunately for them their attempts were futile, since Australians (as such), were not prepared to live in cardboard boxes on the streets, as do our Asian neighbors, as the reward for servitude.

...The only true engagement with Asia is on their terms; co-joining in corrupt dealings. Would Australia possess the "bas*@*dry" to slaughter a third of the population of a subservient country like Timor? No, not directly. We have the timidity to stand meekly by and watch others perform the act though… while our beautiful bowing Asian neighbors of Indonesia proved their capability!

...I don’t personally wish to join them thanks all the same Julia. But I am quite happy to support USA in attempts to keep them under control: So my version of Asian engagement extends to more US military bases in the North end of Australia, a sign which may force some subservience from them towards good manners!

David f is absolutely right. Until the Indos get their snouts out of West Papua and punish the protected killers of the East Timorese and of our five journos our links with them should be strictly formal.

Diver dan has posted and to my applause for david f's post may I add applause also to diver dan's?

Until the Indos get their snouts out of West Papua
Emperor Julian,
Isn't that a bit like saying East Coast Australians should get their snouts out of the Pilbara ?