ABC AUSTRALIA, Monday October 2, 2006 1:35pm (AEST)
Most Australians suspicious of Indonesia: poll
A new poll has found most Australians are wary of neighbouring Indonesia, despite
knowing little about the country.
Nearly two-thirds of those surveyed in the poll by the Lowy Institute for Foreign Policy
believe Indonesia is a dangerous source of Islamic terrorism and a military threat to
Australia.
But Lowy Institute executive director Allan Gyngell says the poll shows many
Australians' opinions are based on a mixture of ignorance and suspicion.
"There are very low levels of knowledge," he said.
"Although Indonesia has now been a very successful democracy since 1998, most
Australians think that Indonesia is controlled by the military.
"Only 20 per cent of Australians can name the Indonesian President."
The poll has also found 84 per cent of people surveyed believe the Iraq War has done
nothing to deter terrorists.
The poll also shows Indonesians are widely suspicious of Australian involvement in
their affair! s.
The countries disagree on whether Australia has been a good friend and neighbour.
But there are some points of agreement - residents of both countries view the
relationship between Australia and Indonesia as important.
They also agree the United States has too much influence on Australia's policies
towards Indonesia.
More than 2,000 people in Australia and Indonesia were surveyed for the poll.
© 2006 Australian Broadcasting Corporation |
