Indonesia complains about travel advice

Jakarta is turning up the heat on Australia to tone down its travel advisories for Indonesia.For some years it has taken issue with Canberra's advice to travellers to think twice about travelling to Indonesia.As ministers from the two nations gathered in Sydney for a high level conference on the bilateral relationship, Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda called on Australia to follow the lead of other nations, which had eased their travel advice as the terrorist threat receded."In past years we did not experience any terrorist bombings in Indonesia," he told reporters."The exchange (between Australia and Indonesia) in the field of education has been much affected by the travel advice."The issue is likely to be one of many raised during a three-day conference in Sydney, which is being launched by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on Thursday night.Indonesia was the first country visited by Mr Rudd when he became prime minister and he believes the solid partnership will be crucial to dealing with issues like climate change and the economic crisis."The close relationship between Australia and Indonesia will be a vital asset in this fight to see our countries through," Mr Rudd said in a written copy of his speech.He signalled Indonesia would be a crucial player in Australia's vision for an Asia Pacific Community.But that vision could be hampered by America's decision to consider signing the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, which would give it entry to the East Asia Summit, potentially making it the pre-eminent forum in the region.Mr Rudd lauded economic ties between the Australia and Indonesia, suggesting a free trade agreement could further enhance relations."An FTA would be a major new step in the bilateral relationship," Mr Rudd said."Indonesia's continued stability and growth is critical to Australia."Trade Minister Simon Crean and his Indonesian counterpart Mari Pangestu received on Thursday the final report of a joint feasibility study on an Australian-Indonesian FTA.Mr Crean told reporters the feasibility study showed there were "worthwhile benefits" for both countries in pursuing a deal."Both of us see that as the sensible way forward," he said.Mr Crean said he would now discuss the next step in the process with his ministerial colleagues, including further public consultation."The Australia-Indonesia trade relationship has not kept pace with the growing strength of many other aspects of the bilateral relationship," he said."A bilateral FTA could help realise the significant untapped potential in our trade relationship."

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