Turnbull in Indonesia charm offensive

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has held his first talks with Indonesia’s president Joko Widodo – the first of such talks in a year.

“One of the shining moments, proudest moments, of Australia’s contribution to global affairs was the diplomatic support provided the immediate post-war era for Indonesia’s struggle for independence and sovereignty”, he said.

Mr Turnbull says they have a background in business in common, and a shared focus on jobs and growth.

The visit comes just a week ahead of more than 300 business chiefs and four cabinet ministers taking part in Australia’s largest-ever delegation to Indonesia.

In formal talks, Mr Turnbull said the two leaders would look for ways to enhance trade and investment.

Australia has provided fire fighting equipment to help tackle the fires in Borneo and Sumatra that have coated the region in risky haze and resulted in 19 deaths and half a million respiratory tract infections.

The extent of the thawing will be demonstrated when Mr Turnbull joins Mr Widodo and ministers on a marketplace meet and greet, known as a blusukan.

But with anxiety in Jakarta growing over Beijing’s intentions and Turnbull looking to build bridges to Asia, the visit is key for both sides, said Adrian Vickers, director of the Asian Studies Center at the University of Sydney.

Tony Abbott came to power promising to elevate the relationship to new heights but it suffered a series of blows, starting with revelations Australia had spied on the northern neighbour during the Labor years. Australia took the unprecedented step of recalling its ambassador from Jakarta for several weeks following the executions.

In what is the broadest worldwide sojourn by an Australian PM since Kevin Rudd’s entry onto the world leadership stage, Malcolm Turnbull’s jam packed schedule includes visits to five nations; starting with Indonesia, then on to Germany, then Turkey for the G-20, followed by the Philippines for APEC, and finally Malaysia for the East Aria Summit.