Tense talks loom with Indonesian president after Hanson muslim ban demand
Indonesian President Joko Widodo was enjoying a private, relaxed dinner at Malcolm Turnbull’s Point Piper Manson on Saturday, a sign of an improved relationship with Australia.
But talks on Sunday could be more tense, as the two leader’s discuss calls for a ban on muslim immigration to Australia.
Sydney could not have set a soggier scene for Joko Widodo’s first flight down under.
The Indonesian president is there for just two days of talks with a lot on the agenda.
Negotiations over a free trade deal are the first priority.
Stronger security ties will also be discussed, with both nations concerned about the return of foreign fighters from Syria and Iraq, and tensions in the South China Sea.
Justice Minister Michael Keenan has said Australia and Indonesia can continue to enhance their cooperation.
But that cooperation was derailed last month.
Indonesian troops were withdrawn from Australia and military cooperation suspended over insulting training material at a Perth SAS base.
“We don’t need to smooth over the relationship. It’s never been stronger,” Mr Keenan said.
This might be harder to smooth over: President Widodo is expected to raise concerns over Pauline Hanson in his one-on-one meeting with Mr Turnbull on Sunday, particularly her calls for a ban on muslim immigration and a Royal Commission into Islam.
Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim nation.
Senator Hanson says she will not tone down her views for the sake of the relationship.
“I will not be quiet on my views and what I think just to appease them,” she said.
