In this episode of ASPI’s special series ‘SBY’s tears: From managing crisis to managing process in Australia-Indonesia relations since the fall of Suharto’ Dr David Engel and Hillary Mansour speak to Ric Smith AO, PSM, who was Australia’s Ambassador to Indonesia from 2001. The conversation explores economic reform after the Asian Financial Crisis, the end of Gus Dur’s presidency and the beginning of Megawati’s presidency, and the state of Australia’s relationship with Indonesia during Smith’s tenure. They also discuss the Tampa affair and the 2002 Bali bombings, and how Australia should engage with its northern neighbour.

For more information and to listen to all episodes in this series, visit: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/sbys-tears-managing-crisis-managing-process-australia-indonesia-relations-fall-suharto

Guests (in order of appearance):

Dr David Engel: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-engel

Ric Smith AO, PSM: https://sdsc.bellschool.anu.edu.au/experts-publications/experts/ric-smith-ao-psm

Hillary Mansour: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/hillary-mansour