It kills me that I’m cutting my bloggy break Bali holiday by writing a post on politics, no less. However, this phone tapping debacle has me bursting at the seams with frustration.
For the love of decent, diplomatic relations, just apologize!!!
Stop appeasing voters and supporters, Abbott and take accountability for our government’s mistakes. That’s what we voted you in for, right?
And I don’t even think it’s simply a Coalition government issue. Time and countless times again, past governments (both Labour and Liberal) have had their share of political faux pas with its most strategic neighbour. Forever treating the relationship with such insensitivity and stupidity.
Don’t even get me started on the embarrassing “wires crossed” initial meeting that Julie Bishop recently had with Indonesian’s Foreign Minister, Natalegawa.
The mentality of Indonesia needs us more than we need them” needs to stop. Now.
Why?
Because a country with a population of over 240 million and predicted by the World Bank to be the 7th largest economy by 2030 is something to take seriously.
The streets of Jakarta are bustling with highways and no longer strewn with potholes. I didn’t see anyone drive a car less than 5 years old. Skyscraper apartment buildings show me that more people are entering the middle income bracket, affording decent homes and getting out of the slums by the open sewerage canals.
What was once a quiet cultural and artistic haven surrounded by rice terraces, Ubud in Bali is thriving with retail business and tourism. Having been there 12 years ago, I was gob-smacked by the changes. Ripcurl, Billabong and even Pandora are part of the endless line of foreign shops on the main drag of Monkey Forest Road, indicating that foreign investment (specifically from Australia) is in full force.
I almost gagged on my Balinces crispy roast duck when my friend at dinner told me Ubud land prices are sky-rocketing – doubling in value every 6 months.
Witnessing all the flourishing economic activity, I reckon the World Banks’s got it wrong.
It’s all going to happen for Indonesia before 2030. Waaaaay before.
So, let’s stop the bullshit and give Indonesia the respect it deserves.
Starting with a formal apology.
Christine @ Cooking Crusade says
I couldn’t agree with you more Grace. This is gonna sound dramatic but I fear that this is only the beginning of problems with our international relationships while Tony is in office… What’s next???
Christine @ Cooking Crusade recently posted..We got married!
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says
Well said Grace, it’s quite disgraceful really! Glad that you are taking a break to have a say. Lovely to ‘see’ you – and I couldn’t agree more! xxx
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Rita @ The Crafty Expat says
Well said Grace. Now put the politic aside and enjoy the rest of your holiday!
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generic viagra says
Cool! That’s a clever way of looking at it!
Becc says
Indonesia is indeed thriving. We too were there about 2 years ago and saw an incredible change. I am sure the changes have tripled since then.
I really don’t get government hang ups with the word sorry. I know it’s all “political” but seriously doesn’t a bit of courtesy, humanity and honour come in to it too?
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Lydia C. Lee says
Arrogance and delusion (or ignorance) are strong in politics.
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Renee at Mummy, Wife, Me says
A close friend of mine lives in Indonesia and I get to see on a weekly basis through her stories and photos how the country is thriving. It definitely is time for an apology. Meanwhile, loving your holiday pics and the opportunity to live vicariously through you!
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Robomum says
Happy to hear about how Indo is thriving, from someone in the know. Enjoy the rest of your hols X
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Lauren @ Createbakemake says
Very well said, and hopefully there will be an apology soon. I’ve never had the chance to travel to Indonesia, but it’s certainly on my ‘must go’ list. I hope you enjoy the rest of your holiday x
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rhian @melbs says
Well said, I think you’ll be whistling for an apology though, these are politicians after all.
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Leanne Winter says
Grace, you’ve summed up nicely what I think so many of us are thinking. What is the average Indonesian thinking, I wonder. I would be interested to know if you’ve been able to pick up a sense of this. What an unfortunate downer to your holiday. x
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Emily says
Glad you stopped your break to get this off your chest. Because now you can enjoy the rest! And the flight home… fun, hey?!
Sorry your holiday’s nearly over, but looking forward to having you back! Stay safe x
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Annie says
Despite the failings of our government to take responsibility for their actions, I hope you are getting some quality rest and recreation on your break.
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