REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Presidential candidate No. 1, Prabowo Subianto commented about the relationship between Indonesia and Australia recently. His rival, Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo asked him why Indonesia's relationship with Australia tends to run hot and cold. He said that Indonesia was not a threat to Australia.

"We are not a threat to Australia because we want to be a friend. It was our obligation to convince Australia, we want to be good neighbors," Prabowo said in third presidential debate on Sunday evening.

According to the four star general, the up and down relationship between Indonesia and Australia was caused Australia's suspicion to Indonesia. It occured because Indonesia ever conducted military actions that might cause Australia's concern.

"The problem is not in Indonesia, but maybe in Australia. They have a phobia about Indonesia," former military commander added.

Jokowi then had an opportunity to explain his views on the question. According to him, there were two issues in Australia-Indonesia relationship, namely trust and respect. The issue of trust has came recently through phone tapping scandal involved President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and the First Lady, Ani Yudhoyono.

Prabowo said that Indonesia should firmly maintain the core national interests in developing relationship with other countries.

"We have no problem with Australia," he added.

Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika