News analysis

Jokowi’s ‘low-key’ visit to Australia marks a welcome calm between neighbours with chequered past

Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese held cordial talks without major announcements. PHOTO: REUTERS
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SYDNEY - Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed Indonesian President Joko Widodo to Sydney on Tuesday with a declaration that Canberra has no relationship more important than the one with Jakarta – a claim that is now standard among Australian leaders.

Despite this lofty declaration, Mr Widodo’s three-day visit that ended on Wednesday was surprisingly low-key.

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