Update Book Launches

Different Societies, Shared Futures: Australia, Indonesia and the Region (Editor John Monfries; Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore, 2006).

William Farmer, Hassan Wirayuda, Hadi Soesastro and Chris Manning at the Jakarta launch of Different Societies, Shared Futures.

This book is the product of the 23rd Update conference, and was well and truly launched by mid August, with events in Jakarta, Singapore and Canberra. Speakers focused on many themes adumbrated in the book — the unpredictability of the relationship and the often highly emotional nature of public reactions on both sides, as well as more positive aspects, such as constructive cooperation in disaster relief and rehabilitation, and in multilateral forums.

A very successful and well-attended book launch and all day seminar were held in Jakarta on July 4. The opening address was given by the Indonesian foreign minister, Hassan Wirayuda, with a response by the Australian Ambassador, William Farmer. The seminar featured book contributors including former Indonesian Ambassador to Australia Wiryono, and Indonesia Australia Business Council President Noke Kiroyan. Valuable contributions were made also by the trade minister, Mari Pangestu, former foreign minister Ali Alatas, parliamentary member Muhammad Hikam, and senior Australian journalist Patrick Walters.

Mr Hamzah Thayeb, Indonesian Ambassador to Australia

On July 5, a launch in Singapore by the Australian High Commissioner, Miles Kupa, at the premises of the book's publisher, the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS), was attended by approximately 50 people.

Finally, a third launch, by the Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Ms Teresa Gambaro MP, was held at the ANU on August 9, and attended by the Indonesian Ambassador to Australia, Mr Hamzah Thayeb, and an audience of some 50 people.