Indonesia

Indonesia as a threat

The Lowy Institute has surveyed Australians on their views about Indonesia for 18 years, and their responses have started to demonstrate growing awareness about our largest neighbour. Past polling has consistently shown that most Australians do not view Indonesia as a democracy. In 2022, the level of awareness about Indonesia as a democracy has reached a new record high, with 48% agreeing Indonesia is a democracy, a nine-point increase from 2020.

In 2021, there was been a notable lift in trust, with almost half (48%) say they trust Indonesia, an increase of 12 points from the previous year. This has been maintained in 2022, where a bare majority of Australians (51%) trust Indonesia. Similarly, although Australians’ trust in Indonesia has improved in the past year, only a third of Australians (32%) have confidence in Indonesian President Joko Widodo. However, this marks a six-point increase from 2021.

Indonesia also receives its highest rating on the Lowy Institute feelings thermometer of a warm 57°, 11 degrees warmer than the low point in 2015 (46°).

Indonesia
Indonesia as a threat

Question

Do you think Indonesia is more of a threat to Australia or less of a threat than it was 15 years ago, or has there been no change?

This question was asked in 2010.