Indonesia
The Lowy Institute Poll has surveyed Australians on their views about Indonesia for 15 years, and their answers continue to demonstrate a lack of knowledge about our largest neighbour. Lowy Institute polling has consistently shown that most Australians do not view Indonesia as a democracy. In 2019, despite Indonesia’s presidential election campaign taking place at the same time as the fieldwork for the Poll, only 34% of Australians agree that ‘Indonesia is a democracy’.
Indonesia and democracy
Now a question about Indonesia. Do you personally agree or disagree that Indonesia is a democracy?
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Indicates change in mode: see 2024 Methodology.
Indicates change in mode: see 2024 Methodology.
A majority of Australians (61%, up nine points from 2018) say ‘Australia is managing its relationship with Indonesia well’. As in previous years, most Australians agree that Indonesia is an important economy to Australia (62%). However, around a third of Australians (37%) say that the Indonesian government has worked hard to fight terrorism, up five points from last year.