STATEMENTS BY SENATORS

Senator SHARMA (New South Wales) (13:32): Yesterday marked the 81st anniversary of Indonesia's declaration of independence, and I wanted to wish all Indonesians in Indonesia and the many who also live here in Australia a happy independence day. Selamat Hari Kemerdekaan, Indonesia. From the front porch of a humble house in Jakarta, the declaration at the time, 81 years ago, helped found a nation of 70 million people, gave them the right to self-determination and spread joy across some 17,000 islands and some 5,000 kilometres distance from Jakarta.

And, 81 years later, Indonesia has grown into a nation of over 280 million people. It is the world's third-largest democracy, and the economy is predicted to be in the top 10 within a decade. But, importantly, Indonesia has grown to be a close partner and friend of Australia.

It is a pluralistic and tolerant society. It is one of the destinations that Australians travel to and visit and are most intimately familiar with. It's our close friend, our close neighbour and, in so many respects, with the global challenges we face today, our close partner.

Australia, of course, was one of the earliest and strongest supporters of Indonesian self-determination. Three years after our de facto recognition of the Indonesian government in 1947, it was Australia that had the honour of formally co-sponsoring Indonesia's admission to the United Nations in 1950. Our relationship with Indonesia, although it has had its ups and downs, has continued to strengthen and grow, especially over the last two decades, starting with our response to the horrible Boxing Day tsunami but building through counterterrorism cooperation, maritime cooperation and security cooperation.

Today, I'm proud to represent a state that is home to Australia's largest Indonesian community, and I wish them all a happy independence day.