On the 14^th of July 2014, AIIA Tasmania welcomed Professor Tim Lindsey to discuss with us the implications of the  concurrent Indonesian presidential elections.

Professor Tim Lindsey is the Malcolm Smith Professor of Asian Law and Director of the Centre for Indonesian Law, Islam and Society at the Melbourne Law School. He is also the Chairperson of the Australian-Indonesian institute, a Melbourne Graduate, and extensively published scholar. Specialising in Asian, Indonesian, and Islamic law, his publications including Indonesia: Law and Society; Law Reform in Developing Countries; The Indonesian Constitution; and Corruption in Asia.

The discussion started with a brief but revealing look into the history of Indonesia; from late colonial history through to modern attitudes that shape the way Indonesia views Australia. Naturally, special emphasis was placed on the current political and social environment, and it was through this lens that Professor Lindsey introduced us to the respective favorites in the election. Throughout the evening, the social and political attitudes in both Indonesia and Australia were used to help us understand international relevance and consequences of the election. From Indonesian insecurities around its maritime borders to the growing role that it seems destined to fulfill in the region, social and political factors where used in an informing and enlightening way to deliver an all round engaging evening.

All in all, Professor Lindsey provided an excellent discussion on the implications of the Indonesian Presidential Election and its implications for Australia.