Special Open Forum: Whither Indonesia? A Perspective from One of Australia’s Most Experienced Diplomats on June 27, 2025
On June 27, 2025, USINDO had the unique opportunity to host a Special Open Forum and hear from one of Australia’s most experienced diplomats on Australia’s perspective on Indonesia: its past, present, and future.
John McCarthy was Australian Ambassador to Indonesia from 1997-2000, the period covering the Asian Financial Crisis, Indonesia's transition to democracy, and the Timor Independence ballot.
Previously he had been Ambassador to Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand, and the United States. He subsequently served as Ambassador to Japan and High Commissioner to India.
McCarthy will trace Australia's often turbulent relationship with Indonesia and give an Australian view of Indonesia's future regional and global role. Will it be what has sometimes been termed as a "small, big country" or will it live up to its potential?
Full Biography of Speaker:
John McCarthy was born of Australian parents in 1942 in Washington DC. He has an MA and LLB from Cambridge University.
After three years as a barrister in London and working with the New York Law firm of Shearman and Sterling, he joined the Australian Foreign service in 1968.
McCarthy had three postings in Washington, including as Ambassador from 1995 to 1997. He also served earlier as Ambassador to Vietnam, Mexico and Thailand. Subsequently he became Ambassador to Indonesia and Japan and High Commissioner to India.
In Canberra, McCarthy's assignments included Chief-of-Staff to the Foreign Minister, Chief Legal Officer and Deputy Secretary.
On retirement from government, McCarthy was Chair of the Australia-India Council, Co-convenor of the Australia-Indonesia Dialogue and National President of the Australian Institute of International Affairs. He is currently a Vice-Chancellor's Fellow at Melbourne University and a Senior Adviser to Mitsubishi Materials Corporation, Tokyo.
The United States-Indonesia Society's mission is strengthening mutual understanding between the United States and Indonesia, enhancing the bilateral relationship, and deepening the U.S.-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. We implement our mission through public discussions in each country and long-term bi-national programs in the education, legislative, and other sectors.
USINDO | 1616 P Street, NW, Suite 230 Washington DC, 20036, United States
The Plaza Tower, Floor 41, JL. M.H. Thamrin Kav 28 - 30, Jakarta, Indonesia