REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesia has congratulated new Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and is ready to cooperate with his new administration in strengthening bilateral relations, Foreign Affairs Ministry's spokesperson Arrmanatha Nasir stated.

Nasir noted here on Wednesday that Indonesia, as a neighbor and friend, is ready to work with the new Australian government to continue the relations based on mutual respect and benefits.

Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Paul Grigson refused to give further comments related to the new government of Australia, but affirmed that Indonesia and Australia had experienced several ups and downs in their relations over the years, yet the basis of the relationship would continue to remain strong.

"I think our relations have a strong foundation, particularly in the fields of education and business," he pointed out.

Evi Fitriani, the head of the International Relations Department of Politic and Social Faculty at the University of Indonesia, remarked that the change in leadership has provided an opportunity for renewing ties between both nations.

Fitriani noted that Prime Minister Turnbull may adopt a different approach to maintaining bilateral relations with Indonesia compared to former prime minister Tony Abbott.

Fitriani is of the view that Abbott's approach was not in line with Indonesia's style of diplomacy, and his language was too harsh.

During Abbott's administration, the relations between Australia and Indonesia were strained due to some incidents, including the turning back of refugee boats to Indonesian territory and his statement urging Indonesia to return the tsunami aid, among others, that had grabbed the attention of the public and media of both countries.

Turnbull is the fifth prime minister in eight years after the ruling Liberal Party on Monday voted out Abbott in favor of longtime rivalry, following months of infighting and diminishing voter support.

Despite winning over the voters' support, Peter Chen, a political scientist from the University of Sydney, pointed out that Turnbull faced the same problem as Kevin Rudd, a former Labor prime minister, who was toppled by his own party.

Turnbull is popular with the public but not necessarily within his own party, Chen said as quoted by Reuters.

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