Whatmakes one nation curious about another nation? Curious enough that the study ofthe other's culture and language becomes a natural commitment or something thatcould be described as a national project? This question lies behind much of thewriting in this book as it explores the history, education policy and changingfortunes of the Indonesian/Malay language in Australia.

Whileformal education programs are central to this discussion, individual effort andchance encounters with the language are also examined in the context ofAustralia's evolving historical ties with its near neighbours. Theserelationships have grown in importance since the end of the Second World War,but Australians typically continue to view the region as 'testing'. This isexemplified by the Australian-Indonesian relationship, the primary focus ofthis volume. While much has been written on the political relationship, thisbook builds its view of the two countries' interactions on the culturalactivity of language learning. This is, perhaps, the most fundamental ofcultural activities in any effort to promote mutual understanding.