Tense political relations between Australia and Indonesia have been put to one side as Indonesian Vice-President Boediono outlined his vision for the future of his country in a speech in Perth.
In a lecture hosted by his former University of Western Australia, Dr Boediono steered clear of any mention of boats or spies as he addressed the gathered dignitaries and students.
Instead, he outlined the need for Indonesia to continue the battle against corruption and the funding of education as the cornerstones of the development of democracy.
Dr Boediono's visit has been overshadowed by the political and diplomatic wrangling over the Abbott government's asylum seeker policy.
Just hours earlier, Minister Scott Morrison said there was "no rhyme or reason" to why Indonesian authorities would not take stricken asylum seekers back to their shores.
It had been revealed that in recent weeks Indonesia has allowed two boatloads of asylum seekers to be returned after their boats met trouble at sea.
But in two other cases the passengers were not allowed back and had to be taken by the Australian Navy to Christmas Island for processing.
In his lecture, Dr Boediono made no direct mention of the relationship between Australia and its nearest neighbour.
But he did admit his country was still battling with corruption as the number one enemy of the people, while also battling against the "distortions and noises" of an expanding democracy.
In an echo of debate in Australia, Dr Boediono said in his view there was needed a better quality of political candidate and more vigorous rules on the funding of political parties.
Dr Boediono was giving the 52nd Shannon Memorial Lecture to students of the university from which he graduated in 1967.
Before his lecture, Dr Boediono had a private meeting with state premier Colin Barnett, with another appointment to meet Indonesian students from UWA's business school later in the day.
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