ASEAN solidarity<\/p>\n
Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri has embarked on a
\nvisit to 10 ASEAN member countries with a view to enhance the
\nrelations between Indonesia and its ASEAN partners that were
\nsomewhat neglected during the previous administration.<\/p>\n
Because Megawati has the full support of the House of
\nRepresentatives and because Indonesia's economy is showing signs,
\nthough still faint, of recovery, Megawati could afford to make
\nthe foreign trip when at home Indonesia still faces serious
\nproblems affecting the state budget and danger from separatist
\nmovements. Megawati may believe that international support or
\njust empathy for her government may strengthen Indonesia's
\neconomic chances of survival.<\/p>\n
A cluster of ASEAN countries are economically dependent on
\nforeign assistance, the exceptions being Malaysia and Singapore,
\nwhile Myanmar rejects any foreign aid or even foreign capital
\ninvestment. Originally, the grouping was seen as anticommunist in
\ndesign while seeking to establish regional stability and peace to
\ncontribute to world harmony. But now it includes also communist
\ncountries with liberal economic systems like Vietnam and
\nCambodia.<\/p>\n
Foreign policy has not been included on the present
\ngovernment's list of priorities, unlike economic recovery and
\ndealing with internal dissent. The fact that Megawati left the
\ncountry so soon after her installment as president indicates that
\ninternational ties are just as important to maintain as internal
\nmatters.<\/p>\n
There are, however, some critics who consider Megawati's trip
\ncould have waited until there is more tangible improvement at
\nhome. They fear that once she starts traveling around, she may
\nfall into the same trap as her predecessor, former president
\nAbdurrahman Wahid, who was known for his penchant for globe-
\ntrotting irrespective of conditions at home.<\/p>\n
It is my sincere hope that Megawati should heed suggestions
\nand be wise enough to learn from other leaders' mistakes if she
\nis really determined to maintain her gotong royong (mutual
\ncooperation) administration until 2004.<\/p>\n
GANDHI SUKARDI<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/asean-solidarity-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }