Helmut Kohl's visit<\/p>\n
If sharing a favorite pastime such as fishing together is any
\nindication of fraternity, then President Soeharto's few hours of
\nfishing with visiting German Chancellor Helmut Kohl on Sunday in
\nthe waters around Bira Island demonstrated how the relationship
\nbetween the two statesmen has developed from a mere formal
\nacquaintance to a more lasting and intimate friendship.<\/p>\n
The two leaders actually have much in common. Helmut Kohl, the
\nlongest-serving German chancellor (some observers have compared
\nhim with Bismarck) has been recognized for his success in not
\nonly bringing the two Germanys together in unity, but also for
\nbuilding Germany into the strongest economy in Europe and one of
\nthe world's big powerhouses. Soeharto, who has ruled this country
\nfor 30 years, is recognized as the nation's Bapak Pembangunan
\n(Father of Development) who has rebuilt the country from
\nshambles. In the last decade, the two have met regularly during
\nexchange visits or international conferences. During this
\nparticular visit, the two leaders will no doubt compare notes and
\nexchange experiences.<\/p>\n
The most significance point of Kohl's visit, however, is that
\nit is conducted at a time when Germany is turning its attention
\nto the Asia-Pacific region. After its successful unification,
\nGermany can now focus its attention on the Asia-Pacific region
\nand start implementing what it calls the \"Concept of Asia\", which
\nwas adopted in 1993. The basic idea that underlies the concept is
\nthe view that \"... an active Asia-Pacific policy will also help
\nsecure Germany's future\". Its key point, \"to further develop
\neconomic cooperation\", shows that Germany is eying Asia as a
\nfuture trading partner.<\/p>\n
Although some observers have claimed that the Asia-Pacific
\nregion has started to lose its shine, there is no doubt that it
\nis still -- and for a long time to come will remain -- the most
\ndynamic region in the world. That Germany is lagging behind in
\ntrade with Asia, particularly in comparison with North America,
\nis beyond doubt. Almost one-third of Japanese exports go to the
\nU.S. and scarcely 5 percent to Germany. China today obtains about
\n6 percent of its imports from Germany, but twice as much from the
\nUnited States.<\/p>\n
The last several years have shown signs of Germany's efforts
\nto narrow the gap. Last year saw the establishment of the German
\nCenter for Industry and Trade in Singapore and there are plans to
\nopen similar German Centers in Seoul, Jakarta and Beijing to
\nboost bilateral ties.<\/p>\n
Chancellor Helmut Kohl's visit -- his fifth Asian trip since
\nGerman reunification in 1990 -- along with a large number of
\nbusinessmen and 40 journalists, should be seen from this
\nperspective. But bilateral ties are not a one-way relationship.
\nIt takes two to tango. Therefore, it is up to the Indonesian
\nside, particularly the private sector, to take up the challenges
\nand match Germany's new drive towards Asia.<\/p>\n
Seen from this viewpoint, there is much to be done. Indonesia
\nis still terra incognita for the majority of the German people,
\nexcept for its province of Bali. Unless perhaps some have come to
\nhear of Indonesia as a nation notorious for its red tape, or know
\nit for its ranking as the most corrupt country in the world by
\nDer Spiegel magazine last year. Without extra effort one can
\nexpect that Indonesia might miss this chance and that German
\nbusiness will go to other Asian countries, notably China, India,
\nThailand or Vietnam.<\/p>\n
Apart from business, there is also the question of human
\nrights. It has been reported that Helmut Kohl plans to raise the
\nissue of human rights in Indonesia during his meetings with
\nPresident Soeharto.<\/p>\n
This is an avoidable issue. If we remember right, during his
\nAsian visit in 1995 Kohl said that \"history has shown that any
\ncountry which liberalizes its economy must soon expect its
\ncitizens to demand their civil rights\". The philosophy behind
\nthis is \"change through trade\".<\/p>\n
One should also not forget what German Economy Minister
\nGuenter Rexrodt told a forum in Jakarta Saturday. He said that
\n\"political stability is the key to a favorable climate for
\ninvestment\". And one can expect that this is a point which
\nPresident Soeharto will emphasize.<\/p>\n
The human rights situation will be discussed, but trade and
\ninvestment will remain the most important issue.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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