Jakarta, Canberra relations can and must be rebuilt<\/p>\n
This is the second of two articles based on remarks by former
\nambassador S. Wiryono at a gathering organized by the Indonesia-
\nAustralia Business Council in Jakarta on Nov. 2, 1999.<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Having discussed the role and influence of the
\nmedia, this question pops up: Under the present difficult
\ncircumstances, how do we rebuild the next chapter in our
\nrelationship?<\/p>\n
There is no question that we cannot continue the relations at
\nthis low point forever. It is unnatural for such close neighbors.
\nSooner or later, relations will have to improve for the better.
\nThe question is: when and how?<\/p>\n
The Jakarta government now has to weigh-in the factor of
\ndomestic constituencies, some of whom have rightly or wrongly
\ndeveloped strong negative views about Australia.<\/p>\n
The new government in Jakarta has also become very sensitized
\nto any foreign gestures suspected as being patronizing or
\nintrusive.<\/p>\n
But both Jakarta and Canberra know geopolitical realities
\ndictate that ultimately the interests of both sides lie in closer
\nand stable relations. Stable Australia-Indonesian relations are
\nalso important for the region of Southeast Asia in general.<\/p>\n
Our close cooperation in the Cambodian peace process, in the
\ndevelopment of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, in
\nthe Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) regional
\nforum, in the United Nations, in the ever-growing trade and
\neconomic relations prior to the crisis, all attest to this
\nthesis. We have much to gain by cooperation and close relations,
\nand much to lose by their absence.<\/p>\n
In this, the vast network of personal relations between
\nIndonesian and Australian government officials, opinion-makers,
\nacademics, military officers and businessmen, which have taken
\nyears to cultivate, will become the most important asset in
\nrebuilding this relationship.<\/p>\n
If events in the past few months have taught us anything, it
\nis that our relations are a two-way street, and that friendship,
\ntrust and confidence must be gained the hard, old fashioned way
\n-- they must be earned.<\/p>\n
In as much as domestic sentiments matter, our governments must
\nalso resist temptations to sacrifice our bilateral relations at
\nthe altar of domestic politics.<\/p>\n
Over the years, the relationship between Indonesia and
\nAustralia has been growing, despite the fact that it is accident-
\nprone and has the tendency to behave like a roller-coaster. After
\nclimbing up slowly, it can suddenly dive. So the challenge is how
\nto make it stable.<\/p>\n
Before the current crisis, I was under the impression that its
\nmaturity was stabilizing, but the shock that it has suffered
\nrecently has been deep. The feeling of hurt on the Indonesian
\nside is widespread, and is basically caused by the perceived
\n\"insensitiveness\", \"intrusiveness\" and \"boastfulness\" of the
\nAustralian side.<\/p>\n
Be that as it may, the relationship can and must be rebuilt,
\nnot only for the sake of bilateral relations but also for
\nregional stability. And there are reasons to be optimistic:<\/p>\n
First, the two countries remain committed to the integration
\nprocess of the economies of the Asia Pacific region (APEC). We in
\nIndonesia of course acknowledge that Australia's role in the
\nformation of APEC has been pivotal.<\/p>\n
Second, the two countries continue to be committed and share
\nthe responsibility for contributing to regional security and
\nregional (SEA) stability. There are regional forums in which the
\ntwo countries continue to be engaged. Essential to regional
\nstability are sound Australia-Indonesian relations.<\/p>\n
Third, the economic, business and cultural complimentarily
\nremain in place but need to be nurtured. While current
\ninteraction in trade, education, culture and tourism are slowing
\ndown, these areas of cooperation continue to have high potential.
\nIn time the wounds will heal and mutual respect will be restored
\nbetween the two countries.<\/p>\n
However, I also realize that our relationship is so complex
\nthat no one can claim to have a complete picture. Therefore, men
\nand women of goodwill on both sides of the relationship need to
\ndiscuss and share objective observations and useful insights to
\nbe better equipped to help chart the course of our future and
\nmore stable relationship.<\/p>\n
A few observations would be helpful in avoiding the pitfalls
\nof our accident-prone relationship.<\/p>\n
First, the return of Indonesia to democracy, stability and a
\nhealthy economy is best for Australia, our neighbor and the
\nworld. Clearly, what happens in Indonesia affects our neighbor.
\nThe democratization process in Indonesia is still consolidating
\nwhat will hopefully lead to a stable situation that in turn will
\nlead to faster economic recovery.<\/p>\n
Second, developments in Indonesia are interesting subject to
\nscrutiny, but an overmuscular approach in scrutinizing Indonesia
\nby both government and non-governmental organizations, as well as
\nthe media, can be counterproductive and could lead to an
\nIndonesia that feels unjustifiably pushed around. A more
\nconstructive approach is needed.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, Indonesians also need to accustom
\nthemselves to strong criticism and not to be oversensitive with
\ncriticism.<\/p>\n
Third, the new leadership of Indonesia inherited an economy
\nthat has been partly stabilized and rebuilt, but the crisis is
\nnot over yet and the bleeding continues.<\/p>\n
The challenges that still lie ahead are formidable. Indonesia
\nclearly needs the assistance and understanding from its neighbors
\nand the international community. Australia in the past has stated
\nthat she is not just a fair weather friend of Indonesia, but a
\nfriend for all weather, in good times and in bad times. The test
\nof friendship is indeed in times of need. This is the right time
\nto prove that such an adage holds true for Indonesia-Australia
\nrelations.<\/p>",
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