Message from Ambassador Robin Christopher<\/p>\n
The United Kingdom celebrates the official Birthday of Her
\nMajesty Queen Elizabeth II on June 13. This is the equivalent to
\nour national day. It is a time for some pomp and ceremony at home
\nwith the well-known Trooping of the Colour as well as a holiday
\nfor many. It can also be a time for reflection. For us in
\nIndonesia, having witnessed such historic events in recent weeks,
\nit is a time to think about the future and about our presence
\nhere.<\/p>\n
The United Kingdom has a considerable stake in Indonesia. We
\nare the second-largest investor after Japan. Many of the largest
\nBritish companies have a sizable presence in key sectors,
\nrepresenting a long-term commitment to this country and a faith
\nin its future. British industry has contributed, through this
\ninvestment, to the remarkable record of economic growth which
\nIndonesia has enjoyed over the last two to three decades. We are
\nproud of that contribution from which all have benefited.<\/p>\n
Now we have hit rough times. And just as we shared in
\nIndonesia's past success, we are now sharing the anxieties and
\nthe trauma of dramatic change. The economic whirlwind which has
\nhit the whole region since last July has increased in intensity
\nin Indonesia and, so far, shows no sight of abating. It has swept
\naside old political structures and ushered in new freedoms and an
\nera of reform the like of which has not been seen for almost a
\ngeneration.<\/p>\n
The wind of change is refreshing, but it is also unsettling.
\nThe recent tragic violence was like the birth pains of this new,
\nunknown world in which Indonesia now finds itself. The challenge
\nnow is to feel the way forward to a system of democratic
\ngovernment that is accountable to the people through free and
\nfair elections that will restore confidence to this great
\ncountry.<\/p>\n
Much has been said about confidence, or the lack of it, in
\nrecent months. The U.K. has supported Indonesia through the IMF
\nand the far-reaching programme of reform being implemented by the
\ngovernment. But confidence has yet to return. That in no way
\ninvalidates the reform programme. When markets turn their backs
\nthey do so because of uncertainty about the future.<\/p>\n
In Indonesia today, the future has arrived and is knocking on
\nthe door. There is a fumbling for the key to let it in. But that
\nthe door will open somehow there can be no doubt. What matters
\nnow is unity of purpose and an end to hesitation and uncertainty
\nabout the process. Once Indonesia has confidence in itself again,
\nthe rest of the world will have confidence too.<\/p>\n
My country and all other friends of Indonesia are willing it
\nto succeed in meeting this challenge. I am glad that it was a
\nBritish Minister, Derek Fatchett, in his capacity as
\nrepresentative of the European Union Presidency, who was the
\nfirst to visit Indonesia after the change of government. He
\nbrought with him a message of encouragement for reform and
\nsupport. We will be following that up with practical measures to
\nstimulate trade as well as development assistance at this
\ncritical time. The United Kingdom is engaged and will remain so.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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