New direction for RI-Dutch ties<\/p>\n
Retno L.P. Marsudi, Jakarta<\/p>\n
The Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Bernard Bot will visit
\nIndonesia on Aug. 16, 2005. Conceivably, people may inquire as to
\nwhat is behind the visit, which takes place on the eve of
\nIndonesia's Independence Day? Will he bring with him a political
\nmessage from The Hague accepting to the fact that Indonesia
\nbecame an independent state on Aug. 17, 1945?<\/p>\n
The acceptance of Aug. 17, 1945, as Indonesia's Independence
\nDay would undoubtedly improve the existing good relations between
\nIndonesia and the Netherlands. It also epitomizes the effort to
\nsettle one of the residual issues of the past. However, even if
\nMinister Bot's visit does not bring that particular message,
\nnothing will change, as Indonesia's independence of Aug. 17,
\n1945, has long been final.<\/p>\n
If we observe the bilateral relations between Indonesia and
\nthe Netherlands over the last couple of years, they have
\nsignificantly improved. On the political field, both foreign
\nministers agreed last year to renew a Memorandum of Understanding
\n(MOU) on intensifying bilateral relations. This MOU provides a
\ncollective legal umbrella for developing relations in all fields.<\/p>\n
Cooperation in other areas has also been cultivated.<\/p>\n
Trade and investment has increased in the last few years. In
\n2004, trade increased to US$ 2.272 billion. This is a whopping
\njump from the $ 1.294 billion recorded in 2003. The Netherlands
\nis one of the biggest foreign investors in Indonesia. Socio-
\ncultural cooperation is also flourishing.<\/p>\n
However, given the historical linkage between the two,
\nbilateral relations need to be managed in a manner that is
\nprudent and wise. By virtue of history, both countries should
\nknow each other very well, and on that basis a strong foundation
\nshould have been developed for forge a better relationship. How
\ncredible is such a notion? During his visit to Indonesia in
\nFebruary 2005, Dutch economics minister Brinkhorst also posed the
\nsame question: \"Is it true that Indonesia and the Netherlands,
\nlinked by history, have better knowledge of each other?\" It
\nseems that this is not fully the case.<\/p>\n
Had we fully understood and had good knowledge of each other,
\nthe study by Prof. Drooglever of the Netherlands on the Act of
\nFree Choice in Papua would not have taken place. The study is
\nerroneously timed and politically incorrect. It will not help
\nheal the wounds of the past, much less contribute to endeavors to
\nstrengthen bilateral relations.<\/p>\n
Though some might argue that the study is purely an academic
\nexercise, it is an open secret that the deliberation process
\nleading to the study was not free from political involvement. It
\nis to be hoped that the existing first-class cooperation between
\nthe two will be able to deal with this issue and that it will not
\nharm bilateral relations.<\/p>\n
In short, should Indonesia and the Netherlands wish to have a
\nstrong relations, both should spare no effort to realize the
\nfollowing:<\/p>\n
First, both countries should be able to nurture and take full
\nadvantage of their full potentials, which in fact are
\ncomplementary to each other. There is plenty of room for
\ndeveloping bilateral relations between Indonesia and the
\nNetherlands. Not only will good relations between the two benefit
\nboth countries, but they will complement efforts to strengthen bilateral
\nrelations between Indonesia and the EU as well as between ASEAN
\nand the EU. This bilateral relationship should be envisaged as an
\nanchor for further strengthening cooperation with the EU.<\/p>\n
Second, the residual problems of the past must be discussed
\nand resolved in a manner that benefits the creation of better
\nrelations rather than offending each other. Mutual respect should
\nbe the common denominator, always acting as a built-in control
\nmechanism over the conduct of relations. Otherwise, residual
\nissues could hamper efforts to improve relations. The visit and
\npresence of Minister Bot at the Independence Day ceremony in
\nJakarta shows an earnest effort by the Netherlands to bid
\nfarewell to an issue from the past.<\/p>\n
The facts of history cannot be changed, but a great deal can
\nbe learnt from them. Adopting a positive perspective would
\nfacilitate the prevention of the negative aspects from
\nreoccurring.<\/p>\n
The article reflects the personal views of the writer, who is
\na senior diplomat in the Department of Foreign Affairs.<\/p>",
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