New Russian envoy vows to boost trade with Indonesia<\/p>\n
As Indonesia and Russia struggle to strengthen their young
\ndemocracies and improve bilateral relations, the defense sector
\nforms only one dimension of the opportunity that beckons the two
\nnations. But Russia wants its relations with Indonesia to expand
\ninto other spheres. The new Russian Federation's Ambassador
\nMikhail Mikhailovich Bely, who submitted his credentials to
\nPresident Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Nov. 25, spoke to The
\nJakarta Post's Veeramalla Anjaiah recently on a wide range of
\nissues. Here are the excerpts:<\/p>\n
Question What is the present state of Russian and Indonesian
\nrelations?
\nAnswer The relations between Russia and Indonesia are warm and
\ncordial. During the Sukarno regime, the relations were excellent.
\nBut after some ups and downs during the Cold War period, the
\nrelations took off again on a new foundation in the 1980s. Since
\nthen, they have been growing at a tremendous pace.<\/p>\n
On a political level also, our relations are very good. Last
\nyear, Indonesia's then president Megawati Soekarnoputri visited
\nMoscow. Last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin had a
\ntelephone conversation with the newly elected Indonesian
\nPresident Susilo Bambang Yudhhoyono and congratulated him for his
\nvictory in the first direct presidential elections.<\/p>\n
On Nov. 20, 2004, President Putin and President Susilo met
\ninformally on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic
\nCooperation meeting in Santiago, Chile, to discuss ways and means
\nto improve cooperation and relations between the two countries.
\nThese high-level contacts reflect the nature of our relations.<\/p>\n
Moreover, Russia and Indonesia have so many similarities and
\nbeen facing common problems.
\nWhat are they?<\/p>\n
Russia and Indonesia are big democratic nations. We have
\nmulticultural, multireligious and multiethnic societies. Both
\ncountries are struggling to reform themselves in all areas after
\na long period of suffering under authoritarian regimes. They are
\nvery rich in natural resources and have huge potential to boost
\ntheir relations to new heights.<\/p>\n
We have the same natural resources like oil and gas and others
\n(Russia, the world's second-biggest oil producer after Saudi
\nArabia, while Indonesia is the president and the only member of
\nthe Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, from
\nAsia). In the oil and gas sector, sometimes we are competitors.<\/p>\n
We are facing the same problems of the environment,
\ncorruption, unemployment, money-laundering and separatist
\nmovements. Both are major victims of terrorism.<\/p>\n
Russia looks at Indonesia as a strategic partner in the
\ndefinitive context of new perceptions that are beginning to
\ndetermine the course of the ongoing global fight against
\nterrorism.<\/p>\n
In foreign policy matters, like Iraq and the Middle East
\nissue, we have no major differences.<\/p>\n
How do you view the growing defense ties?<\/p>\n
This is the area where we have achieved a lot. Our defense
\ncooperation with Indonesia goes back to the Sukarno era. Last
\nyear, Indonesia bought four advanced Sukhoi fighter planes. We
\nhave offered several more defense systems to Indonesia. We are
\nwaiting for Indonesia's response.<\/p>\n
Another important thing is that Russia does not attach any
\nstrings in relation to its arms sales and cooperation in the
\ndefense sector with any country.<\/p>\n
Russia is willing to train Indonesian military personnel in
\nusing Russian weaponry and transfer the technological know-how.
\nIndonesia can buy our defense equipment on easier terms.<\/p>\n
At least 24 Russian defense companies participated in the
\nrecently concluded Indo Defense 2004 Expo in Jakarta.<\/p>\n
You have come to Indonesia at a time when Moscow and Jakarta
\nare stressing the need for greater bilateral cooperation in
\nvarious fields. What role do you envisage for yourself as the new
\nRussian Ambassador in this context?<\/p>\n
My first and foremost mission is to strengthen our existing
\nbilateral relations. When Indonesia's foreign minister Hassan
\nWirayuda began his second term, he revealed that there would be
\ncontinuity in Indonesia's foreign policy under President Susilo's
\ngovernment. The word continuity is very important. So I have to
\nstart my work from what is already there.<\/p>\n
In spite of the good state of relations in political and
\ndefense fields, I have to admit that the existing economic
\nrelations between the two countries are not enough to form a
\nstrategic partnership.<\/p>\n
The present total bilateral trade between the two countries is
\naround US$200 million. It's almost negligible, given the
\ncountries' economic potential. Just trading fertilizers, tea,
\npalm oil and steel is not enough.<\/p>\n
Russia's main exports to Indonesia consist of fertilizers.
\nsteel, military hardware and oil.<\/p>\n
We import palm oil, tea, spices and fabrics from Indonesia.<\/p>\n
We have to move further. This is the area (economic ties), in
\nwhich I will focus all my energies during my tenure in Jakarta.
\n What measures are to be taken to accomplish your mission?<\/p>\n
First, I will identify the areas in both countries where we
\nhave huge potential to improve. Then, I will connect the people
\nfrom both sides to move things.<\/p>\n
For example, Russia's major aluminum producer, Russal, the
\nworld's fifth largest aluminum company, approached me recently
\nand revealed its plans to invest in Indonesia and other countries
\nin Southeast Asia. I will talk to the relevant ministries and
\npeople in Indonesia and arrange a meeting between the Russian
\ncompany and Indonesian authorities.<\/p>\n
Russia is very good in building thermal, hydro and nuclear
\npower plants. We will explore the possibilities of building
\nnuclear power plants in Indonesia in line with our policy of the
\npeaceful use of nuclear technology. Next month, our Atomic Energy
\nMinister is coming to Indonesia to discuss the matter with the
\nIndonesian counterparts.<\/p>\n
Russia and Indonesia had already agreed through several
\nmemorandum of understandings to cooperate in agriculture,
\nfisheries, space technology, military technology and other areas.
\nI will also try to improve our cooperation in these areas.<\/p>\n
It seems there is a wrong perception among some Indonesians
\nabout Russia because of our past communist legacy. Now, Russia is
\ncompletely a different country. I will try to remove this image
\nand encourage Indonesian students to study in Russian educational
\ninstitutions, which are renowned for their academic excellence.<\/p>\n
Another important thing is President Putin's planned visit to
\nIndonesia.<\/p>\n
Last month, President Susilo extended an invitation to Putin
\nto visit Indonesia during a telephone conversation and Putin
\naccepted the invitation. Putin's visit, which will be the first
\never visit by a Russian leader, will certainly open a new chapter
\nin Russia's relations with Indonesia, a major power in Southeast
\nAsia.<\/p>",
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