'1997 a tough year for RI diplomacy'

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas predicts 1997 will be a tough year for Indonesian diplomacy with Nobel laureate Ramos Horta continuing to dredge up the East Timor issue and "Indonesia-bashing" becoming a popular sport among non- governmental groups.

At an annual foreign policy review with foreign and local journalists, Alatas yesterday said exaggerated reports had purposely been made lately to embarrass Indonesia.

"It is in fashion now to be an Indonesia-basher," he claimed.

He cited the so-called "Indonesian-connection" reports during the United States (U.S.) presidential election last year, which he said were purposely leaked to smear Indonesia.

During the U.S. presidential campaign there were widespread reports that Indonesian businessman James Riady was a contributor to President Bill Clinton's campaign fund.

Despite Riady having no links to the Indonesian government, news reports feared the contributions could compromise Washington's stance on Jakarta.

"Somebody or some group clearly wanted to embarrass not only the American president but also Indonesia," Alatas said.

He said such contributions were common practice in the U.S. and asked why Riady's was the only one highlighted.

"This kind of thing makes us conclude there's a campaign going on. We don't know what the ultimate aim of all these people is, probably they just can't stand Indonesia.

"Or they can't stand our system, they want us to be more like them so they can easily understand us or easily make us do things...I don't know," Alatas remarked.

He said NGOs had to "earn their spurs" so they "bash Indonesia from time to time".

While describing the relationship between Jakarta and Washington as good, Alatas said it was strained by the exaggerated views of certain groups and individuals, including some members of the U.S. Congress.

Alatas brushed aside the concerns of some congressmen that the sale of U.S. made F-16 jet fighters would result in them being used in East Timor. "If there is a congressman who thinks you can use F-16s in East Timor, (then) he's never been in a jet plane!" he said.

Apart from campaigns against Indonesia, Timor separatist Jose Ramos Horta would exploit his Nobel Peace Prize to focus the spotlight on his cause and make things more difficult for Indonesia, predicted Alatas.

"With that in mind, we can predict Indonesian diplomacy in 1997 will face greater challenges," he said.

Alatas scoffed at the significance of the Nobel award saying it did not represent a world view. "At the most (it is) a Nordic view," he remarked.

Jakarta has strongly questioned the selection of Horta, jointly with Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo, as a Nobel laureate.

Alatas said the prize did not change Indonesia's perception of Horta, as nothing more than a "fraud."

Overall, Alatas said he believed 1997 would be a very important year because the general elections in May would attract international attention.

"The general elections will be very important in determining Indonesia's image and steps in the international arena," he said.

"Indonesia's success in holding the election will no doubt determine the success and follow-up in Indonesia's diplomatic efforts," he added.

Alatas welcomed the increased funding for foreign policy in the newly proposed 1997/1998 budget, which rose from Rp 5.96 billion to 7.22 billion.

He said the funds would be used for information technology to counter the adverse information abroad and to further hone the quality of Indonesian diplomats. (mds)