'1997 a tough year for RI diplomacy'
'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)