ADS: THE NETHERLANDS

ADS: THE NETHERLANDS SHORTER VERSION

EU's conclusions on Indonesia

Recently, on Oct. 11, 2004, the Council of European Ministers of Foreign Affairs adopted conclusions on the priorities in the cooperation and dialogue between the EU and Indonesia. The main topics of those conclusions were the following:

General remarks

The EU is attached to a united, democratic, stable and prosperous Indonesia. It fully respects the territorial integrity of the Republic of Indonesia and recognizes its importance as a major partner.

Elections

The EU has congratulated Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on his election and inauguration as President. There was much appreciation for the peaceful manner in which the elections took place. The whole process was in accordance with international standards and showed a remarkable voter turn-out, thus further strengthening the democratic reform process in Indonesia. Legal and security reforms

The EU welcomed President Yudhoyono's policy intentions, in particular with regard to further economic and legal reforms and reforms within the security sector. Those will improve good governance, strengthen investor confidence and reduce poverty.

Conflict Resolution

The Indonesian Government is encouraged to seek peaceful solutions in (potential) conflict areas. In that respect the statement by President Yudhoyono that he intends to implement Special Autonomy for Papua and Aceh was very much welcomed. Hopefully, normal access to the province of Aceh for international non-governmental organizations as well as for field visits by diplomats can be provided soon.

Human rights

The EU expressed the hope that the new President would make further advances in all aspects of human rights. All member states share a principled stance against the death penalty and have urged the Indonesian government to reinstall the de facto moratorium on the death penalty.

Economic development

Sustainable economic development is crucial in order to achieve progress in the above-mentioned sectors. Therefore the further deepening of economic reforms is a priority of the Indonesian government. The EU is ready and willing to support those efforts in whatever way possible.

Counter-terrorism

The EU member states expressed their solidarity with Indonesia in its fight against terrorism, where Indonesia faces serious challenges. The EU is committed to supporting the Indonesian government in combating terrorism. One example is the establishment of the Jakarta Center for Law Enforcement Cooperation for which the EU has offered financial and technical anti-terrorism assistance.

EU support of reform programs

The EU will further support reform efforts, particularly in the field of the judiciary, legal matters, good governance, anti- corruption, the sustainable management of natural resources and poverty alleviation. The EU will promote closer coordination among Member States and the Commission in delivering assistance to meet the above mentioned challenges as such cooperation will give the Union a more coherent, effective and visible role.

EU and Indonesia relationship

In order to enhance mutual understanding and respect between the citizens of the EU and Indonesia, broad people-to-people dialogue should be encouraged, as well as cultural interaction and reaching out to parliamentarians, religious groups and civil society.