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.