ASEAN solidarity

Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri has embarked on a visit to 10 ASEAN member countries with a view to enhance the relations between Indonesia and its ASEAN partners that were somewhat neglected during the previous administration.

Because Megawati has the full support of the House of Representatives and because Indonesia's economy is showing signs, though still faint, of recovery, Megawati could afford to make the foreign trip when at home Indonesia still faces serious problems affecting the state budget and danger from separatist movements. Megawati may believe that international support or just empathy for her government may strengthen Indonesia's economic chances of survival.

A cluster of ASEAN countries are economically dependent on foreign assistance, the exceptions being Malaysia and Singapore, while Myanmar rejects any foreign aid or even foreign capital investment. Originally, the grouping was seen as anticommunist in design while seeking to establish regional stability and peace to contribute to world harmony. But now it includes also communist countries with liberal economic systems like Vietnam and Cambodia.

Foreign policy has not been included on the present government's list of priorities, unlike economic recovery and dealing with internal dissent. The fact that Megawati left the country so soon after her installment as president indicates that international ties are just as important to maintain as internal matters.

There are, however, some critics who consider Megawati's trip could have waited until there is more tangible improvement at home. They fear that once she starts traveling around, she may fall into the same trap as her predecessor, former president Abdurrahman Wahid, who was known for his penchant for globe- trotting irrespective of conditions at home.

It is my sincere hope that Megawati should heed suggestions and be wise enough to learn from other leaders' mistakes if she is really determined to maintain her gotong royong (mutual cooperation) administration until 2004.

GANDHI SUKARDI

Jakarta