ASEAN solidarity
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