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POLAND 83rd Independece Day

This two-page special supplement was prepared to commemorate the republic's anniversary of its independence day and to help provide the latest information on Poland and its people, its hopes and its bilateral relations with Indonesia. The following is an interview by The Jakarta Post's staff writer K. Basrie with Polish Ambassador to Indonesia Krzysztof Szumski, covering Poland's target of joining the EU, its transition from a state economy to a market-oriented economy and its mission to boost ties with Jakarta.

What is the main focus of the Polish government nowadays following the September 23 parliamentary election, which was won by the Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) ?

Poland is concentrating on its relations with other European partners in its effort to become a member of the European Union. The new government plans to end its negotiations on its membership at the end of 2002 so that Poland will be ready to join the EU in 2004. The new government has officially declared that this is our strategic process and all our sources should concentrate on it.

In addition, Poland will continue to develop friendly and better relations with other countries, particularly those in the Asia region, which is an important economy, including a big country such as Indonesia.

What are the chances of Poland joining the EU?

Our new government has received strong support from the people, including those who were earlier worried about Poland's future entrance (into the Union). We can be more flexible in the negotiations regarding the European enlargement as we have more concessions to offer, such as the use and sale of land.

Some EU countries, particularly Germany and Austria, are afraid that when they open the borders, there will be an influx of Polish workers. But we need to explain that the enlargement will create more businesses for the EU. And Poland is a market of 40 million people.

There were times when thousands of Polish workers migrated to Germany. But that happened during the economic crisis and not in good times. If Poland's economy keeps growing like it is today, there should be no fear of Polish workers going to the West. We need to be in the EU to develop our economy.

In some instances, Poland and Indonesia have a similar background regarding political reforms and a transition toward democracy. But Warsaw has succeeded in quickly achieving its democratic political life. Is there anything that the Indonesian government can learn from your experience?

The process of transformation in Poland began in 1989. At first, it was very difficult. We might have had an easier situation because our country is smaller and not so diversified as Indonesia. But in the economic field, we also had big problems in the first three to four years. But through thick and thin and hard work, we have achieved very good results. Our economy has grown steadily, at more than four percent every year. And Poland now is a fully democratic country which respects human rights, exercises the freedom of speech and upholds justice and law and order.

However, like many other countries, we still have problems. For example, we have problems in unemployment. This year, there's been a little bit of a slowdown in our economic development. But generally, the transformation was successful and we're ready to share our experience with countries like Indonesia.

I'd also like to stress here that we observe with great interest the situation in Indonesia. We fully support Indonesia's political development toward democracy and we have high expectations that Indonesia will become one of the biggest democratic countries in the world.

Poland and the Poles believe that Indonesia and the Indonesians, as a great nation and people, can overcome all their difficulties and play a very important role in the region.

What kind of bilateral cooperation does Poland need in its relations with Indonesia?

We want to develop a political, economic and cultural cooperation between the two countries. There's great potential especially in the economic field. There are so many areas where cooperation can be boosted, particularly concerning the maritime economy, the mining industry, the chemical industry, and also those of heavy equipment, road construction and electric power stations. We have good experience in these areas. From our side, we've already imported a lot of Indonesian goods, like garments, electronics, traditional goods, coffee and rubber.

The Polish government has invited President Megawati Soekarnoputri to visit Poland. We do understand that now there are many important things happening in Indonesia but it is our wish to see Mrs. Megawati visit Warsaw during her trip to Europe next year. Such a high-level visit could in some way help stimulate bilateral cooperation in all fields.

How do Poland and the Poles see the overall situation in Indonesia?

Naturally, the recent happenings in Indonesia might not have created the best climate for the development of tourism here. But I do hope this is only a temporary situation and we at the embassy always suggest to Polish tourists not to be afraid of visiting Indonesia because there are still many places here which are peaceful, quiet and safe. That's why we always hope the number of tourists from Poland will increase.

What barriers do you find in promoting better relations and cooperation?

I think the problem is that while we in Poland are preoccupied with our joining the EU membership, Indonesia is also busy catching up with its economic recovery. Still, to provide a true and current picture of Indonesia and Poland, we recently organized a trip for Indonesian journalists to Poland and a group of crew members of the state Polish TV to Indonesia. Do you have suggestions on how to boost bilateral trade?

In terms of financing, I think we can solve this problem with the help of experts from both sides. The important thing is that the business sectors have had to build direct contact. As both Poland and Indonesia are keen in launching the privatization programs, their business representatives should increase the number of exchange visits to further boost ties. In November, a group of Polish businessmen will come to Indonesia.

Do you have any figures on Poles living in Indonesia?

There are about 100 people. Some of them are businessmen, mostly importing furniture. Others are Catholic priests living in Flores (in East Nusa Tenggara) and many Poles here have married with locals. In the old days, Polish contractors helped build the Polonia Airport in North Sumatra.

Do you have any special message you wish to extend to them?

To my compatriots, I would like to congratulate them for being in such a big, beautiful and interesting country, and I wish them to continue to stay on in Indonesia, and to be successful in their business. The embassy is open for any cooperation it can give to the Polish people.