Helmut Kohl's visit

Helmut Kohl's visit

If sharing a favorite pastime such as fishing together is any
indication of fraternity, then President Soeharto's few hours of
fishing with visiting German Chancellor Helmut Kohl on Sunday in
the waters around Bira Island demonstrated how the relationship
between the two statesmen has developed from a mere formal
acquaintance to a more lasting and intimate friendship.

The two leaders actually have much in common. Helmut Kohl, the
longest-serving German chancellor (some observers have compared
him with Bismarck) has been recognized for his success in not
only bringing the two Germanys together in unity, but also for
building Germany into the strongest economy in Europe and one of
the world's big powerhouses. Soeharto, who has ruled this country
for 30 years, is recognized as the nation's Bapak Pembangunan
(Father of Development) who has rebuilt the country from
shambles. In the last decade, the two have met regularly during
exchange visits or international conferences. During this
particular visit, the two leaders will no doubt compare notes and
exchange experiences.

The most significance point of Kohl's visit, however, is that
it is conducted at a time when Germany is turning its attention
to the Asia-Pacific region. After its successful unification,
Germany can now focus its attention on the Asia-Pacific region
and start implementing what it calls the "Concept of Asia", which
was adopted in 1993. The basic idea that underlies the concept is
the view that "... an active Asia-Pacific policy will also help
secure Germany's future". Its key point, "to further develop
economic cooperation", shows that Germany is eying Asia as a
future trading partner.

Although some observers have claimed that the Asia-Pacific
region has started to lose its shine, there is no doubt that it
is still -- and for a long time to come will remain -- the most
dynamic region in the world. That Germany is lagging behind in
trade with Asia, particularly in comparison with North America,
is beyond doubt. Almost one-third of Japanese exports go to the
U.S. and scarcely 5 percent to Germany. China today obtains about
6 percent of its imports from Germany, but twice as much from the
United States.

The last several years have shown signs of Germany's efforts
to narrow the gap. Last year saw the establishment of the German
Center for Industry and Trade in Singapore and there are plans to
open similar German Centers in Seoul, Jakarta and Beijing to
boost bilateral ties.

Chancellor Helmut Kohl's visit -- his fifth Asian trip since
German reunification in 1990 -- along with a large number of
businessmen and 40 journalists, should be seen from this
perspective. But bilateral ties are not a one-way relationship.
It takes two to tango. Therefore, it is up to the Indonesian
side, particularly the private sector, to take up the challenges
and match Germany's new drive towards Asia.

Seen from this viewpoint, there is much to be done. Indonesia
is still terra incognita for the majority of the German people,
except for its province of Bali. Unless perhaps some have come to
hear of Indonesia as a nation notorious for its red tape, or know
it for its ranking as the most corrupt country in the world by
Der Spiegel magazine last year. Without extra effort one can
expect that Indonesia might miss this chance and that German
business will go to other Asian countries, notably China, India,
Thailand or Vietnam.

Apart from business, there is also the question of human
rights. It has been reported that Helmut Kohl plans to raise the
issue of human rights in Indonesia during his meetings with
President Soeharto.

This is an avoidable issue. If we remember right, during his
Asian visit in 1995 Kohl said that "history has shown that any
country which liberalizes its economy must soon expect its
citizens to demand their civil rights". The philosophy behind
this is "change through trade".

One should also not forget what German Economy Minister
Guenter Rexrodt told a forum in Jakarta Saturday. He said that
"political stability is the key to a favorable climate for
investment". And one can expect that this is a point which
President Soeharto will emphasize.

The human rights situation will be discussed, but trade and
investment will remain the most important issue.