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.