Howard, Megawati boost Indonesia-Australia ties

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Australia solidified their bilateral commitment here on Monday when leaders of the two countries issued a joint communique underlining that their national interests and stability were intertwined.

In the joint communique, Australian Prime Minister John Howard and Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri stressed the need to advance ties through "practical cooperation in a wide range of fields."

"The Prime Minister reaffirmed Australia's support for Indonesia's territorial integrity and unity, noting that Australia's national interests are closely linked to Indonesia's stability and prosperity," the communique said.

Coupled with former president Abdurrahman Wahid's visit to Canberra in June, Howard's visit here as the first world leader to meet President Megawati represents a strong basis for the blossoming of ties battered after the East Timor debacle in 1999.

In the communique Howard not only pledged Australia's bilateral support as Indonesia faces social and economic challenges, but also Canberra's advocacy for Indonesia in international fora.

While not retracting Australia's position on the East Timor issue, Howard, who faces reelection soon, has made mending fences with Indonesia a priority.

The Indonesian archipelago which looms north of Australia is seen as key for that country's security, something that was not lost on either Howard or Megawati.

"The two leaders emphasized the significance of continued cooperation to deal with irregular people movement and transnational crime," the communique said.

On the sensitive issue of separatism in Irian Jaya and Aceh provinces the two leaders stressed the importance of dialog, respect for human rights and the need for special autonomy.

Despite the thorny diplomatic ties, other aspects of the relationship remain positive. Two-way trade grew 25 percent over the past year to a record level of A$6.4 billion (US$3.71 billion).

While the 15-point, 3-page communique itself was elaborate and Howard expressive, Megawati during the joint press briefing in which no questions were permitted, only sounded a brief cliche on "strengthening ties between the two countries for the future."

Howard later in the day told journalists that future ties should be "based on positive realism ... This government deserves support and understanding."

He added that the 40-minute meeting with the President and the communique "points the way to a more realistic and certainly wise relationship."

Howard also met with People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais and House of Representative's Speaker Akbar Tandjung before returning home on Monday afternoon.

Separately Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda said that Megawati during the summit talks had also pointed to a new presidential decree on an adhoc tribunal which would try perpetrators of human rights violations which occurred in East Timor.

"The President underlined that the Indonesian government was serious in dealing with the cases. The Prime Minister warmly welcomed the good intention," Hassan said, adding that there was no pressure from Australia over the issue. (dja/tnt/bby)