Howard, Megawati boost Indonesia-Australia ties

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)