Jakarta, Canberra relations can and must be rebuilt

Jakarta, Canberra relations can and must be rebuilt

This is the second of two articles based on remarks by former
ambassador S. Wiryono at a gathering organized by the Indonesia-
Australia Business Council in Jakarta on Nov. 2, 1999.

JAKARTA (JP): Having discussed the role and influence of the
media, this question pops up: Under the present difficult
circumstances, how do we rebuild the next chapter in our
relationship?

There is no question that we cannot continue the relations at
this low point forever. It is unnatural for such close neighbors.
Sooner or later, relations will have to improve for the better.
The question is: when and how?

The Jakarta government now has to weigh-in the factor of
domestic constituencies, some of whom have rightly or wrongly
developed strong negative views about Australia.

The new government in Jakarta has also become very sensitized
to any foreign gestures suspected as being patronizing or
intrusive.

But both Jakarta and Canberra know geopolitical realities
dictate that ultimately the interests of both sides lie in closer
and stable relations. Stable Australia-Indonesian relations are
also important for the region of Southeast Asia in general.

Our close cooperation in the Cambodian peace process, in the
development of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, in
the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) regional
forum, in the United Nations, in the ever-growing trade and
economic relations prior to the crisis, all attest to this
thesis. We have much to gain by cooperation and close relations,
and much to lose by their absence.

In this, the vast network of personal relations between
Indonesian and Australian government officials, opinion-makers,
academics, military officers and businessmen, which have taken
years to cultivate, will become the most important asset in
rebuilding this relationship.

If events in the past few months have taught us anything, it
is that our relations are a two-way street, and that friendship,
trust and confidence must be gained the hard, old fashioned way
-- they must be earned.

In as much as domestic sentiments matter, our governments must
also resist temptations to sacrifice our bilateral relations at
the altar of domestic politics.

Over the years, the relationship between Indonesia and
Australia has been growing, despite the fact that it is accident-
prone and has the tendency to behave like a roller-coaster. After
climbing up slowly, it can suddenly dive. So the challenge is how
to make it stable.

Before the current crisis, I was under the impression that its
maturity was stabilizing, but the shock that it has suffered
recently has been deep. The feeling of hurt on the Indonesian
side is widespread, and is basically caused by the perceived
"insensitiveness", "intrusiveness" and "boastfulness" of the
Australian side.

Be that as it may, the relationship can and must be rebuilt,
not only for the sake of bilateral relations but also for
regional stability. And there are reasons to be optimistic:

First, the two countries remain committed to the integration
process of the economies of the Asia Pacific region (APEC). We in
Indonesia of course acknowledge that Australia's role in the
formation of APEC has been pivotal.

Second, the two countries continue to be committed and share
the responsibility for contributing to regional security and
regional (SEA) stability. There are regional forums in which the
two countries continue to be engaged. Essential to regional
stability are sound Australia-Indonesian relations.

Third, the economic, business and cultural complimentarily
remain in place but need to be nurtured. While current
interaction in trade, education, culture and tourism are slowing
down, these areas of cooperation continue to have high potential.
In time the wounds will heal and mutual respect will be restored
between the two countries.

However, I also realize that our relationship is so complex
that no one can claim to have a complete picture. Therefore, men
and women of goodwill on both sides of the relationship need to
discuss and share objective observations and useful insights to
be better equipped to help chart the course of our future and
more stable relationship.

A few observations would be helpful in avoiding the pitfalls
of our accident-prone relationship.

First, the return of Indonesia to democracy, stability and a
healthy economy is best for Australia, our neighbor and the
world. Clearly, what happens in Indonesia affects our neighbor.
The democratization process in Indonesia is still consolidating
what will hopefully lead to a stable situation that in turn will
lead to faster economic recovery.

Second, developments in Indonesia are interesting subject to
scrutiny, but an overmuscular approach in scrutinizing Indonesia
by both government and non-governmental organizations, as well as
the media, can be counterproductive and could lead to an
Indonesia that feels unjustifiably pushed around. A more
constructive approach is needed.

On the other hand, Indonesians also need to accustom
themselves to strong criticism and not to be oversensitive with
criticism.

Third, the new leadership of Indonesia inherited an economy
that has been partly stabilized and rebuilt, but the crisis is
not over yet and the bleeding continues.

The challenges that still lie ahead are formidable. Indonesia
clearly needs the assistance and understanding from its neighbors
and the international community. Australia in the past has stated
that she is not just a fair weather friend of Indonesia, but a
friend for all weather, in good times and in bad times. The test
of friendship is indeed in times of need. This is the right time
to prove that such an adage holds true for Indonesia-Australia
relations.