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;JP;BSR; ANPAc..r.. Poland-day-envoy JP/.../POLAN

POLAND ...th Independence Day

This two-page special supplement is prepared to commemorate the republic's anniversary of independence day and help provide latest information about Poland and its people, hopes and bilateral relation with Indonesia. Opening the curtain is an interview by The Jakarta Post staff writer K. Basrie with Krzysztof Szumski, Polish Ambassador to Indonesia, covering Poland's target to join EU, its transition from a state economy to a market-oriented economy, and mission to boost ties with Jakarta.

What's the main focus of the Polish government nowadays following the September 23 parliamentary election which was won by the Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) ?

Poland now is concentrating its relation with other European partners in its efforts to become member of the European Union. The new government plans to end negotiation on its membership at the end of 2002 so that Poland will be ready to join EU in 2004. The new government has officially declared that this is our strategic process and all our sources should concentrate on this process.

Besides Poland will continue to develop friendly and better relations with other countries, particularly those in the Asia region, which is an important economy, including a big country like Indonesia.

How's the chance for Poland to join the EU?

Our new government has received strong support from the people, including those who earlier were worried about Poland's future entrance (into the Union). Now we can be more flexible in the negotiations regarding the European enlargement as we have more concessions to offer, such as the use and sales of land.

Some EU countries, particularly Germany and Austria, are afraid that when they open the border, there will be an influx of Polish workers. But we need to explain that enlargement will create more businesses for the EU. And Poland is a market of 40 million people.

There were times when thousands of Polish workers migrated to Germany. But that happened during the economic crisis and not in good times. If Poland's economy grows like today, there should be no fear of Polish workers going to the West. We need to be in the EU to develop our economy.

In some instances, Poland and Indonesia have some similar backgrounds regarding political reforms and transition towards democracy. But Warsawa has succeeded in quickly achieving its democratic political life. Is there anything that the Jakarta government can learn from your experience?

The process of transformation in Poland began in 1989. At first, it was very difficult. We might have easier situation because our country is smaller and not so diversified like Indonesia. But in the economic field, we also had big problems in the first three to four years. Through thick and thin and hard work, we achieved very good results. Our economy has grown steadily, at more than four percent every year. And Poland now is fully a democratic country which respects human rights, exercise freedom of speech and upholds justice and law and order.

However, like many other countries, we still have problems. For example, we have problems in employment. This year, there's a little bit slowdown in our economic development. But generally, the transformation was successful and we're ready to share our experience with countries like Indonesia.

I'd also like to stress here that we observe with great interest the situation in Indonesia. We fully support Indonesia's political development towards democracy and it's our best expectation that Indonesia will become one of the biggest democratic countries in the world.

Poland and the Poles believe that Indonesia and the Indonesian people, as a great nation and people, can overcome all their difficulties and play their very important role in the region.

What kind of bilateral cooperation that Poland needs in its relation with Indonesia?

We want to develop political, economic and cultural cooperation between the two countries. There's especially a great potential in the economic field. There are so many areas where cooperation can be boosted, particularly concerning the maritime economy, mining industry, chemical industry, heavy equipment, road construction and electrical power station. We have good experience in these areas. From our side, we've already imported a lot of Indonesian goods, like garment, electronic products, traditional goods, coffee, rubber.

The Polish government has invited President Megawati Soekarnoputri to visit Poland. We do understand that now there many important things happening in Indonesia but it is our wish to see Mrs. Megawati visit Warsaw during her trip to Europe next year. Such a highest-level visit could in some way help stimulate bilateral cooperation in all fields.

How do Poland and the Poles see the overall situation in Indonesia?

Naturally, recent happenings in Indonesia might create a not very good climate for the development of tourism here. But I do hope this is only a temporary situation and we at the embassy here always suggest to Polish tourists to not be afraid of visiting Indonesia because there are still many places here which are peaceful, quiet and safe. That's why we always hope the number of tourists from Poland will increase.

What barriers do you find in promoting better relations and cooperation?

I think the problem is that while we in Poland are preoccupied with our joining the EU membership, Indonesia is also busy catching up with its economic recovery. Still, to provide true and current pictures of Indonesia and Poland, we recently organized the trip of Indonesian journalists to Poland and a group of state Polish TV crew to Indonesia.

Do you have suggestions on how to boost bilateral trade?

In term of financing, I think we can solve this problem with the help of experts from both sides. The important thing is that the business sectors have to build direct contacts. As both Poland and Indonesia are keen in launching the privatization programs, their business representatives should increase making exchange visits to further boost ties. In November, a group of Polish businessmen will come to Indonesia.

Do you have any figures about Poles living in Indonesia?

There are about 100 people. Some of them are businessmen, mostly importing furniture. Others are Catholic priests living in Flores (Nusa Tenggara) and many Polish here have married with locals and. In the old days, Polish contractors helped build the Polonia airport in North Sumatera.

Any special message do you want to extend to them?

To my compatriots, I would like to congratulate them for being in such a big beautiful, interesting country, and I wish them to continue to be in Indonesia, and to be successful in their business. The embassy is open for any cooperation of Polish people.