Kooijmans explores RI's human rights condition

JAKARTA (JP): Dutch Foreign Minister Kooijmans met with leading activists in Indonesia, including a number of vocal critics of the government yesterday, to explore the human rights condition here.

"The situation is promising," Kooijmans told reporters after a series of meetings at the Dutch embassy.

He further conveyed his satisfaction at the growing openness and the progressive trend in human rights shown by the establishment of basic mechanisms of adherence, such as the National Commission for Human Rights.

"Things can be discussed rather openly and that is always a good basis for a human rights discussion within a country," he said.

Kooijmans' four-day visit here was originally to escort Dutch Prime Minister Lubbers, who had to cut-short his stay on Wednesday due to pressing matters in the Netherlands.

The state visit marked an improvement in bilateral relations after Indonesia's 1992 decision to cease Dutch aid, in reaction to what Jakarta called interference in domestic affairs.

Among the most heated issue at the time was The Hague's criticism of Jakarta's human rights abuses and the alleged abuses in East Timor.

President Soeharto at a banquet held in Lubbers' honor on Tuesday warned that no nation has the right to dictate to another its own views on human rights.

Recognition

Kooijmans met separately with leaders of no less than 10 non- governmental organizations and the newly formed National Human Rights Commission. Sri Bintang Pamungkas, a vocal politician from the United Development Party, was also included.

Marzuki Darusman from the Rights Commission told The Jakarta Post that the government's recognition of the meeting was in itself representative of the government's continuing openness.

According to Marzuki, Kooijmans holds the establishment of the Rights Commission in high regard, particularly with its findings on the murder of civil-rights activist Marsinah .

"The presence of the Human Rights Commission deserves the respect of the world," he quoted Kooijmans as saying.

Marzuki further explained that Kooijmans believes that "a wind of change" is blowing in the country, pointing to the increasing degree of freedom in the media as an example.

Frans H. Winarta of the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (YLBHI) said Kooijmans agreed that outside pressure has played a definitive role, but added that inside pressures and trends are what's most important.

Abdul Hakim Garuda Nusantara from the Institute for the Study of Advocacy said Kooijmans indicated human rights as a concern for all the members of the European Union and that it will remain an important condition in bilateral cooperation.

Marzuki concurred saying the international community has a legitimate role to play.

"Facilitating contacts is the best venue to assure that human rights protection and promotion is developed."

However Marzuki was quick to add that the basic efforts should still be made by the national communities.

"I underlined to the minister that we are now already on track ... we have gone beyond the point of no return as far as human rights is concerned," he said.

Useless

H.J.C. Princen was more skeptical in his perception of the meeting, going so far as to describe it as "useless."

In his opinion, the Dutch visit here overall was more of a commercial mission than a mission on human rights.

According to Princen, Lubbers' main goal was to gain greater access to the Indonesian market, something which he got when Holland was invited by President Soeharto to participate in Indonesia's development.

"The Dutch got what they wanted. They don't need to talk about human rights," said the Dutch born Princen, who has taken Indonesian nationality.

Marzuki recognized the large role played by economic factors but was quick to add that human rights concerns go hand in hand with business.

"It's impossible to merely concentrate on human rights alone, there are many facets to our relationship," he remarked.

Despite having little faith in yesterday's meeting, Princen still praised Kooijmans' efforts along with Minister Alatas whom he said were "interested in the process and a good solution of human rights."

It was Prime Minister Lubbers who seemed to spark Princen's ire when he said, "Lubbers on the contrary is interested in the economic process and what he can get out of it."

When confronted by reporters on the question of East Timor, both Frans Winarta and Abdul Hakim Garuda Nusantara explained that it was not explicitly addressed.

Earlier in the day, Kooijmans commented on the fruitfulness of his current visit to Indonesia.

"The feeling of friendliness will be extremely noticeable."

When asked to surmise the state of bilateral relations he said, "I feel the relationship has been improved and completely normalized." (07/par)