Looking back to Indonesia-India ties

JAKARTA (JP): Few countries can say they have shared both a historical and empathic bond with Indonesia for over half a century.

India, which celebrates its golden independence anniversary today, has been intrinsically linked to Indonesia.

The two nations in the first decade of their independence spearheaded, along with countries like Egypt, the prominence of developing states in the international arena through the Non- Aligned Movement.

Emotionally, the influence of the Indian culture cannot be ignored in the Indonesian psyche with an ethnic Indian community well-assimilated and contributing to society here.

For Indian Ambassador Sudhir T. Devare, today's celebrations are not only a time to commemorate his country's history but also a time to recollect the bonds established between Indonesia and India.

"We would like to recall the close relations between Indonesia and India," he told The Jakarta Post.

The commemorations in effect this evening will be held at the Sahid Jaya Hotel.

Later in October, a dance troupe will arrive here and a fashion show exhibiting Indian silk will also be held.

Certainly there is no reason to doubt Devare when he says the two countries already have "excellent people-to-people contact".

The fact that there are thousands of Indonesians of Indian descent and close to 10,000 Indian nationals living here is evidence of the tie that binds.

However, it should also be noted that in past years economic activities have not reflected historical and political ties.

Devare himself admits that "the wide potential has not been tapped".

"Perhaps in the modern era we may not be fully informed about each other," the ambassador said while still contending that both sides are in a "period of expanding ties in every field".

Challenges

Much media attention has been heaped on India's golden anniversary. Its independence, along with Indonesia's, helped spark a succession of independence struggles and the fall of colonialism.

As Devare describes it, the event probably "caught the imagination of the world".

But what lies ahead for the country often cited as "the world's largest democracy"?

Devare admits that socioeconomic challenges are tremendous.

He says that on the whole there is inadequate infrastructure throughout the country, something which New Delhi is trying hard to remedy.

Then there is the question of India's economic progression as a nation with a mixed economy. It is quite evident that many segments in Indian society, which are uncomfortable with the opening up of the economy, would prefer a more socialistic orientation.

Despite these points of contention, Devare maintains that "we're on the right track".

A commonality that both Indonesia and India probably have to contend with is their huge populations which are fragmented into hundreds of ethnic groups.

Both countries are constantly reminded that despite surviving for 50 years, the potential for a breakup remains a latent threat.

In a recent poll published by India Today, it was reported that one in three Indians believe their country will break up in the next five decades.

Devare acknowledges that this problem persists, but believes the large diverse population is an asset rather than a threat.

"India's strength lies in its diversity ... despite everything, we come together as one nation," he said. Apart from that, the huge population also gives it "the world's largest pool of skilled labor".

Probably the most significant development of the 50th anniversary celebration is the improved atmosphere of relations on the Indian subcontinent.

While the talks between India and Pakistan and the overall optimistic climate may be a coincidence with the 50th anniversary, everyone hopes that they will be conducive to a lasting peace in South Asia and Southeast Asia as a whole. (10/mds)