Looking back to Indonesia-India ties

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)