Message from Dutch Ambassador:
Message from Dutch Ambassador:
The EU and Indonesia: Partners in development
It is a great honor for me to send a message to the Indonesian
people on behalf of the Presidency of the European Union on the
occasion of Europe Day.
In Indonesia, the Netherlands has the EU Presidency for one
year and a half, between January 2004 and June 2005. This is
because apart from its own Presidency the Netherlands takes over
from Ireland and Luxembourg, countries that have no embassies in
Indonesia.
We are privileged to do so, especially in a period where new
and interesting challenges face Indonesia. For the first time in
history, Indonesian people will choose their own president
through direct elections. The European Union witnessed the
legislative election in Indonesia for several representative
bodies on April 5 with great interest. The elections were among
the largest ever organized anywhere in the world and the
organization was a monumental logistical task for the General
Elections Committee (KPU).
The European Union has congratulated the people and the
government of Indonesia on the generally peaceful and competitive
way in which the pre-election process and polling have taken
place. We hope that the coming presidential election can be
conducted in the same positive manner. More than 200 independent
EU observers were stationed in the country to follow the April
election process. They will continue to follow the presidential
election with great attention as well.
The European Commission and the EU Member States also
financially support the elections in Indonesia as well as many
other areas in which Indonesia needs development assistance.
Together we contribute more than 300 million euro
(approximately US$350 million) in especially grant aid to
Indonesia on a yearly basis. This is a clear evidence of the EU's
willingness and commitment to support and assist Indonesia
through the transition that the country and its people are now
going through.
Basic education is one of the main sectors of our assistance
to Indonesia. The process of decentralization also poses a great
challenge for Indonesia. Through the World Bank Consultative
Group on Indonesia there is a constructive dialog between donor
countries and the Indonesian government on dealing with this.
Sustainable development is another challenge that requires urgent
attention. Illegal logging and forestry degradation are cause of
great concern and the EU is supporting projects and measures that
can help to solve these problems.
On May 1 the European Union carried out an enormous and most
significant expansion from 15 to 25 member states. This is the
culmination of a great project that has commanded our attention
for several years. As we bring together 450 million people in the
European Union, we are looking toward strengthening and
developing our understanding of the Asia region, and increasing
our cooperation with Indonesia as one of our most important and
strategic partners in Asia.
The EU is a prime trading partner for Indonesia as well as the
largest investor. The bigger and more united Europe becomes, the
greater its global interest will be. With a prospect of 4.5
percent yearly growth over the next decade, the 10 new member
states provide one of the soundest investment climates in
emerging markets. The benefit of stability of market access and
competitive exposure in an internal market made up of 25
countries stimulates the EU's economy as a whole and will be
beneficial for our trading partners as well.
We are confident that the good relations between Europe and
Indonesia will be deepened and enhanced in the coming years. It
is a privilege for me to send my compliments and assurances of
continued support to the people of Indonesia.