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.