Message from the Ambassador of Finland
Message from the Ambassador of Finland
Finland and Indonesia are very different countries and distant from each other. Yet our bilateral relations have a long history, and there is great potential to develop them further.
Finland recognized the newly independent Indonesia in 1950, and diplomatic relations were established in 1954. As it happens, 25 years will have elapsed next year from the establishment of the resident Embassy of Finland in Jakarta.
The backbone of the bilateral relationship is trade. The two- way trade was on a path of rapid increase until the present Indonesian crisis. Last year, Finnish exports to Indonesia reached the level of US$500 million, an all-time record. Indonesia is the fourth most significant destination for Finnish exports in East Asia, trailing only China, Japan and Hong Kong. The current year has naturally been difficult but trade in both directions has been sustained at remarkable levels.
Trade between the two countries has gone through a major diversification in the past few years. Traditional items have been complemented by products in telecommunications, power generation, chemicals and water management, just to name a few specifics.
The bulk of Finnish exports to Indonesia, however, continues to consist of machinery and equipment for the Indonesian forest- based industries. Practically all Indonesian pulp-and-paper mills have a more or less substantial share of Finnish state-of-the-art technology and know-how invested in them.
We are keen to continue seeking, with our Indonesian partners, ways to improve the sustainability of Indonesian forestry. Interesting and valuable experiences have been gained in working together with local communities. This has led to enhanced living conditions for the local people at the same time as more solid resource base for the forest industries has been developed in an ecologically sound manner.
More and more, Indonesia has caught the attention of potential Finnish investors. Many companies are seeking strategic partners in Indonesia. The present conditions are, of course, not ideal for far-reaching decisions on either side. Major new initiatives are, however, looming as soon as the darker clouds on the Indonesian economic horizon begin to dissipate.
What is equally remarkable is that the "softer" aspects of the Finnish-Indonesian relationship are getting stronger and more pronounced. Various kinds of cultural exchanges take place, and more are brewing. Music is performed and visual arts exhibited at both ends.
The coming year marks the 150th anniversary of the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala. Its appeal is universal, and its verses are enjoyed in a great variety of languages in all continents. Why not make it available in the Indonesian language and thus build another bridge between our two nations?
The people of Finland have been following developments in Indonesia with compassion and concern. We hope Indonesia will be able to overcome its economic crisis soon and thus contain its adverse consequences. High among these is the unprecedented rise in poverty. Special attention needs to be attached to the fate of the youngest generation, children whose nutrition and education have been jeopardized.
We encourage Indonesia to continue on the path of reforms toward a more open and democratic society. A general election genuinely free and fair would be a milestone in this process. The keys to this development are, of course, in the hands of Indonesians themselves. Finland, together with many other European Union member states and other countries, stands ready to assist Indonesia in this complex task, should we be asked to help.
The events of this year have also led to regrettable incidents which have caused a lot of suffering and loss of life. While expressing our sympathies and deepest condolences to the families of the victims, we urge Indonesians to seek national reconciliation through dialog and moderation.
Finland will be among the 11 member states of the European Union to join the Economic and Monetary Union in a month's time. Next January marks the formal introduction of the euro as the single currency among participating member states. Through a two- year transition period, the European banking and finance industry and European companies will gradually change their operations into the euro. Finally, in the beginning of 2002, the euro will be introduced in the form of cash money, banknotes and coins. By that time, the euro will have become a major invoicing and accounting currency worldwide.
In July 1999, Finland will take over the rotating Presidency of the European Union for six months. That places us in a unique position when European and Southeast Asian countries welcome the 21st century in a year's time.