Minister Bot's visit
The visit to Jakarta by a foreign minister from a country with which Indonesia maintains relations is, of course, not an unusual event. However, there are many reasons why the visit of the Netherlands' foreign minister, Bernard Bot, could be of unusual significance -- not only for bilateral relations between the Netherlands and Indonesia, but also for broadening the network of cooperative activities between the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The fact that minister Bot was born in Batavia, now Jakarta, shows that his life has been closely related to the decolonization process in Indonesia. Since he bore the responsibility as foreign minister, replacing his predecessor who was appointed secretary-general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), minister Bot has been keen to develop his country's relations with Indonesia on a broader basis. The fact that the Netherlands has assumed the presidency of the EU opens the chance for Indonesia to take advantage of its relations with the Netherlands, as a beachhead of opportunities in Europe.
If nothing else, in this fast-changing world, in which the superior position of the United States will dominate world affairs for years to come, it is in Indonesia's interests to develop its relations with the European Union on a more solid basis.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by foreign minister Hassan Wirajuda and his Dutch counterpart on Thursday provides a broad basis for enhancing cooperation in economic, trade and financial relations; cultural, social and educational affairs and legal cooperation -- which includes programs and activities regarding the development of Indonesia's legal system.
Of course, foreign ministers can sign MOUs as a symbolic, yet ultimately meaningless exercise. Unless both The Hague and Jakarta follow through to implement the accord they signed last week, therefore, the document will not carry much meaning.
One interesting thing occurred during a meeting held at the Center for Strategic and International Studies between minister Bot and local community figures: The minister emphasized that the EU is not only a union based on common economic interests, but one bound by common values. If, therefore, the EU constantly raises the issue of Myanmar, this is not because it has become a "pet subject", rather, it is due to the very principle on which the EU was based: the implementation of democratic principles and respect for human rights.
Except for the concrete results that could be expected from enhanced bilateral relations with the Netherlands through continual dialog between Jakarta and The Hague, we, in Indonesia, could gain from a more complete picture of the role and the motives pursued by the European countries on the world stage. In that sense, the short visit of the Netherlands' Minister of Foreign Affairs Bernard Bot, offers potential, which could benefit Indonesia.