Mutual relations with 'Polska' deserve maintenance ...

Soeryo Winoto, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, Warsaw, soeryo@thejakartapost.com

Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski's recent statement to visiting journalists from Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand that Poland is not Euro-centric -- despite its imminent accession to the European Union on May 1 -- should not be dismissed as mere trade rhetoric.

His official visit to the three ASEAN countries from Feb. 21 to Feb. 28 could become a milestone for stronger political and economic relations between Poland and Asia-Pacific countries, especially ASEAN.

Despite his country's entry into the European Union and good relations with the U.S. and NATO members, the Asia-Pacific region also fits in with Kwasniewski's concept of "building the future" of Poland.

Since the fall of the communist regime in 1989, "Poland is now an open and democratic country. Democracy does work here," he told journalists last Thursday.

For Indonesia, the revival of friendly relations with Poland -- underlined by President Megawati Soekarnoputri's visit in April last year -- mutually benefits the two countries.

Megawati was the first Indonesian president to visit Poland since her father, former president Sukarno, visited Warsaw 40 years ago.

During Megawati's visit several deals were signed by the two governments, including cooperation in the fields of culture and education, a joint declaration between the Indonesian minister of trade and the Polish minister for the economy.

A memorandum of understanding on air transportation as well as joint declarations by both countries' chambers of commerce and trade were also signed. Unfortunately, Poland has had to cancel planned joint commissions on trade, technology and economics following its plan to enter the EU.

However, the deals signed in Warsaw during Megawati's visit are expected to become a legal umbrella for further ties.

In education, the initiative of the Adam Mickiewics University in Poznan (some 200 kilometers west of Warsaw) to open an Indonesian study program between this year deserves a proper response from the Indonesian government and relevant institutions.

The university has also appointed an Indonesian studying in the Academy of Fine Arts in Poznan, Teija Gumilar, to teach Bahasa Indonesia at its Poznan campus, which is well-regarded in Europe. Providing texts on Indonesia, and the creation of a student or academic exchange program between reputed Indonesian universities and Adam Mickiewics should follow.

In the economy, the two countries see the opportunity to develop bilateral trade. For Poland, Indonesia with more than 200 million people is an attractive and promising market, especially for dairy produce. Meanwhile, bilateral trade turnover shows the dominance of and steady growth for Indonesian goods.

In 1999, total bilateral trade reached a value of US$209 million and hit $219 million by 2002. Meanwhile in that period imports from Poland were only valued at about $16 million. From January to June last year Indonesian exports to Poland reached $121.4 million, whereas Poland's exports reached only $19.8 million.

Polish Minister of Trade Tadeusz Iwinski, who is also foreign policy advisor to the Polish prime minister, said during the past six years Poland had suffered from a $240 million deficit in its bilateral trade with Indonesia.

It's no wonder Kwasniewski reportedly plans to also bring a large trade delegation to Indonesia, including government officials and businessmen, who will seek ways to improve the balance. Along with dairy products, transportation equipment, chemicals and machinery are on the agenda.

After Megawati's short visit to Poland last year, Indonesia will soon enjoy an export credit scheme offered by Poland for the purchase of military helicopters and light aircraft called sky trucks.

Polish Secretary of State and First Deputy Minister of National Defense Janusz Zemke confirmed the credit export scheme, saying his government had provided an $18 million credit line for the purchase of (Polish) helicopters, sky trucks and a radar system. Poland saw Indonesia as a nation that deserved such aid, he said.

"Your country is a reliable country, which is striving for democracy. We treat your country very seriously," Zemke said, referring to military trade embargo on Indonesia.

He appreciated Indonesia's serious efforts to deal with terrorism, illustrated by its hunting down and detention of Bali bombing suspects.

Another reliable source in Warsaw said the export credit line could amount to $135 million, the first batch of which -- $26 million -- would be for the purchase of 10 helicopters and sky trucks - reportedly for the Indonesian Police. The second batch -- a total of $63 million -- would be for non-strategic (non- defense) projects in Indonesia.

The signing of the first batch of export credit deals is scheduled to be made during Kwasniewski's visit to Jakarta.

Despite its priorities in the EU, Poland has a commitment to NATO and military ties with the U.S.

On April 18, last year, it purchased 48 F-16 Falcon jet fighters (involving $3.5 billion) from the Lockheed Martin Corporation, a large U.S. defense contractor. The decision, believed to the biggest defense order issued by an Eastern or Central European country, was made after Poland's EU accession was approved. Prime Minister Leszek Miller said at the time that "We are opening a new phase in Polish-American relations." The ties became closer after Poland sent troops to Iraq.

These moves have not stopped Poland cooperating with Asian countries, including Indonesia, in the field of international politics. The Polish government's wish to become member of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) indicates its strong interest in the region.

Indonesia's significant role in ASEAN, the Organization of Islamic Conferences (OIC) as well its role in the Non-Alignment Movement and the United Nations make it an attractive diplomatic ally for Poland.

From Indonesia's perspective, Poland is a member of NATO and soon will be a member of the EU, with influence in both bodies. Indonesia could use its good relations with Poland to help its own international diplomatic efforts.

Both Indonesia and Poland will have presidential elections in the next two years. Indonesia may get a new president if Megawati fails to win the vote, while Poland must have a new president as Kwasniewski cannot be reelected for a third term of office.

Whoever the leaders are, the links between the countries have been made. Hopefully, the connections between our two nations can be maintained and strengthened.