Mutual relations with 'Polska' deserve maintenance ...

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.