New direction for RI-Dutch ties

Retno L.P. Marsudi, Jakarta

The Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Bernard Bot will visit Indonesia on Aug. 16, 2005. Conceivably, people may inquire as to what is behind the visit, which takes place on the eve of Indonesia's Independence Day? Will he bring with him a political message from The Hague accepting to the fact that Indonesia became an independent state on Aug. 17, 1945?

The acceptance of Aug. 17, 1945, as Indonesia's Independence Day would undoubtedly improve the existing good relations between Indonesia and the Netherlands. It also epitomizes the effort to settle one of the residual issues of the past. However, even if Minister Bot's visit does not bring that particular message, nothing will change, as Indonesia's independence of Aug. 17, 1945, has long been final.

If we observe the bilateral relations between Indonesia and the Netherlands over the last couple of years, they have significantly improved. On the political field, both foreign ministers agreed last year to renew a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on intensifying bilateral relations. This MOU provides a collective legal umbrella for developing relations in all fields.

Cooperation in other areas has also been cultivated.

Trade and investment has increased in the last few years. In 2004, trade increased to US$ 2.272 billion. This is a whopping jump from the $ 1.294 billion recorded in 2003. The Netherlands is one of the biggest foreign investors in Indonesia. Socio- cultural cooperation is also flourishing.

However, given the historical linkage between the two, bilateral relations need to be managed in a manner that is prudent and wise. By virtue of history, both countries should know each other very well, and on that basis a strong foundation should have been developed for forge a better relationship. How credible is such a notion? During his visit to Indonesia in February 2005, Dutch economics minister Brinkhorst also posed the same question: "Is it true that Indonesia and the Netherlands, linked by history, have better knowledge of each other?" It seems that this is not fully the case.

Had we fully understood and had good knowledge of each other, the study by Prof. Drooglever of the Netherlands on the Act of Free Choice in Papua would not have taken place. The study is erroneously timed and politically incorrect. It will not help heal the wounds of the past, much less contribute to endeavors to strengthen bilateral relations.

Though some might argue that the study is purely an academic exercise, it is an open secret that the deliberation process leading to the study was not free from political involvement. It is to be hoped that the existing first-class cooperation between the two will be able to deal with this issue and that it will not harm bilateral relations.

In short, should Indonesia and the Netherlands wish to have a strong relations, both should spare no effort to realize the following:

First, both countries should be able to nurture and take full advantage of their full potentials, which in fact are complementary to each other. There is plenty of room for developing bilateral relations between Indonesia and the Netherlands. Not only will good relations between the two benefit both countries, but they will complement efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and the EU as well as between ASEAN and the EU. This bilateral relationship should be envisaged as an anchor for further strengthening cooperation with the EU.

Second, the residual problems of the past must be discussed and resolved in a manner that benefits the creation of better relations rather than offending each other. Mutual respect should be the common denominator, always acting as a built-in control mechanism over the conduct of relations. Otherwise, residual issues could hamper efforts to improve relations. The visit and presence of Minister Bot at the Independence Day ceremony in Jakarta shows an earnest effort by the Netherlands to bid farewell to an issue from the past.

The facts of history cannot be changed, but a great deal can be learnt from them. Adopting a positive perspective would facilitate the prevention of the negative aspects from reoccurring.

The article reflects the personal views of the writer, who is a senior diplomat in the Department of Foreign Affairs.