New direction for RI-Dutch ties

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.