No more Dutch aid, minister says on eve of talks
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will not review its 1992 decision to cease acceptance of Dutch aid, a senior government official said yesterday on the eve of talks between President Soeharto and Dutch Prime Minister Ruud Lubbers.
"This is the policy of our government ... The decision is final," Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono said in response to questions on whether the arrival of Lubbers signaled a reversal of government policy.
Bilateral relations have improved since then because the impediments to harmonious ties have been removed, Moerdiono said.
Lubbers arrived here yesterday to begin a four-day state visit as the guest of President Soeharto.
The Prime Minister and Mrs. Lubbers landed in a private plane at Halim Perdana Kusuma airport, where he was greeted by Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas, Jakarta Governor Surjadi Soedirdja and Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Hendropriyono.
Accompanied by an entourage, which includes Dutch Foreign Minister P.H. Kooijmans, Lubbers was then given a red carpet welcome at the Merdeka Palace with a 19-gun salute.
President Soeharto, Vice-President Try Sutrisno, members of the cabinet and members of Jakarta's diplomatic corps were present to greet his arrival.
Soeharto and Lubbers later retired to the Jepara room where the two engaged in discussions on several topics, Moerdiono said.
Soeharto explained to Lubbers that Indonesia was embarking on its Second-Long Term Development Plan (PJP II) which signifies the country's "take-off" stage.
Lubbers commented that he had first heard of the term "take- off" from the development theories of political scientist Walt W. Rostow.
Soeharto quickly clarified to the concept to Lubbers, saying that Indonesia has its own definition which is appropriate to the needs of the country.
The President also explained that during this next stage of development the Indonesian people are committed to becoming even more self-reliant.
Improvement
Lubbers' arrival yesterday marks a significant improvement in Dutch-Indonesia relations since 1992 when Indonesia stopped all aid originating from the Netherlands to protest the interference by The Hague in Jakarta's domestic matters.
The cessation of Dutch aid also signaled the end of the Dutch- led international aid consortium Inter Governmental Group on Indonesia (IGGI). This was replaced by the Paris based Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI).
Both Lubbers and Soeharto will engage in a private two-hour meeting today which will incorporate discussions on the improvement of bilateral relations in the field of economy, social and cultural ties.
When asked what other topics are to be included in today's talks, Moerdiono said Soeharto is expected to express his desire to see more Dutch tourists come to Indonesia.
Lubbers is expected to seek Soeharto's vision on the Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, the Group of 15 developing countries (G-15) and the Non-Aligned Movement, over which Indonesia currently presides.
Speaking on the state of relations of the two-countries, Moerdiono said the demise of the IGGI has in fact improved ties since there were no obstacles to hinder a truly compatible relationship.
He added that despite the break in developmental assistance, trade between Holland and Indonesia has actually become stronger.
"I'm sure the President will emphasize this point at the meeting," he said.
Before his meeting with Soeharto, Lubbers will first lay wreaths at the Hero's cemetery at Kalibata and the Dutch cemetery at Menteng Pulo.
Later on in the day the Prime Minister will attend a luncheon hosted by the Indonesian-Netherlands Association followed by a courtesy call to Vice-President Try Sutrisno. In the evening the President will host an official dinner in Lubbers' honor.
Tomorrow Lubbers will leave for Surabaya where he will meet with East Java Governor Basofi Sudirman and lay a foundation stone at the new Phillips-Ralin plant.
Included in the Surabaya trip is a tour of the shipbuilding yard of the state-owned PT PAL. (07)