No more Dutch aid, minister says on eve of talks

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)