Recently, on 11 October 2004, the Council of European Ministers

Recently, on 11 October 2004, the Council of European Ministers
of Foreign Affairs adopted conclusions on the priorities in the
cooperation and dialogue between the EU and Indonesia. The main
topics of those conclusions were the following:

General remarks
The EU is attached to a united, democratic, stable and prosperous
Indonesia. It fully respects the territorial integrity of the
Republic of Indonesia and recognises its importance as a major
partner.

Elections
The EU has congratulated Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on his election
and inauguration as President. There was much appreciation for
the peaceful manner in which the elections took place. The whole
process was in accordance with international standards and showed
a remarkable voter turn-out, thus further strengthening the
democratic reform process in Indonesia.

Legal and security sector reforms
The EU welcomed President Yudhoyono's policy intentions, in
particular with regard to further economic and legal reforms and
reforms within the security sector. Those will improve good
governance, strengthen investor confidence and reduce poverty.

Conflict Resolution
The Indonesian Government is encouraged to seek peaceful
solutions in (potential) conflict areas. In that respect the
statement by President Yudhoyono that he intends to implement
Special Autonomy for Papua and Aceh was very much welcomed.
Hopefully, normal access to the province of Aceh for
international non-governmental organizations as well as for field
visits by diplomats can be provided soon.

Human rights
The EU expressed the hope that the new President would make
further advances in all aspects of human rights. All member
states share a principled stance against the death penalty and
have urged the Indonesian government to reinstall the de facto
moratorium on the death penalty.

Economic development
Sustainable economic development is crucial in order to achieve
progress in the above-mentioned sectors. Therefore the further
deepening of economic reforms is a priority of the Indonesian
government. The EU is ready and willing to support those efforts
in whatever way possible.

Counter-Terrorism
The EU member states expressed their solidarity with Indonesia in
its fight against terrorism, where Indonesia faces serious
challenges. The EU is committed to supporting the Indonesian
government in combatting terrorism. One example is the
establishment of the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement
Cooperation for which the EU has offered financial and technical
anti-terrorism assistance.

EU support of reform programmes
The EU will further support reform efforts, particularly in the
field of the judiciary, legal matters, good governance, anti-
corruption, the sustainable management of natural resources and
poverty alleviation. The EU will promote closer coordination
among Member States and the Commission in delivering assistance
to meet the above mentioned challenges as such cooperation will
give the Union a more coherent, effective and visible role.

Bringing closer together the citizens of the EU and Indonesia
In order to enhance mutual understanding and respect between the
citizens of the EU and Indonesia, broad people-to-people dialogue
should be encouraged, as well as cultural interaction and
reaching out to parliamentarians, religious groups and civil
society.

The EU's wish is to keep building a closer partnership with
Indonesia. It is committed to further strengthening the political
dialogue and to institutionalise it through regular ministerial
EU Troika meetings.