RI wants Howard to meet with Gus Dur in Kupang
RI wants Howard to meet with Gus Dur in Kupang
JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian government is proposing that
Australian Prime Minister John Howard meet President Abdurrahman
Wahid in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, before traveling together
for an historic visit to Australia.
Indonesian foreign minister Alwi Shihab said he would propose
the idea to the Australian government, but expressed confidence
that it would likely be acceptable to Canberra.
The original plan had been for Abdurrahman and Howard to meet
in Melbourne before going on to Darwin and then Kupang for a
tripartite meeting with East Timor independence leader Jose
Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmao.
"Howard has agreed with the (original) plan to come to
Indonesia together with Gus Dur and Xanana Gusmao. But we would
prefer the new suggestion if Australia responds to the idea
positively," he said referring to Abdurrahman by his popular
name.
The new plan was suggested by Vice President Megawati
Soekarnoputri.
"Ibu Mega suggested that the two leaders meet in Kupang and
then, together with Howard, go to Australia. I think it is a
better idea," Alwi told reporters on Friday.
Indonesia and Australia have been trying to mend their
battered bilateral ties which soured due to the East Timor issue.
However, previous efforts were foiled by other sensitive issues,
such as the discovery of an Australian soldier employing a
Timorese to engage in espionage activities.
Since his election as president, Abdurrahman has visited about
30 countries around the world but has purposely avoided
neighboring Australia.
The House of Representatives (DPR) has demanded that Howard
come to Indonesia before Abdurrahman goes to Canberra.
"We scheduled the visit for the end of July, but first we are
going to consult this with the House of Representatives," Alwi
said.
The fact that the new proposed route for the trip means it
would be the Australian prime minister who visits Indonesia first
is seen by many as an acceptable compromise to placate those
still disturbed by Australia's over-zealous conduct during the
East Timor affair. (dja)