Soeharto defends RI's human rights record
Soeharto defends RI's human rights record
JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto and Hannover mayor Herbert Schmalstieg were engaged in a lively discussion in the Germany city yesterday on Indonesia's human rights record.
Soeharto, who is in Hannover to attend the Hannover Fair 1995, stressed that each country has its own values that determine the observance of human rights.
Speaking during the signing of the Golden Book of Hannover in the city hall, an event which signified his becoming the city's 409th honorary resident, Soeharto said Indonesia's political system is different from those applied by other countries.
"Every country should respect these differences," he said, smiling. "Every country has its own political system and culture."
Soeharto pointed out that his visit to Germany is part of an attempt to promote understanding and cooperation between the two countries, the Antara news agency reported.
"Only by establishing mutual understanding and respect can Indonesia and Germany promote more meaningful cooperation," he said.
This year's foreign partner for the Hannover trade fair is Indonesia.
Soeharto's arrival was greeted by around 100 demonstrators accusing Indonesia of violations of human rights.
Mayor Schmalstieg raised the questions of human rights, press freedom, the political system and Indonesia's policies on East Timor in his speech welcoming the President.
Soeharto responded that democracy in Indonesia is established based on the state-ideology Pancasila, which consists of the following five tenets: belief in one God, humanitarianism, national unity, democracy through consensus, and social justice.
Soeharto expanded his explanation to touch on the representation of the Armed Forces (ABRI) in the House of Representatives, saying the practice is actually an implementation of the laws. In addition, the number of military personnel in the House is not dominant, he said.
The other House members, he pointed out, are elected by the people through general elections.
Soeharto also explained that the early 1970s decision to reduce the number of political parties to three was also mandated by the laws. "In this connection, ABRI is a social political force," he said.
Schmalstieg said that human rights to freedom are among the fundamental issues which concerns not only the residents of Hannover, but also himself.
However, the mayor also praised Indonesia for the progress it has made since gaining independence 50 years ago.
Minister for Research and Technology B.J. Habibie said he saw the mayor's questions more as "a reminder from a brother or a close friend", instead of as criticism.
"The relations between Indonesia and Germany is like a very close friendship or even brotherhood, so that there's no reluctance to express an opinion or give a suggestion," he said.
"The mayor's statements reflect the open attitude of German people towards friends or brothers," he added.
Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono also took a positive view of Hannover mayor's line of questioning of Indonesia's human rights record, saying it reflects the close ties that the two countries enjoy.
"Those statements were delivered in a friendly manner," Moerdiono told reporters.
The last head of state to become a Hannover honorary resident was Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating.
Soeharto, who was also accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas, presented Schmalstieg with a plaque engraved with the map of Indonesia and the country's symbol, Garuda.
Schmalstieg presented Soeharto with a ceramic plate. (swe)