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)