Soeharto returns home satisfied after 3-nation tour

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto upon arriving home yesterday expressed satisfaction with his trip to Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, and hailed the tremendous potential of a 10-member ASEAN and its combined population of 500 million.

"Those numbers boast huge potential, both as a market for ASEAN products and human resources development," said Soeharto as quoted by Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono.

After a week-long tour of Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, Soeharto's plane touched down at Halim Perdanakusuma airport yesterday afternoon.

He was accompanied by an entourage which included Moerdiono, foreign minister Ali Alataar and two of the president's daughters, Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana and Siti Hediati Prabowo.

The three-nation tour was primarily aimed at strengthening economic ties. During his trip Soeharto also reaffirmed Indonesia's strong support of the three countries' speedy admission into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Founded in 1967, ASEAN currently groups Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines. Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

All seven members have confirmed that Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar would be admitted, though the timing has been left vague.

Observers believe the three countries will be admitted this year.

After arriving from Yangon, Soeharto said the inclusion of three new members would turn ASEAN into a grouping with even greater potential.

According to Moerdiono, Soeharto underlined the need to forge stronger economic ties and to benefit from a counter-trade system, which Indonesia has strongly favored in recent years.

Soeharto said he was impressed by the warm receptions given to him in all three countries. "The President felt that such a resounding welcome was not only in honor of him but of all Indonesian people," Moerdiono remarked.

On his way to the airport in Yangon for his trip back to Jakarta, hundreds of people waving Indonesian flags lined the streets.

In discussions with the ruling military junta in Yangon, the Indonesian delegation largely stayed away from political issues and focused on economic cooperation.

ASEAN members have maintained an approach of "constructive engagement" despite the West's calls for an isolationist policy. Europe and the United States have condemned Yangon for suppressing the country's pro-democracy movement led by Aung San Suu Kyi, who has called on ASEAN to hold off on Myanmar's admission.

During his three-day visit, Soeharto declared that Jakarta would not interfere in Yangon's domestic affairs. (mds)