Soeharto wants new meaning to old Dutch-Indonesia ties
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and the Netherlands must build their cooperation ties as two equals, President Soeharto says.
"Our two countries have a long history of ties. These ties have a different meaning for each of us. But now we can give new meaning and new objectives to these old ties," Soeharto said in a speech during a state banquet in honor of visiting Dutch Prime Minister Ruud Lubbers at the State Palace last night.
"We build these ties as two equals, two nations who respect one another's sovereignty, who refrain from interfering in one another's affairs, to their mutual benefit."
The banquet followed talks between the two leaders in the morning during which they hammered at a number of specific cooperation programs.
Lubbers arrived on Monday for a four-day visit to forge closer ties between the Netherlands and its former colony. He is accompanied during the visit by Foreign Minister P.H. Kooijmans.
In his speech, the Dutch premier urged both countries, despite their long historic ties, to keep step with the consequences of a changing world in forging their relations. "We should therefore keep step with our times, redoubling our efforts to update our traditional concepts and perspectives whenever necessary."
He said that since his first visit here in 1988 there have been considerable changes in the international arena forcing Indonesia and Holland to reassess their position in relation to the other.
The current climate of international affairs has increased the importance of regional cooperation for both countries, he said.
"Indonesia has developed into a pivot for the political and security consultation mechanism in the region," Lubbers said, citing the country's leadership of the 110-nation Non-Aligned Movement and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation as proof.
On the other hand the Netherlands has become more engrossed in the European Union.
These developments, he said will oblige the two countries to freshen perceptions of one another.
Global trend
Soeharto in his speech also referred to environmental protection, human rights and democracy as issues that have increasingly dominated international affairs.
He stressed that while Indonesia shared these concerns, these issues should not be turned into new sources of conflict by making them conditions in the relations between the developed countries and the developing countries.
He warned that the current global trend of interfering in other's domestic affairs with the excuse of human rights could become a severe detriment to ties. "No nation has the right to dictate their personal concepts on human rights to others."
Relations between the two countries have continued to improve in the past few years despite Indonesia's decision in 1992 to stop Dutch developmental assistance.
Indonesia's unprecedented action was sparked by the continued interference of the Dutch government in Jakarta's domestic affairs.
Commenting on the effects of the 1992 debacle on Dutch- Indonesia ties, Lubbers told the Antara news agency that relations are now better as a result of it.
"Relations between the countries continue to improve and are now more mature," he said.
Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono said that during the morning meeting, Lubbers specifically proposed establishing naval cooperation, including the provision of ships and the use of Dutch technology for Indonesia's naval fleet.
Lubbers also offered the prospect of joint naval maneuvers in the future.
Moerdiono quoted Soeharto as saying that the offer would require further consideration since Indonesia's priority lies in economic development and not the enhancement of the country's military capabilities. However the President did say the matter could be discussed by Dutch and Indonesian senior officials.
Opportunity
In turn, Soeharto offered Lubbers the opportunity for Dutch businesses to invest in Indonesia, especially in the construction of infrastructure required for the country's development.
In the afternoon, Lubbers addressed Indonesian and Dutch entrepreneurs at a luncheon organized by the Indonesia- Netherlands Association.
In his speech, he spoke of the "excellent" relations existing and the role Dutch companies could play in providing the necessary capital for Indonesia's development.
He praised Indonesia for being an attractive investment destination and said the development in the region is one of the most important changes in world affairs.
Today, Lubbers will travel to Surabaya, East Java, where he will meet with Governor Basofi Sudirman and tour the shipbuilding yard of state-owned PT PAL.
While in Surabaya he is also scheduled to lay a foundation stone for the new Phillips-Ralin plant.
Later on, Kooijmans is scheduled to sign an investment protection agreement with Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas.
In the evening, a reception with the Dutch community here will be held by Dutch Ambassador J.H.R.D. Van Roijen.(07)