Turning a new leaf

Turning a new leaf

The current visit of Dutch Prime Minister Ruud Lubbers to Indonesia marks a new stage in Indonesian-Dutch relations. Why is this so? And what colors this new approach?

This new phenomenon is colored by the fact that the two countries are determined to respect each other. In the past Indonesia rejected the IGGI aid because it was linked to the issue of human rights. However, that bitter experience has really made the two nations wiser and more mature. On the Dutch side they may learn the art of offering assistance without insulting the feelings of the recipient, in this case Indonesia. On the other hand, Indonesia has to receive aid without being burdened by an inferiority complex.

With the emergence of trade groups like the European Community, NAFTA, APEC, the new approach to Indonesian-Dutch relations is particularly relevant. The Dutch port of Rotterdam is especially important for Indonesian exports to other European countries.

We are fully confident that from now on relations between the two countries will flourish in a more realistic way.

-Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta