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