Indonesia, Netherlands tailoring taut bilateral relations

The Jakarta Post

After decades of relatively strained bilateral ties, Indonesia and its former colonial master the Netherlands are currently engaged in a hallmark relationship marked by a profound intention between the two nations to cast away the wounds of the past.

It is understandable that with Asia set to become a major political and economic hub, the Dutch government has recently been stepping up efforts to mend its centuries-old relationship with Indonesia.

To further explore the nature of relations between the two countries, The Jakarta Post's Rendi Akhmad Witular interviewed newly appointed Indonesian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Junus Effendi Habibie -- a retired Dutch-educated public servant and a former legislator from the Democratic Party.

Question: How would you describe the current bilateral relations between Indonesia and the Netherlands?

Answer: Since our independence in 1945 there have always been stumbling blocks in the relations between the two countries, such as issues related to the Dutch refusal to recognize our independence day on Aug. 17, 1945 (the Dutch government initially claimed Indonesia had not gained independence until Dec. 27, 1949).

But since 2005, when the Dutch government officially acknowledged Indonesia's self-proclaimed freedom in 1945, all the pebbles in our shoes that were straining relations have gradually been thrown away.

There is now a great effort between the two countries to enhance the relationship. This is evident by the recent signing of a letter of intent (LoI) on a comprehensive partnership mechanism (for dialog and cooperation) by the foreign ministers of the two nations. This LoI is a follow up to the Dutch intention to enhance cooperation in various sectors in the future.

But the LoI will become fully effective when President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono visits the Netherlands in the coming months and signs the agreement with Queen Beatrix.

With this partnership, we will cooperate under a framework of equality and mutual benefit. I have always said, including to President Yudhoyono, that we should see the Netherlands as a gate to the European Union. I also often ask Dutch businessmen to come to Indonesia because it is a big country with a big market, and is also a gateway to Southeast Asia.

Why were efforts to improve relations not initiated a long time ago?

Well, better late than never. As a country which once invaded and ruled Indonesia, there are still a lot of conservative people (in the Netherlands) who dream of the glory of the colonial era.

However, these kind of people are gradually disappearing now, thanks to the efforts of (Dutch foreign minister) Bernard Bot.

When the Dutch government still only acknowledged the 1949 independence, it also meant that they indirectly refused to recognize the integration of Papua into Indonesia. That is why there is some figures in the OPM (Free Papua Movement) rebel group living (in the Netherlands).

When Sukarno proclaimed independence, the area known as Indonesia included areas from Sabang (in Aceh) to Merauke (in Papua). By recognizing the 1945 independence, the Dutch government has automatically and clearly rejected any kind of separatism.

Now that there are no longer any obstacles in our way, coupled with legal paths to cooperate, I say we should work the iron while it is still hot.

Let us hold hands and look to the future. We should learn from the past. We take the good and throw away the bad. If we are always looking back we will never progress. The Netherlands has shown its serious (attitude toward) enhancing relations. And now it is our turn to take advantage in order to gain mutual benefits.

How serious is the threat issues related to the OPM and RMS (Republic of South Maluku) rebel groups could potentially strain relations between Indonesia and the Netherlands? (Some key members of the groups live in the Netherlands and support the movements from a distance.)

They are our people. If they stage a demonstration here that is fine. But in any part of the world, separatism cannot be accepted. I accept these people as my brothers and sisters. In a family there is always a disagreement, but still we are family. I have told them that my house is also theirs. They can come to my house at any time, but as family.

I have also told them to be good citizens here in the Netherlands. These old people are victims of the past. They were brought here (by the Dutch government). I will be more than happy to bring them home to Indonesia, but under the condition that the do not engage in separatist movements.

As for the younger generation, I advise them to also become good citizens, and to never forget that they should help their families back in Maluku and Papua.

The Dutch government said in 2005 that they would not support any kind of separatist movement in Indonesia.

What kind of issues were raised during your meeting with Queen Beatrix when you presented your credentials?

The Queen is really interested in Indonesia. She asked how the situation in Aceh was. I explained to her that Aceh is peaceful now after the signing of the peace accord between the Aceh rebel group and the government. Now there is a directly-elected governor in the province.

The Queen also expects relations between the two nations to become closer.

She also raised questions about Papua. I've explained to her that the situation in the province is extremely better than it was before. However, any giant leap in the development of the province is still not possible because of the low quality of human resources there. You can imagine that there are still tribal wars between villages.

The Papuans want local figure to be their regent or governor. But what happens is that one of the regents in that province has spent 1.5 months of his time in Surabaya (the East Java capital) to have some fun. The Queen seemed to be shocked to hear that.

For sure, the Queen is very concerned with the prosperity of the Papuans. There seems to be a moral obligation for her, and that is obvious. Culturally, we are closer to the Dutch than to the British.

One of your main tasks is to lure more Dutch investors to Indonesia. How are you going to do that?

I have always told Dutch businessmen that corruption in Indonesia can not be entirely stamped out in a day. What we are doing now is building a good system to prevent it. It's not something instant.

Issues related to legal uncertainty, security and labor problems are still being worked out by the government. We are not in paradise yet, but we are heading to it in the right way. These kinds of problems have existed since long ago, and it will take time to fix them.