Address by Her Majesty the Queen on the occasion of the official visit of the President of Indonesia. Den Haag, February 3, 2000.
Mr President,
It gives my husband and me particular pleasure to welcome you here today. Although you have been to our country before, this is your first official visit as Head of State. We are very happy indeed that you have come to the Netherlands so soon after your election as President of Indonesia. This gives your presence in our midst a special significance.
The people of Indonesia chose you as their President in free and fair elections. This event marked a turning point in the history of your country. The trust placed in you is great; the responsibility that therefore rests on you is all the greater. Many people hope that you will succeed in making your Presidency a period that is remembered in history as an era of reconstruction and reconciliation.
Now that a new democratic government has taken office under your leadership, Indonesia has a unique opportunity to address the serious problems which it is facing, with new vigour. Even in our country people realize how numerous these challenges are. Indonesia now faces the task of creating new relations between the regions and central government, taking into account the democratic principles to which your government has committed itself. Furthermore, you have undertaken to fight against unlawful practices. These are far-reaching policy proposals which have made a deep impression.
Your government has indicated that it attaches great importance to restoring the traditional religious tolerance which for so long was an outstanding feature of Indonesia. Recent violent incidents unfortunately show how urgently this question requires your attention. In our country too there is deep concern about the conflicts that have broken out and many people are profoundly moved by the suffering this has caused. It will perhaps be one of your most difficult tasks to restore, on the basis of the former trust and respect, the tolerance that will make it possible to live together again in peace.
Since 1997 Indonesia has also had to contend with a serious economic crisis. Its distressing consequences are visible in sharply rising unemployment and rapidly spreading poverty among the population of Indonesia. Resolving this crisis by setting out upon the arduous road towards economic recovery, while at the same time ensuring that the many islands in the archipelago can share equally in the results is another difficult problem your government has to deal with.
Indonesia has long played a leading role in Southeast Asia. Developments in your country resonate far beyond your own territory and the surrounding seas. A change for the better in Indonesia, in both economic and governmental terms, could further strengthen your country's position and the constructive influence it has traditionally exerted in the region. In tackling current problems, your government may perhaps draw inspiration from an awareness of the great significance your country has for others, far beyond its borders.
You are aware, Mr President, that people in the Netherlands in particular, feel closely connected with the fate of the Indonesian people. This is the reflection of a history long shared. In our country as in yours, people carry that past with them, both beautiful memories and undeniable scars. We wish neither to deny nor to forget that past. But we are now living in a new era, one in which both countries are endeavouring to overcome old differences and to build our cooperation once again on a firm foundation. The future of Indonesia is of great concern to the Netherlands; our country hopes to be able to make a contribution in consultation with your government and in accordance with your vision regarding that future. Renewing the trust between our countries will open the way to a new period of close cooperation.
Mr President,
To govern such an extensive archipelago as Indonesia is an awesome task. Unfortunately, the rich diversity of your country is also manifesting itself at the moment in a resurgence of tension and conflict between population groups. You have taken it upon yourself to drive back, by democratic means, these corrosive forces and to defuse tensions. In doing so, you can count upon the faith your country has in you. It is a hopeful sign that in such a difficult moment in their history, your people can rely upon a statesman held in such high esteem.
May I invite all those present to raise their glasses with me and to drink to your health, Mr President, to that of Mrs Wahid, to the success of your mission and to the well-being of the Indonesian people.