Discussion with Indonesian Delegation

Meeting report

FOREIGN AFFAIRS PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
30 October 2002
DISCUSSION WITH INDONESIAN DELEGATION

ACTING CHAIRPERSON: Mr. D J Sithole

SUMMARY
The Indonesian parliament delegation discussed issues which were of common interest to South African and Indonesia and future co-operation was envisaged. Similarities between Africa and Asia were also mentioned and ways in which the two continents could meet to discuss common problems and relations with Western powers were discussed.

Questions on the Bali bomb blast were raised. The delegation briefed members on South African casualties.

MINUTES
The head of the delegation, Mr. S Sirait, chairman of the committee for inter-parliamentary cooperation, stated that South Africa and Indonesia had a few things in common. Both countries were colonised by the Netherlands and were fighting the effects of colonialism and imperialism. Indonesia had supported South Africa in its fight against apartheid. He reminded members that Indonesia had organised the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) where developing countries had met to discuss the fact they were victims of the IMF and the World Bank.

Trade between the two countries had increased over the years. There was also a similarity between the parliamentary systems of the two countries. Indonesia had proportional representation as well as single members. It had also introduced a National Provincial Council similar to South Africa's National Council of Provinces. Indonesia was therefore keen to learn from South Africa in the area of governance. Mr Sirait pointed out that Indonesia's foreign policy was one of non-alignment.

Discussion
The chairperson remarked that South Africa and Indonesia faced common problems of terror. For this reason it was important that the two countries worked together.

Ms F Mahomed (ANC) inquired about the relationship between East Timor and Indonesia. Mr. Strait said that relations were very good between the two countries.

Mr. M Ramgobin (ANC) referred to the threat of terror which countries face internationally and said that it was seen as if it was coming form a certain area, viz. Islamic fundamentalists. He wanted to know whether there was a struggle between those who wanted a secular state and those who wanted a religious state. Mr. Sirait said that Indonesia was neither a secular or religious date. He explained that one of the pillars upon which Indonesia was built was the fact that everybody believed in God. there was therefore tolerance for different religions in the country.

Adv. Z L Madasa (ACDP) asked if the legal system was weak in Indonesia. Mr. Sirait replied that there was much corruption in the country which had to be eradicated.

Ms. F Hajaij (ANC) remarked that it was strange that the recent bombing had taken place in Bali which was a Hindu province. She asked how we should react to terrorism and enquired what steps had been taken to incorporate different groupings in the country. Mr. Sirait stated that Indonesia was non-aligned, but the USA wanted to force it into a corner. He felt that the dynamic behind the Bali bombing was too complex to discuss in that meeting and that the ambassador should come at a later stage and discuss it. The ambassador, Mr. Abdul Nasser replied that he was prepared to come at a later stage but felt that he would like to inform the committee that out of the 32 names who were victims in the Bali bombing, nine were still unknown. Out of the nine, two were presumed dead. He informed the committee that the families of the victims were invited to come to Bali on 4 November 2002 and partake in cultural events in honour of the victims. The Indonesian government was paying for their flights and accommodation.

The meeting was adjourned.