ADDRESS BY
H.E. MEGAWATI SOEKARNOPUTRI
PRESIDENT REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA
AT USINDO GALA DINNER
Washington DC, September 19,2001
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Friends of Indonesia,
Before all else, I invite you all to join me in observing a moment of silence in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the tragic events of September 11, 2001 as a result of the barbaric terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington DC, and Shankville, Pennsylvania.� May God bless their souls.�
(Moment of silence begins (30 seconds) - ends.)
I must admit that I had a moment of hesitation about this visit in the light of the September 11 tragedy. But after second thoughts, and after consultations with our friends in the US Government, I came to the conclusion that this was the time for the Government and people of Indonesia to accept the invitation of President Bush, and to show their deep sympathy and support for the Government and the people of the United States of America in this difficult times.�
In my country, through the medium of television, we saw how human life was wasted without compunction. I� believe the terrorists are making a big mistake if they think that through their brutal action, by violently taking the lives of innocent people, they can destroy your country. On the contrary, the big challenge that you are facing now will bring out the best in America.
In my view, the basic values that have always been the sources of� America's strength, namely individual freedom, the openness of society and a strong republican spirit, will not crumble as a result of the attacks by terrorists. The terrorism September 11 will probably profoundly change the world we live in. But I am convinced that in this changed world, America's basic values will be even stronger, and will become a richer source of universal inspiration.
Thomas Jefferson, one of your admirable founding fathers, once said that the tree of democracy will grow even stronger, if from time to time it is watered with the blood of its martyrs. The victims of terrorist action in New York City, Washington DC, and other places are such martyrs. Their lives might be forcibly snatched away, but the tree of democracy will just grow stronger and will not weaken.
It is a distinct honour and pleasure for me that I am finally able to meet with you. I wish, therefore, to thank the United States-Indonesia Society and the US-ASEAN Business Council for inviting me to meet Indonesia's friends. I cannot say enough about the valuable contributions these organizations have made to the promotion of relations between Indonesia and the United States.�
Today, I had very productive talks with President Bush in the oval office.� I told him what I wish to tell you tonight: that we mourn with America, that we share your grief and outrage, and that we strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Indonesia is ready to cooperate with the United States and other civilized countries on counter-terrorism.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I understand that the United States attaches great importance to Indonesia. As friend, the United States certainly wants Indonesia to succeed in overcoming the challenges it is currently facing.
At present, Indonesia's democracy is moving forward in a more institutionalized way. Last July, a transfer of power took place in peaceful and consitutional manner. As a result, I believe the process of democratization that started in 1998 will grow even stronger.
Nevertheless, it does not necessarily mean that democracy in Indonesia has reached a satisfactory level. We are still in a transitional period. And, like other countries in a similar situation, Indonesia has weaknesses as well as urgent challenges that need to be addressed.
To deal with such a difficult situation, I stress the importance of bilateral relations between the United States and Indonesia. The US is the first modern republic whose development has influenced the history of other countries, including my own. Indonesia, with the largest Muslim population in the world, is now embarking upon a new phase in its history. Our success in establishing a democratic system will become a positive factor not only for the region of Southeast Asia but also for the world at large.
For us, the challenges ahead are certainly not easy. Some of the problems were inherited from the past. And some others are perhaps part of a transitional process, taking place in a complex and pluralistic society with minimal experience of democracy.
We are facing the challenge of separatism in Aceh and Irian Jaya. In addition, there is social conflict in the Moluccas, Kalimantan and Sulawesi, which has so far caused thousands of refugees to languish in deplorable conditions.
In the meantime, Indonesia remains determined to deal with and carry out other important programs, such as decentralization of some of the powers of the central government to the regional governments.
Dikirim
Dutamardin Umar
