Indonesia Consultative Group Meeting
Tokyo, October 17-18, 2000
Statement by the Delegation of Sweden
Consultative Group for Indonesia 17-18 October 2000, Tokyo


Mr Chairman, Your Excellencies, distinguished delegates,

I join previous speakers in expressing my delegation's appreciation of the strong commitment to reform by the Government of Indonesia. The changes, which have been initiated, are important first steps toward establishing a durable democracy and a revitalised economy. The tasks to overcome the legacy of more than three decades of authoritarian rule are immense. We have faith in the GOI's determination to succeed in its efforts.

As a friend of Indonesia, Sweden supports the Government's efforts to reform, especially in the field of governance. We see transparency, openness and accountability as important cornerstones in the development of a democratic administration. We see good governance not only as a question of democracy, but also as a foundation for the welfare of the Indonesian people. A sound legal framework is not only a basis for the rule of law, but also an important prerequisite for a durable revival of Indonesia's economy. We believe that the task not merely involves the institutional change, but more importantly the strengthening of democratic values and respect for Human Rights. In this context we believe that a strong and active civil society and free media are important complements to Government in ensuring irreversible democratic change. For the coming years we hope to continue to support the GOI in accelerating the pace of change.

Sweden is encouraged by the GOI's intentions to strengthen public services. This will require a greater generation of internal revenue. In our experience good governance, e.g. increased transparency and accountability, make it easier for a government to gain public support for increased taxes. The notion of the state as a servant to the public makes it logical to request openness about the use of public funds. Such openness improves the possibilities to make the public sector accountable for what it is doing and e.g. makes it easier to fight corruption. Transparency and accountability therefore can contribute to increasing the efficiency of the public system, and raise the public's confidence in the state. Transition to good governance might not always be a simple task. But it is a crucial element in any democratic society. In this context, we welcome the establishment of the National Ombudsman office as a step towards increased transparency.

Sweden shares Indonesia's concern for its regional conflicts in Aceh, Irian Jaya and the Moluccas. We agree with the notion that these conflicts should be solved through peaceful dialogue in full respect of Indonesia's territorial integrity. A resolution will not only bring peace and security back to the peoples of these regions, but also contribute to prosperity in all of Indonesia by encouraging a more rapid return of the flows of private investment.

The EU has addressed the issues relating to West Timor at the outset of this meeting. Permit me, however, to return briefly to this question. We note the efforts of Indonesia to take action to comply with UNSC resolution 1319 (2000). Resolute action is necessary not only for the sake of the refugees and the West Timorese, but also to avoid letting the militias erode the rule of law with impunity. To our minds this runs contrary to the efforts of Indonesia to ensure democratic development

When we last met in Jakarta in February, the GOI presented a plan of action to come to terms with the alarming development within the forest sector. We note with deep concern that the problems essentially have not been addressed. The international community has stated before and does so again today that it is ready to assist Indonesia in the actions now needed to come to terms with the destruction of the forests. We urge Indonesia to reinforce its efforts, which have the full support of the international community. We stress the urgency of the matter.

Sweden has sought to contribute to the efforts of the GOI in the areas I have just mentioned, in particular democratic reform and good governance, as well as a environmentally sustainable development . I take this opportunity to assure you of my country's wish to continue its collaboration with Indonesia. We look forward to continue this fruitful and frank discussion during the next CGI meeting, which we assume will take place in Jakarta.


Pledge statement by the Delegation of Sweden
Consultative Group for Indonesia 17-18 October 2000, Tokyo

Mr Chairman, Your Excellencies, distinguished delegates,

Sweden is a small donor in this group. However, over the past couple of years our co-operation with Indonesia has grown. We hope to sustain this growth. Swedish development co-operation with Indonesia for the year 2000 is forecasted to reach 38 M SEK, 3.9 M USD in development support and contract financed technical co-operation. For the next year we expect roughly the same amount. In addition to our bilateral co-operation, we support Indonesia through our membership in the European Union. Sweden is also a substantial donor to the UN system and to organisations such as International IDEA.

Sweden's development co-operation with Indonesia aims at supporting the democratic reforms and an environmentally sustainable development. Priority will continue to be given those areas. One focus is institution building. Swedish development co-operation with Indonesia aims less at size and more on quality in areas where we believe that Sweden has expertise useful for Indonesia's own development efforts.

Sweden's most important involvement so far has been the UNDP's Community Recovery Programme. Other projects include mapping of illegal saw mills in two provinces, exploring the sustainable use of watersheds in Sumatra, support to the Legal Aid Foundation and an extensive course programme. The Raoul Wallenberg Institute has embarked on an extended co-operation with a number of HR-institutions in Indonesia. These include KomnasHAM, Komnas Perempuan and the National Ombudsman Office. Discussions with the former Ministry of HR, and now the Ministry of Justice, are ongoing.

Indonesia is eligible for Swedish concessionary credits. As yet, no agreement has been made on the terms applying to such loans. We look forward to a continued dialogue with Indonesian authorities on this issue.