(Letterhead of)
President
REPUBLIK OF
Ladies and Gentlemen
Dear Friends of Indonesia,
Let me tell you what I feel at this moment.� It is not easy to put into words, what I have witnessed of the horrible consequences of indiscriminate terrorism.� What has happened here must be regarded as the worst atrocity, ever inflicted In the history of civilization. May I therefore invite you to join me in observing a moment of silence, in remembrance of those who lost their lives as a result of the barbaric terrorist attacks. May God give strength and courage to the tireless firemen and rescue workers of the City of New York, who have set an example of bravery and altruism for the world to emulate.� May God bless them all. Moment of silence, begins - ------ (30 seconds) ------ Thank you.
I did hesitate about making this trip to the United States.� There were misgivings in many quarters on the appropriateness of its timing.� Only after second thoughts, and after consultations with our friends in the U.S. Government, did I come 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 our deep sympathy and support, for the Government and the people of the United States of America, at this difficult time. I was scheduled to speak yesterday afternoon at the United Nations, When I was told that the General Assembly was postponed, I nevertheless resolved without a second thought to continue my trip to New York and meet with you, in what is still the financial capital of the world.
We saw how human life was wasted without compunction.� 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 and your city.� On the contrary, the big challenge that you are facing now will bring out the best In the city of New York, and the best in America, I firmly believe that 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.
��������� 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 the terrorist action are such martyrs.� Because of the sacrifice of their lives, the tree of democracy will grow stronger.
This is what I told President Bush last week in the Oval Office and what I wish to tell you this morning.� I told him that we mourn with America, that we share your grief and outrage, that an attack on the World Trade Center Is not only an attack on the City of New York, but an attack on the world, 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 in the fight against terrorism.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a distinct honour and pleasure for me that I am finally able to meet with you.� I wish, therefore, to thank the American Indonesian Chamber of Commerce for organizing this meeting with Indonesians friends in New York.� I cannot say enough about the historic contributions of the Chamber to Indonesia�s cause, from the time they introduced our freedom fighters to the United Nations and the U.S. Congress in 1949, to their continuing efforts to promote business relations between Indonesia and the United States in spite of the recent economic crisis.
I understand that the United States attaches great importance to Indonesia.� As a friend, the United States certainly wants Indonesia to succeed in overcoming the challenges it is currently facing.
The democratization process in my country is now moving forward in a more systematic way.� After a transfer of power which took place in a peaceful and constitutional manner last July, I believe the process will grow even stronger.� This is not to say that democracy in Indonesia has reached a satisfactory level.� In the course of this difficult period of transition, we need to address emerging challenges and weaknesses that have become apparent. In this regard, the bilateral relations between the United States and Indonesia become even more important. The U.S. 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.
The challenges ahead are certainly. not easy.� Some of the problems were inherited from the past, while others are probably attendant to the process of transition, taking place in a complex and pluralistic society, with minimal experience with democracy and, maybe, more, importantly, a transitional process confronted by the stark realities of a competitive global economy.
I know that some of you have worked with my country well before we became formally independent, while some are relative newcomers.� Today we are all sitting at the same table and we all face the same economic trials that will test our creativity and our resolve.� We know that the responsibility for repairing the abuses and mistakes of -the past now falls on our, shoulders, yours and mine.� We also realize that only with your understanding will we be able to push the launch button for our economic recovery.� We are not daunted by these problems.� We are eager to listen to your ideas.� We are determined to find solutions and we are not afraid to make tough decisions.� We want to see the job done.
Let me put the matter to you simply.� The problems that we are facing are complex and interrelated.� They cover the field of politics, economics law enforcement, and the social and security aspects of' our national life. Unfortunately, for lack of time, I cannot describe to you in detail each of these problem areas.� We have to deal with them in stages.� I have therefore set six working programs for my Cabinet.� It is my intention that by the end of my tenure in 2004, we will be able to settle the most difficult parts of each of those problems and at the same time establish a better basis for future programs and actions.
Once again I admit that these endeavours are difficult. out I believe in what we are doing and we are determined to got it done.� We pray to God for success. I explained these problems and programs to President Bush, the leaders of the US Congress, the IMF, The World Bank, and other key officials in the administration.� I did the same when I spoke before politicians, academicians, and even business leaders while I was in Washington DC and in Houston.� I believe I don't need to repeat them here.
Let me now focus on the economy and investments.
Among the most challenging problems Indonesia faces, is the need to recover from the financial crisis that struck Indonesia four years ago.� We have therefore signed a Letter of Intent with the International Monetary Fund, which commits Indonesia to a rigorous programme of national recovery.� This early, we are already discussing the next stop in the IMF's Indonesia programme.� In addition to the IMF agreement we have also made an important agreement with your Overseas Private Insurance Company (OPIC).� Soon we will be sitting again with the Paris Club members.
I do not need to tell you that all this will not be easy for us.� However, we recognize that a commitment is a commitment, and we intend to do our utmost to honour our obligations, and to maintain our credibility and creditworthiness to the international community.� The problem, however, is that our resources are limited.� This is one of the reasons we are inviting investors to Indonesia. To serve that objective my Government will launch new investment policies.� The Government is already preparing to restructure its tariff policy and deregulate the process of obtaining permits in the energy sector, transportation, postal services and telecommunications.�
I should like to say to you today: Indonesia is open for business.� I have instructed my economic team to find solutions, not to create problems; to work with our partners and our institutions to lift the roadblocks and clear the logjams so that we can make the difficult choices with clarity and focus.� A few weeks ago, I presented the 2002 budget to Parliament and some analysts complained that I was too "bullish".� I am sorry if I disappointed them but the truth is that I am bullish on Indonesia.� I am bullish on Indonesia because the Indonesian people are bullish on Indonesia. The time of "wait-and-see� has passed.� There is no mystery, no shadow play, no fantastic miracle behind this sentiment.� There is simply the knowledge that the Indonesian business community is ready to get back to work.� We have paid the costs of indecision and delay, we have experienced the consequences of opaque and politically motivated business practices and policies, and we have decided that we will not be overcome by the formidable and complex problems that Indonesia faces today.
The efforts of Indonesian businessmen and women must be supported by firm and consistent government policy.� Our goal is to eliminate the uncertainties of doing business in Indonesia; to reestablish a set of rules based on international standards, that take into account the realities of the Indonesian economic situation.� We also recognize the central Importance to the international community, as well as to our own citizens, of eliminating corruption collusion, and nepotism (KKN).� This means undertaking major social and legal steps toward the transformation of society.� These efforts, of course, will not yield results overnight but we will not be distracted from our course.
As a first step, I have asked all my ministers as well as those closest to me, to observe the norms of established modern nation states in this regard, and to submit a statement of their assets and liabilities.� Transparency such as this discourages KKN. Investors who come to Indonesia, to help us rebuild the economy, need not stand at the door of well-placed cronies and relatives to take part in our economic recovery and development.� If you come to Indonesia and are discouraged in your enterprise by the inefficiencies or remnants of the high-cost economy, of the old KKN - I want to know about it.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I firmly believe that the best of Indonesia is yet to come.� The challenges faced by my government today are enormous, but Indonesia has had more difficult problems in the past, and history has proved that we have an uncanny ability to bounce back.� I realize that this will be a difficult time for my people, but I am heartened to know that we do not face problems alone.� The warm reception I have received in the United States and in the City of New York fills me with great certainty that our friends have not forgotten us, as we have not forgotten our friends.
��������� This is the general picture that I can share with you.� I am not here to make empty promises.� But I can assure you of my determination.� I can assure you that my, Government and I are serious about the vision I have just described to you.� I have nothing better to give to a friend than sincerity, honesty and transparency.� What I can promise you is very modest: do come to Indonesia and we will warmly welcome you.
Thank you.
New York,
PRESIDENT of THE
MEGAWATI SOEKARNOPUTRI