Well, shit has hit the fan and the world is watching and considering what to do with said fan. On one hand, the attack is worse than OTL is a tragedy, on the other hand, they gotta milk the situation for all it's worth. It's hilarious that US actually shot themselves in the foot by antagonizing every single countries nearby their invasion target. I can feel the desperation from here, which must be exploited heavily because Indonesia's position is very strong to make demands that otherwise would not even be considered.
Indonesia ATL: The Presidency of Try Sutrisno (1997-)
- Thread starter GSD310
- Start date
141: Indonesia's Own War On Terror
17th September 2001:
President Try Sutrisno chaired a full cabinet meeting attended by Vice President JB Sumarlin and all the cabinet ministers. The following items that were discussed:
*The first item was the situation in Indonesia a week on after 9/11. State Secretary Edi Sudrajat updated the cabinet on the steps taken to bolster security in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in New York, Chicago, and Washington. Minister of Industry Siswono Yudohusodo and Minister of Trade Anthony Salim reported that economic activity have gone on as normal in Indonesia. Minister of Tourism Soeyono reported that in addition to the continuing US recession, American tourists are feeling insecure about flying overseas and are cancelling holidays in Indonesia. The President said that something is in the works if people feel there is reason to be insecure about Indonesia.
*Minister of Economics and National Development Planning Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti and Minister of Finance Mar’ie Muhammad reported about their trip to Washington to meet with the CGI last week. Aside from their tale of seeing smoke rising from Pentagon, Dorodjatun and Mar’ie reported about the aid pledged to Indonesia by the CGI. They also spoke about their meeting with United States Secretary of Treasury Phil Gramm who said that there might be economic incentives if Indonesia showed support for the United States in the “War on Terror”. The President noted this report, especially the last part.
*Minister of Home Affairs Harsudiono Hartas reported about election preparations. The entire DPR candidates list from all four parties has been submitted. The candidates will be screened by the KPU in cooperation with BAKIN and a provisional candidates’ list will be published on 1st December 2001. Harsudiono said that there will be a drawing of numbers for the political parties on 1st December 2001. The President said that he would allow ministers to campaign but that their main focus should be their work.
18th September 2001:
DPR Member Hamzah Haz (PPP) said in an interview on SCTV’s Liputan 6 News Program that the events that occurred last week would cleanse the United States’ soul.
The President and JB Sumarlin had a meeting with Chairman of DPR Harmoko (PKPI) and Vice Chairmen of DPR RS Museno (PKPI), Hari Sabarno (ABRI), Theo Sambuaga (PKPB), and Ali Hardi Kiai Demak (PPP). Coming out of it, Harmoko said the DPR supported the Government in the steps that it has taken.
19th September 2001:
Mar’ie Muhammad and Siswono Yudohusodo announced that the President had revoked Presidential Decision 38/1997 regarding Tax Facilities For Certain Industries. Mar’ie said that the decision gives tax holidays to six enterprises (four domestic, two foreign) deemed to be pioneer industries from the enactment of the decision. However, the government already have existing tax holiday provisions for domestic enterprises which had been enacted for the last 18 months and the foreign enterprises already have tax holiday provisions granted to them under the Foreign Investment Law of 1967. Thus there was no need to give special treatment to these enterprises.
Siswono shook his head when asked if there were political considerations involved with the revocation of these tax holidays. He pointed out the consideration was equal opportunity in Indonesia’s industrial development, if there are existing tax holiday policies there is no need for special treatment. As to the timing of the revocation, Siswono said that the government wanted the tax holidays when the economy had recovered in acknowledgement of the importance of these industries to the economy.
It was noted by the politically observant that the four domestic enterprises losing their tax holidays were Bob Hasan’s PT Kiani Kertas, Hashim Djojohadikusumo’s olefin plant, and Marimutu Sinivasan’s polyester manufacturing and textile industry machinery plants. All three, especially the first two, are considered close cronies of President Soeharto.
20th September 2001:
In a press conference, Chairman of PPP Matori Abdul Djalil distanced himself from the comments made two days prior by Hamzah Haz saying that it was not representative of the PPP’s stance. Saying whether Hamzah would lose his position as Chairman of the PPP’s National Campaign, Matori said that Hamzah would remain in his position.
State Minister of National Security Soerjadi announced that the President has approved of the formation of an Anti-Terror Taskforce (Satgas Anti-Teror). This taskforce will be headed by himself and brings together representatives from various agencies but most notably ABRI and BAKIN.
21st September 2001:
The President spent his morning watching President of United States John McCain make his address to congress. McCain unveiled what he called is a War on Terror on Al Qaeda; casting Al Qaeda and its leader Osama Bin Laden as people who wanted to destroy what the United States stood for. McCain also demanded that the Taliban hand over Al Qaeda members in the country; an ultimatum before a military strike that was sure to come.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ginandjar Kartasasmita issued a statement on behalf of the Indonesian Government not long after the address. Ginandjar said the President responded most positively to McCain’s statement that Islam was a religion of peace and that the terrorists had “blasphemed” against Allah for what they did 10 days prior.
Chairwoman of PKPB Tutut Soeharto attending a PKPB National Campaign Meeting in Puncak, West Java said that whilst she agrees in principle to the President taking security measures to strengthen the nation’s capacity to face terrorism but thinks that it is a bad move to make the majority of Indonesia’s citizens feel distressed on account of religion.
“Is she really going to seriously make an issue of that?” asked Edi Sudrajat watching this on television.
“Have to keep the Masyumi and Jemaah Tarbiyah bunch happy”, muttered Harsudiono.
24th September 2001:
The President today welcomed Prime Minister of Australia Peter Costello. Costelo, freshly re-elected as prime minister, was stopping over in Jakarta en route in Washington. As they sat down to meet, Try was accompanied by Ginandjar Kartasasmita and Edi Sudrajat; Costello by Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Philip Ruddock and Minister for Defense Peter Reith.
Costello said that he was going to Washington DC where he will commit Australia to the War on Terror and that he will pledge Australian personnel to the upcoming operations in Afghanistan. Ruddock said that Indonesia’s statements has been “promising” but that a definitive statement on the War on Terror by the world’s largest Muslim nation is still being awaited on by the world. Try said that there were two points to be made: that such a “definitive statement” will be at Indonesia’s timing and that there are certain conditions that must be made if Indonesia were to commit itself to the War on Terror. Costello said that would convey these words to McCain.
After saying to the gathered media that he had a productive meeting with the President, Costello departed for Washington.
25th September 2001:
During a work meeting with DPR Members, Minister of Civil Service Reform Kuntoro Mangkusubroto announced that the government will be recruiting civil servants again. Kuntoro said that the recruitment will focus on staff in charge of policy implementation rather than administration. But for exceptions which included the recruitment of ABRI officers, teachers, and doctors, a hiring freeze had been in place since June 1998. When asked why this hiring freeze had been lifted, Kuntoro said that the economy has recovered and the scope of the government’s work had expanded.
The policy was supported by all, something which earned the DPR members half-serious jokes by the media that there was no way the policy could not be supported because all of the political parties would be trying to get civil servants to vote for them.
26th September 2001:
Minister of Religion Quraish Shihab in a TVRI interview discussed about how Indonesian Muslims should process what happened two weeks prior. Encouraging Muslims to “learn more about their religion”, Quraish said that people need to be able to distinguish between Jihad and terrorism saying the latter was violence committed against innocent people. A key moment in the interview was when the interviewers half-jokingly said that there would not be “72 maidens in Heaven” for the hijackers of the airplanes which were crashed on 11th September.
“But the 72 maidens in Heaven are only for martyrs, not terrorists and there’s no guarantee that these terrorists are martyrs”, replied Quraish “It may well be the case that they died as infidels.”
27th September 2001:
In a joint press conference also attended by Edi Sudrajat, Commander of ABRI Wiranto, Chief of BAKIN Ari Sudewo, Army Chief of Staff Luhut Panjaitan, and Chief of Police Yun Mulyana, Soerjadi announced that that the previous night, a joint Army and Police team had shot dead Jemaah Islamiyah Operative Imam Samudra. Imam Samudra was shot when trying to evade capture.
After describing Imam Samudra’s life which included stays in Afghanistan and in Malaysia where he interacted with Abu Bakar Baasyir, there followed Imam Samudra’s present story. Found on Imam Samudra was his laptop which contained various files. Ari Sudewo then took over saying that what the Anti-Terror Taskforce was most interested in were plans to conduct a Christmas Eve bombing in 2000 with a target of around 20 churches. This shows, Ari said, that despite the vigilance of the government, there are those out there hatching these plots. Wiranto spoke on behalf of ABRI saying that ABRI and its four branches are ready to be deployed against those wishing to disturb the nation with acts of terror.
28th September 2001:
Whilst closing a PNI DPR Candidates’ Training program, Chairwoman of PNI Megawati Soekarnoputri criticized the President’s anti-terror policy. Megawati argued that the President’s policy was too predicated on not having regards for human rights and trying too hard to impress the United States.
JB Sumarlin, Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti, Anthony Salim, Minister of Manpower and Small Business Fahmi Idris, and Governor of BI Boediono were seen touring Harco Mangga Dua, an electronics shopping center in Jakarta. “Mr. Vice President, our items are flying off the shelves”, said a videogame shopowner when he saw Sumarlin walk pass. While his aides and some ministers were distracted by the football video game, Sumarlin chatted with the shop owner.
Speaking to the media outside, Sumarlin explained that consumption is still strong in 2001 and has been made even stronger by the currency. In the last two months and in the aftermath of 9/11, the Rupiah had strengthened to $1= Rp. 4,077 so the Rupiah is buying more. Sumarlin said with a smile that he thinks it’s going to be another good year in 2001.
1st October 2001:
It is a routine event normally attended by dignitaries such as Vice President JB Sumarlin and Chairman of DPR Harmoko as well as by the diplomatic corps.
What was not routine was the fact that on this day, the ambassadors were bussed to the Crocodile Hole by the Department of Foreign Affairs; departing from the Department of Foreign Affairs building. At the end of the ceremony, we were bussed again. But rather than return to the Department of Foreign Affairs, we stopped at the Waspada Purba Wisesa (lit. Eternal Vigilance) Museum at Gatot Subroto Road at a complex on which the Satria Mandala Museum is located.
To our surprise, President Try was there accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Ginandjar, Commander of ABRI Wiranto, and State Secretary Edi Sudrajat. Ginandjar joined and chatted with us while the President toured the museum.
The Eternal Vigilance Museum contains exhibits which portrays Indonesia’s struggle against Muslim extremists and terrorists throughout the years. Most notably it portrays the Indonesian military’s struggle to crack down on Darul Islam, a movement which sought to establish an Islamic state in Indonesia in 1949 and which was only suppressed in 1962.
The museum itself probably needs to be refurbished but considering the events of New York, Chicago, and Washington DC, and from conversation with Ginandjar as we toured the museum, we believe the Indonesian Government is sending a message to the White House.
First, that Indonesia has been fighting such threats for a far longer period of time than the United States.
Second, that if Indonesia threw its support to the United States in the War on Terror, it will be because it wants to not because it is pressured to.
Third, in light of the shooting to death of Jemaah Islamiyah member Imam Samudra and the uncovering of possible terror plots against targets in Indonesia, that Indonesia is also fighting its own War on Terror but that its association with the broader War on Terror must be on terms favorable to Indonesia.
---
Presidential Decision 38/1997 may be found here http://www.flevin.com/id/lgso/legislation/Mirror/czoyNToiZD0xOTAwKzk3JmY9a3AzOC0xOTk3LnBkZiI7.pdf
OTL Quraish Shihab’s comments on terrorists dying as infidels can be found in https://www.laduni.id/post/read/43529/quraish-shihab-bisa-jadi-para-teroris-mati-kafir though in its original context, it is used when he discussed the 2018 bombing in Surabaya.
OTL Imam Samudra is of course one of those involved with the 2002 Bali Bombings. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imam_Samudra
The Eternal Vigilance Museum may be found on this Wikipedia page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satriamandala_Museum It was originally built during Soeharto’s presidency and opened in 1987.
President Try Sutrisno chaired a full cabinet meeting attended by Vice President JB Sumarlin and all the cabinet ministers. The following items that were discussed:
*The first item was the situation in Indonesia a week on after 9/11. State Secretary Edi Sudrajat updated the cabinet on the steps taken to bolster security in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in New York, Chicago, and Washington. Minister of Industry Siswono Yudohusodo and Minister of Trade Anthony Salim reported that economic activity have gone on as normal in Indonesia. Minister of Tourism Soeyono reported that in addition to the continuing US recession, American tourists are feeling insecure about flying overseas and are cancelling holidays in Indonesia. The President said that something is in the works if people feel there is reason to be insecure about Indonesia.
*Minister of Economics and National Development Planning Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti and Minister of Finance Mar’ie Muhammad reported about their trip to Washington to meet with the CGI last week. Aside from their tale of seeing smoke rising from Pentagon, Dorodjatun and Mar’ie reported about the aid pledged to Indonesia by the CGI. They also spoke about their meeting with United States Secretary of Treasury Phil Gramm who said that there might be economic incentives if Indonesia showed support for the United States in the “War on Terror”. The President noted this report, especially the last part.
*Minister of Home Affairs Harsudiono Hartas reported about election preparations. The entire DPR candidates list from all four parties has been submitted. The candidates will be screened by the KPU in cooperation with BAKIN and a provisional candidates’ list will be published on 1st December 2001. Harsudiono said that there will be a drawing of numbers for the political parties on 1st December 2001. The President said that he would allow ministers to campaign but that their main focus should be their work.
18th September 2001:
DPR Member Hamzah Haz (PPP) said in an interview on SCTV’s Liputan 6 News Program that the events that occurred last week would cleanse the United States’ soul.
The President and JB Sumarlin had a meeting with Chairman of DPR Harmoko (PKPI) and Vice Chairmen of DPR RS Museno (PKPI), Hari Sabarno (ABRI), Theo Sambuaga (PKPB), and Ali Hardi Kiai Demak (PPP). Coming out of it, Harmoko said the DPR supported the Government in the steps that it has taken.
19th September 2001:
Mar’ie Muhammad and Siswono Yudohusodo announced that the President had revoked Presidential Decision 38/1997 regarding Tax Facilities For Certain Industries. Mar’ie said that the decision gives tax holidays to six enterprises (four domestic, two foreign) deemed to be pioneer industries from the enactment of the decision. However, the government already have existing tax holiday provisions for domestic enterprises which had been enacted for the last 18 months and the foreign enterprises already have tax holiday provisions granted to them under the Foreign Investment Law of 1967. Thus there was no need to give special treatment to these enterprises.
Siswono shook his head when asked if there were political considerations involved with the revocation of these tax holidays. He pointed out the consideration was equal opportunity in Indonesia’s industrial development, if there are existing tax holiday policies there is no need for special treatment. As to the timing of the revocation, Siswono said that the government wanted the tax holidays when the economy had recovered in acknowledgement of the importance of these industries to the economy.
It was noted by the politically observant that the four domestic enterprises losing their tax holidays were Bob Hasan’s PT Kiani Kertas, Hashim Djojohadikusumo’s olefin plant, and Marimutu Sinivasan’s polyester manufacturing and textile industry machinery plants. All three, especially the first two, are considered close cronies of President Soeharto.
20th September 2001:
In a press conference, Chairman of PPP Matori Abdul Djalil distanced himself from the comments made two days prior by Hamzah Haz saying that it was not representative of the PPP’s stance. Saying whether Hamzah would lose his position as Chairman of the PPP’s National Campaign, Matori said that Hamzah would remain in his position.
State Minister of National Security Soerjadi announced that the President has approved of the formation of an Anti-Terror Taskforce (Satgas Anti-Teror). This taskforce will be headed by himself and brings together representatives from various agencies but most notably ABRI and BAKIN.
21st September 2001:
The President spent his morning watching President of United States John McCain make his address to congress. McCain unveiled what he called is a War on Terror on Al Qaeda; casting Al Qaeda and its leader Osama Bin Laden as people who wanted to destroy what the United States stood for. McCain also demanded that the Taliban hand over Al Qaeda members in the country; an ultimatum before a military strike that was sure to come.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ginandjar Kartasasmita issued a statement on behalf of the Indonesian Government not long after the address. Ginandjar said the President responded most positively to McCain’s statement that Islam was a religion of peace and that the terrorists had “blasphemed” against Allah for what they did 10 days prior.
Chairwoman of PKPB Tutut Soeharto attending a PKPB National Campaign Meeting in Puncak, West Java said that whilst she agrees in principle to the President taking security measures to strengthen the nation’s capacity to face terrorism but thinks that it is a bad move to make the majority of Indonesia’s citizens feel distressed on account of religion.
“Is she really going to seriously make an issue of that?” asked Edi Sudrajat watching this on television.
“Have to keep the Masyumi and Jemaah Tarbiyah bunch happy”, muttered Harsudiono.
24th September 2001:
The President today welcomed Prime Minister of Australia Peter Costello. Costelo, freshly re-elected as prime minister, was stopping over in Jakarta en route in Washington. As they sat down to meet, Try was accompanied by Ginandjar Kartasasmita and Edi Sudrajat; Costello by Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Philip Ruddock and Minister for Defense Peter Reith.
Costello said that he was going to Washington DC where he will commit Australia to the War on Terror and that he will pledge Australian personnel to the upcoming operations in Afghanistan. Ruddock said that Indonesia’s statements has been “promising” but that a definitive statement on the War on Terror by the world’s largest Muslim nation is still being awaited on by the world. Try said that there were two points to be made: that such a “definitive statement” will be at Indonesia’s timing and that there are certain conditions that must be made if Indonesia were to commit itself to the War on Terror. Costello said that would convey these words to McCain.
After saying to the gathered media that he had a productive meeting with the President, Costello departed for Washington.
25th September 2001:
During a work meeting with DPR Members, Minister of Civil Service Reform Kuntoro Mangkusubroto announced that the government will be recruiting civil servants again. Kuntoro said that the recruitment will focus on staff in charge of policy implementation rather than administration. But for exceptions which included the recruitment of ABRI officers, teachers, and doctors, a hiring freeze had been in place since June 1998. When asked why this hiring freeze had been lifted, Kuntoro said that the economy has recovered and the scope of the government’s work had expanded.
The policy was supported by all, something which earned the DPR members half-serious jokes by the media that there was no way the policy could not be supported because all of the political parties would be trying to get civil servants to vote for them.
26th September 2001:
Minister of Religion Quraish Shihab in a TVRI interview discussed about how Indonesian Muslims should process what happened two weeks prior. Encouraging Muslims to “learn more about their religion”, Quraish said that people need to be able to distinguish between Jihad and terrorism saying the latter was violence committed against innocent people. A key moment in the interview was when the interviewers half-jokingly said that there would not be “72 maidens in Heaven” for the hijackers of the airplanes which were crashed on 11th September.
“But the 72 maidens in Heaven are only for martyrs, not terrorists and there’s no guarantee that these terrorists are martyrs”, replied Quraish “It may well be the case that they died as infidels.”
27th September 2001:
In a joint press conference also attended by Edi Sudrajat, Commander of ABRI Wiranto, Chief of BAKIN Ari Sudewo, Army Chief of Staff Luhut Panjaitan, and Chief of Police Yun Mulyana, Soerjadi announced that that the previous night, a joint Army and Police team had shot dead Jemaah Islamiyah Operative Imam Samudra. Imam Samudra was shot when trying to evade capture.
After describing Imam Samudra’s life which included stays in Afghanistan and in Malaysia where he interacted with Abu Bakar Baasyir, there followed Imam Samudra’s present story. Found on Imam Samudra was his laptop which contained various files. Ari Sudewo then took over saying that what the Anti-Terror Taskforce was most interested in were plans to conduct a Christmas Eve bombing in 2000 with a target of around 20 churches. This shows, Ari said, that despite the vigilance of the government, there are those out there hatching these plots. Wiranto spoke on behalf of ABRI saying that ABRI and its four branches are ready to be deployed against those wishing to disturb the nation with acts of terror.
28th September 2001:
Whilst closing a PNI DPR Candidates’ Training program, Chairwoman of PNI Megawati Soekarnoputri criticized the President’s anti-terror policy. Megawati argued that the President’s policy was too predicated on not having regards for human rights and trying too hard to impress the United States.
JB Sumarlin, Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti, Anthony Salim, Minister of Manpower and Small Business Fahmi Idris, and Governor of BI Boediono were seen touring Harco Mangga Dua, an electronics shopping center in Jakarta. “Mr. Vice President, our items are flying off the shelves”, said a videogame shopowner when he saw Sumarlin walk pass. While his aides and some ministers were distracted by the football video game, Sumarlin chatted with the shop owner.
Speaking to the media outside, Sumarlin explained that consumption is still strong in 2001 and has been made even stronger by the currency. In the last two months and in the aftermath of 9/11, the Rupiah had strengthened to $1= Rp. 4,077 so the Rupiah is buying more. Sumarlin said with a smile that he thinks it’s going to be another good year in 2001.
1st October 2001:
US Embassy in Jakarta Cable to The Department of State
In Indonesia the 1st October is the Might of Pancasila Day, the day when the coup attempt allegedly launched by the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) was suppressed by Major General Soeharto who went on to become president until his death in 1997. At Crocodile Hole in East Java where the PKI killed and dumped the bodies of kidnapped army generals as the coup was being launched President Try Sutrisno presided over a ceremony to commemorate such events.
It is a routine event normally attended by dignitaries such as Vice President JB Sumarlin and Chairman of DPR Harmoko as well as by the diplomatic corps.
What was not routine was the fact that on this day, the ambassadors were bussed to the Crocodile Hole by the Department of Foreign Affairs; departing from the Department of Foreign Affairs building. At the end of the ceremony, we were bussed again. But rather than return to the Department of Foreign Affairs, we stopped at the Waspada Purba Wisesa (lit. Eternal Vigilance) Museum at Gatot Subroto Road at a complex on which the Satria Mandala Museum is located.
To our surprise, President Try was there accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Ginandjar, Commander of ABRI Wiranto, and State Secretary Edi Sudrajat. Ginandjar joined and chatted with us while the President toured the museum.
The Eternal Vigilance Museum contains exhibits which portrays Indonesia’s struggle against Muslim extremists and terrorists throughout the years. Most notably it portrays the Indonesian military’s struggle to crack down on Darul Islam, a movement which sought to establish an Islamic state in Indonesia in 1949 and which was only suppressed in 1962.
The museum itself probably needs to be refurbished but considering the events of New York, Chicago, and Washington DC, and from conversation with Ginandjar as we toured the museum, we believe the Indonesian Government is sending a message to the White House.
First, that Indonesia has been fighting such threats for a far longer period of time than the United States.
Second, that if Indonesia threw its support to the United States in the War on Terror, it will be because it wants to not because it is pressured to.
Third, in light of the shooting to death of Jemaah Islamiyah member Imam Samudra and the uncovering of possible terror plots against targets in Indonesia, that Indonesia is also fighting its own War on Terror but that its association with the broader War on Terror must be on terms favorable to Indonesia.
---
Presidential Decision 38/1997 may be found here http://www.flevin.com/id/lgso/legislation/Mirror/czoyNToiZD0xOTAwKzk3JmY9a3AzOC0xOTk3LnBkZiI7.pdf
OTL Quraish Shihab’s comments on terrorists dying as infidels can be found in https://www.laduni.id/post/read/43529/quraish-shihab-bisa-jadi-para-teroris-mati-kafir though in its original context, it is used when he discussed the 2018 bombing in Surabaya.
OTL Imam Samudra is of course one of those involved with the 2002 Bali Bombings. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imam_Samudra
The Eternal Vigilance Museum may be found on this Wikipedia page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satriamandala_Museum It was originally built during Soeharto’s presidency and opened in 1987.
War on Terror with President John McCain? I hope he does differently than OTL Bush.
For Indonesia, participating in the War on Terror would definitely weaken Islamic organizations one way or another. However, the most radical might just align themselves with the Taliban.
Can't wait for more. Kudos for this great TL.
For Indonesia, participating in the War on Terror would definitely weaken Islamic organizations one way or another. However, the most radical might just align themselves with the Taliban.
Can't wait for more. Kudos for this great TL.
142: Before He Goes To Meet The World
2nd October 2001:
President Try Sutrisno today attended the Department of Public Works’ Annual Work meeting. With Minister of Public Works Rachmat Witoelar beside him and via teleconference, the President inaugurated the following toll roads:
*Medan-Binjai Toll Road in North Sumatra
*Antasari-Depok Toll Road in Jakarta and West Java
*Cikampek-Purwakarta-Padalarang Toll Road in West Java
*Semarang-Solo Toll Road in Central Java
*Semarang-Demak Toll Road in Cental Java
“Economic growth is generated by economic activity and economic activity is facilitated by infrastructure”, the President read in his speech to inaugurate the projects and open the work meeting “In turn, by having more economic growth we will increase our capacity to build more infrastructure and generate further economic growth.”
3rd October 2001:
At the DPR Building today, Minister of Manpower and Small Business Fahmi Idris introduced the new Manpower Law. In his introduction, Fahmi said that when passed this law will provide for the realization of a Pancasila Industrial Relations system.
Reacting to the introduction to this bill, Secretary of PNI Sutjipto challenged the DPR to wait until after the next election and PNI members are in the DPR as well so that they can debate the bill. Sutjipto criticized the government’s policy saying that the government had not raised minimum wage since 1999.
4th October 2001:
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ginandjar Kartasasmita held a long press conference at the Department of Foreign Affairs after he met with the President. Among the various issues that were asked were the following:
*On the United States and its Coalition’s military buildup in preparation for the attack on Afghanistan, Ginandjar said that Indonesia has no comment because Indonesia is not involved. Ginandjar maintained that Indonesia’s policy was that it would not be involved in that the Americans have dubbed “Operation Enduring Freedom” but that it would not encourage or discourage other nations against taking a stance.
*Ginandjar was also asked about President of Russia Yevgeny Primakov’s statement in the last few days that muslim nations should not be under any obligation or pressure to support the United States and the warm welcome that it had received in the muslim world. Ginandjar said that that’s Russia’s statement and the response of the muslim world has no bearing on Indonesia’s foreign policy because whatever stance Indonesia takes will because it wants to not because it its pressured or obliged to.
*Ginandjar said that the President will be meeting with the presidents of the United States, Russia, and China at the upcoming APEC Summit in Shanghai.
5th October 2001:
The 56th ABRI Day was celebrated at Kemayoran, Central Jakarta on the long avenues that used to function as Jakarta’s International Airport. At the place of honor, the President, Minister of Defense and Security Wismoyo Arismunandar, Commander of ABRI Wiranto, Army Chief of Staff Luhut Panjaitan, Navy Chief of Staff Indroko Sastrowiryono, Air Force Chief of Staff Ali Munsiri Rappe, and Chief of Police Yun Mulyana saluted the troops as they marched past.
“I believe that the Might of Pancasila Day and ABRI Day coming so close together in the calendar reflects how intertwined Pancasila and ABRI are. When in 1965, Pancasila had to show its might against the extreme left, ABRI was at the forefront and ABRI will remain at the forefront in the present day when Pancasila shows its might against Pancasila’s other enemies”, declared the President in his ABRI Day Address.
8th October 2001:
The DPR today passed the results of the budgetary audits for the 1997/1998 Budget, 1998/1999 Budget, and 1999/2000 Budgets into law. In a joint press conference with Chairman of DPR Harmoko, Chairman of BPK Kunarto said that overall, the Government’s financial accountability and transparency has improved throughout the 3.5 years of the new presidency. Kunarto made mention that off-budget funds have been been on the decrease during the current presidency.
Minister of Transmigration Rusmadi Sidik and Chairman of BP-7 Agus Widjojo signed an MoU committing their two agencies to P4 Training transmigrants about to depart for transmigration and for locals where the transmigrants will arrive. The aim being to improve cohesion by the two parties.
9th October 2001:
Minister of Legal Affairs Marzuki Darusman, Minister of Transportation Soerjadi Soedirja, Wiranto, and Chief of BAKIN Ari Sudewo came out of a meeting with the President. The four announced that after comparing notes, they can confirm that Jemaah Islamiyah operatives have not left the country. The four also said that the President had instructed them share intelligence and coordinate with each other on the possible movements of said operatives.
Leader of PKPB in the DPR Hartono calls for a resolution to be passed in the DPR condemning the impending invasion of Afghanistan. DPR Member Hamzah Haz (PPP) joined in the call while Jakob Tobing (PKPI) called for the DPR to wait for the government.
10th October 2001:
Demonstrations were held at the United States Embassy in Jakarta to condemn Operation Enduring Freedom which began today. Among those demonstrating was Ahmad Sumargono, Chairman of the Indonesian Committee for World Islamic Solidarity (KISDI) and also a PKPB member. After making their point at the United States Embassy, they were about to turn in the direction of the Presidential Palace when they were blocked by troops from the Regional Jakarta Military Command.
Appearing on television while these demonstrations were going on, Hamzah Haz said that the real terrorists in this situation are the United States. The President watched all this unfold on the television in his office with State Secretary Edi Sudrajat. He was most annoyed at Hamzah Haz’ comments and noted that it was the third time in a month that he had made those comments.
At the Presidential Palace, it fell to Cabinet Secretary Hayono Isman to explain to the reporters that the government had not changed its stance namely that it was not involved but would not encourage or discourage other nations from being involved in Afghanistan.
11th October 2001:
The President and his entourage landed at Pontianak, West Kalimantan where they were greeted on the tarmac by Governor of West Kalimantan Aspar Aswin. The entourage hopped in cars and travelled east from Pontianak to Tayan Hilir in Sanggau Regency. At a crossroads at Simpang Ampar, the President got out of his car and inaugurated the following:
*Kapuas II Bridge
*Pontianak-Tayan Road
*Tayan-Traju-Bale Bakuak Road
The President shook hands with the locals, some of whom were shocked to see him after being so used to see him on television or on the official photograph. Lunch made for some interesting conversation. It was not lost on Try that this region was still relatively isolated. He listened intently while Aspar made his explanation while Edi and Rachmat Witoelar took notes. Chairman of the Infrastructure Planning Committee Iwan Jaya Azis, who also came along for the trip, also paid attention. Try also asked questions of locals who said that economic life could be better if they had access to Pontianak.
From there, the Presidential entourage headed back to Pontianak where the President spent the night.
12th October 2001:
The President caught a small airplane from Pontianak, landing at Singkawang which was still in West Kalimantan. There his entourage were joined by Minister of Home Affairs Harsudiono Hartas and Minister of Agriculture Sarwono Kusumaatmadja. The first order of business for the President was to declare open a Farming Exhibition that was being held there.
Touring around the exhibition, the President became aware of Singkawang’s potential as a farming city. There were no shortage of chicken farmers, cattle farmers, and pig farmers to not say anything of the fruit farmers. In fact as Aspar said rather proudly to him, more than 90% of eggs in West Kalimantan were produced within the province. But as many of the farmers the President and Sarwono spoke to at the exhibition, infrastructure was an issue. They would like to sell their products beyond West Kalimantan but it was a struggle just getting to Pontianak much less other cities in Kalimantan and beyond.
After Friday Prayer at Singkawang Mosque, the President and his entourage flew back to Pontianak and then Jakarta. On the flight back, the President asked Iwan Jaya what major infrastructure projects were planned for Kalimantan. Iwan Jaya reported that the the Pontianak-Singkawang and Balikpapan-Samarinda Toll Roads are in the pipeline. The President nodded in approval.
Meanwhile, Harsudiono Hartas reported that he had come from Jayapura and handed him Governor of Irian Jaya Jacob Pattipi’s resignation. Harsudiono said that Pattipi is dying and the President approved of Pattipi’s resignation.
13th October 2001:
Though a Saturday morning, the President swore in the following at the Presidential Palace:
*Prof. Dr. Balthasar Kambuaya MBA as Governor of Irian Jaya
*Drs. Potsdam Hutasoit as Head of the BNP2TKI
*Drs. Enggartiasto Lukita as Head of the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office to Taipei
The post-ceremony interviews were handled by Harsudiono Hartas and Edi Sudrajat. Edi said these were just routine appointments when asked whether Tosari Widjaja’s removal as Head of BNP2TKI had anything to do with him being a supporter of Hamzah Haz. Meanwhile Harsudiono explained that Kambuaya’s appointment means that the government would like to focus on economic development in Irian Jaya.
16th October 2001:
After having his Sunday off, conveying his condolences on the death of recently resigned Governor Jacob Pattipi, and only attending the Isra Miraj Celebration the previous day, the President had a third day off. This was apparently under the orders of the First Lady to keep his strength up.
It was only in the evening that there was movement at the Presidential Palace as the Presidential Motorcade made its way to Halim Perdanakusuma Airport. At the airport there was a buffet set up in the VVIP Room for both the President’s delegation and the delegation of officials seeing them of. Sitting in the corner, the President chatted privately with Vice President JB Sumarlin.
Outside the President held began shaking hands with the officials who were seeing him off. As the cameras snapped, reporters asked about what he intended to achieve in the trip which will take him
“Short answer: the national interest”, said Try with a smile that was Soeharto-esque.
“What about the long answer?” asked a reporter.
“The national interest”, repeated Try “Thank you, I have a flight to catch.”
---
Hamzah Haz being a nuisance (in Try’s POV) is the ITTL version of what he did OTL while being vice president; namely condemning the United States and playing the religion card.
You can see OTL Megawati having to deal with questions about Hamzah Haz’ comment when she visited the US in September 2001
From: https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/doc...wati-sukarnoputri-indonesia-and-exchange-with
Operation Enduring Freedom begins 3 days later than OTL to account for ITTL complications.
The difference between OTL and ITTL Indonesia at this point was that while OTL Indonesia readily condemned the events of 9/11, it became hesistant in its stance due to pressure from religious groups in Indonesia. So much so that in OTL, you have the PM of Australia putting pressure on Indonesia not to “weaken its support” on the eve of APEC 2001 (http://edition.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/southeast/10/17/gen.indonesia.warnings/index.html)
President Try Sutrisno today attended the Department of Public Works’ Annual Work meeting. With Minister of Public Works Rachmat Witoelar beside him and via teleconference, the President inaugurated the following toll roads:
*Medan-Binjai Toll Road in North Sumatra
*Antasari-Depok Toll Road in Jakarta and West Java
*Cikampek-Purwakarta-Padalarang Toll Road in West Java
*Semarang-Solo Toll Road in Central Java
*Semarang-Demak Toll Road in Cental Java
“Economic growth is generated by economic activity and economic activity is facilitated by infrastructure”, the President read in his speech to inaugurate the projects and open the work meeting “In turn, by having more economic growth we will increase our capacity to build more infrastructure and generate further economic growth.”
3rd October 2001:
At the DPR Building today, Minister of Manpower and Small Business Fahmi Idris introduced the new Manpower Law. In his introduction, Fahmi said that when passed this law will provide for the realization of a Pancasila Industrial Relations system.
Reacting to the introduction to this bill, Secretary of PNI Sutjipto challenged the DPR to wait until after the next election and PNI members are in the DPR as well so that they can debate the bill. Sutjipto criticized the government’s policy saying that the government had not raised minimum wage since 1999.
4th October 2001:
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ginandjar Kartasasmita held a long press conference at the Department of Foreign Affairs after he met with the President. Among the various issues that were asked were the following:
*On the United States and its Coalition’s military buildup in preparation for the attack on Afghanistan, Ginandjar said that Indonesia has no comment because Indonesia is not involved. Ginandjar maintained that Indonesia’s policy was that it would not be involved in that the Americans have dubbed “Operation Enduring Freedom” but that it would not encourage or discourage other nations against taking a stance.
*Ginandjar was also asked about President of Russia Yevgeny Primakov’s statement in the last few days that muslim nations should not be under any obligation or pressure to support the United States and the warm welcome that it had received in the muslim world. Ginandjar said that that’s Russia’s statement and the response of the muslim world has no bearing on Indonesia’s foreign policy because whatever stance Indonesia takes will because it wants to not because it its pressured or obliged to.
*Ginandjar said that the President will be meeting with the presidents of the United States, Russia, and China at the upcoming APEC Summit in Shanghai.
5th October 2001:
The 56th ABRI Day was celebrated at Kemayoran, Central Jakarta on the long avenues that used to function as Jakarta’s International Airport. At the place of honor, the President, Minister of Defense and Security Wismoyo Arismunandar, Commander of ABRI Wiranto, Army Chief of Staff Luhut Panjaitan, Navy Chief of Staff Indroko Sastrowiryono, Air Force Chief of Staff Ali Munsiri Rappe, and Chief of Police Yun Mulyana saluted the troops as they marched past.
“I believe that the Might of Pancasila Day and ABRI Day coming so close together in the calendar reflects how intertwined Pancasila and ABRI are. When in 1965, Pancasila had to show its might against the extreme left, ABRI was at the forefront and ABRI will remain at the forefront in the present day when Pancasila shows its might against Pancasila’s other enemies”, declared the President in his ABRI Day Address.
8th October 2001:
The DPR today passed the results of the budgetary audits for the 1997/1998 Budget, 1998/1999 Budget, and 1999/2000 Budgets into law. In a joint press conference with Chairman of DPR Harmoko, Chairman of BPK Kunarto said that overall, the Government’s financial accountability and transparency has improved throughout the 3.5 years of the new presidency. Kunarto made mention that off-budget funds have been been on the decrease during the current presidency.
Minister of Transmigration Rusmadi Sidik and Chairman of BP-7 Agus Widjojo signed an MoU committing their two agencies to P4 Training transmigrants about to depart for transmigration and for locals where the transmigrants will arrive. The aim being to improve cohesion by the two parties.
9th October 2001:
Minister of Legal Affairs Marzuki Darusman, Minister of Transportation Soerjadi Soedirja, Wiranto, and Chief of BAKIN Ari Sudewo came out of a meeting with the President. The four announced that after comparing notes, they can confirm that Jemaah Islamiyah operatives have not left the country. The four also said that the President had instructed them share intelligence and coordinate with each other on the possible movements of said operatives.
Leader of PKPB in the DPR Hartono calls for a resolution to be passed in the DPR condemning the impending invasion of Afghanistan. DPR Member Hamzah Haz (PPP) joined in the call while Jakob Tobing (PKPI) called for the DPR to wait for the government.
10th October 2001:
Demonstrations were held at the United States Embassy in Jakarta to condemn Operation Enduring Freedom which began today. Among those demonstrating was Ahmad Sumargono, Chairman of the Indonesian Committee for World Islamic Solidarity (KISDI) and also a PKPB member. After making their point at the United States Embassy, they were about to turn in the direction of the Presidential Palace when they were blocked by troops from the Regional Jakarta Military Command.
Appearing on television while these demonstrations were going on, Hamzah Haz said that the real terrorists in this situation are the United States. The President watched all this unfold on the television in his office with State Secretary Edi Sudrajat. He was most annoyed at Hamzah Haz’ comments and noted that it was the third time in a month that he had made those comments.
At the Presidential Palace, it fell to Cabinet Secretary Hayono Isman to explain to the reporters that the government had not changed its stance namely that it was not involved but would not encourage or discourage other nations from being involved in Afghanistan.
11th October 2001:
The President and his entourage landed at Pontianak, West Kalimantan where they were greeted on the tarmac by Governor of West Kalimantan Aspar Aswin. The entourage hopped in cars and travelled east from Pontianak to Tayan Hilir in Sanggau Regency. At a crossroads at Simpang Ampar, the President got out of his car and inaugurated the following:
*Kapuas II Bridge
*Pontianak-Tayan Road
*Tayan-Traju-Bale Bakuak Road
The President shook hands with the locals, some of whom were shocked to see him after being so used to see him on television or on the official photograph. Lunch made for some interesting conversation. It was not lost on Try that this region was still relatively isolated. He listened intently while Aspar made his explanation while Edi and Rachmat Witoelar took notes. Chairman of the Infrastructure Planning Committee Iwan Jaya Azis, who also came along for the trip, also paid attention. Try also asked questions of locals who said that economic life could be better if they had access to Pontianak.
From there, the Presidential entourage headed back to Pontianak where the President spent the night.
12th October 2001:
The President caught a small airplane from Pontianak, landing at Singkawang which was still in West Kalimantan. There his entourage were joined by Minister of Home Affairs Harsudiono Hartas and Minister of Agriculture Sarwono Kusumaatmadja. The first order of business for the President was to declare open a Farming Exhibition that was being held there.
Touring around the exhibition, the President became aware of Singkawang’s potential as a farming city. There were no shortage of chicken farmers, cattle farmers, and pig farmers to not say anything of the fruit farmers. In fact as Aspar said rather proudly to him, more than 90% of eggs in West Kalimantan were produced within the province. But as many of the farmers the President and Sarwono spoke to at the exhibition, infrastructure was an issue. They would like to sell their products beyond West Kalimantan but it was a struggle just getting to Pontianak much less other cities in Kalimantan and beyond.
After Friday Prayer at Singkawang Mosque, the President and his entourage flew back to Pontianak and then Jakarta. On the flight back, the President asked Iwan Jaya what major infrastructure projects were planned for Kalimantan. Iwan Jaya reported that the the Pontianak-Singkawang and Balikpapan-Samarinda Toll Roads are in the pipeline. The President nodded in approval.
Meanwhile, Harsudiono Hartas reported that he had come from Jayapura and handed him Governor of Irian Jaya Jacob Pattipi’s resignation. Harsudiono said that Pattipi is dying and the President approved of Pattipi’s resignation.
13th October 2001:
Though a Saturday morning, the President swore in the following at the Presidential Palace:
*Prof. Dr. Balthasar Kambuaya MBA as Governor of Irian Jaya
*Drs. Potsdam Hutasoit as Head of the BNP2TKI
*Drs. Enggartiasto Lukita as Head of the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office to Taipei
The post-ceremony interviews were handled by Harsudiono Hartas and Edi Sudrajat. Edi said these were just routine appointments when asked whether Tosari Widjaja’s removal as Head of BNP2TKI had anything to do with him being a supporter of Hamzah Haz. Meanwhile Harsudiono explained that Kambuaya’s appointment means that the government would like to focus on economic development in Irian Jaya.
16th October 2001:
After having his Sunday off, conveying his condolences on the death of recently resigned Governor Jacob Pattipi, and only attending the Isra Miraj Celebration the previous day, the President had a third day off. This was apparently under the orders of the First Lady to keep his strength up.
It was only in the evening that there was movement at the Presidential Palace as the Presidential Motorcade made its way to Halim Perdanakusuma Airport. At the airport there was a buffet set up in the VVIP Room for both the President’s delegation and the delegation of officials seeing them of. Sitting in the corner, the President chatted privately with Vice President JB Sumarlin.
Outside the President held began shaking hands with the officials who were seeing him off. As the cameras snapped, reporters asked about what he intended to achieve in the trip which will take him
“Short answer: the national interest”, said Try with a smile that was Soeharto-esque.
“What about the long answer?” asked a reporter.
“The national interest”, repeated Try “Thank you, I have a flight to catch.”
---
Hamzah Haz being a nuisance (in Try’s POV) is the ITTL version of what he did OTL while being vice president; namely condemning the United States and playing the religion card.
You can see OTL Megawati having to deal with questions about Hamzah Haz’ comment when she visited the US in September 2001
From: https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/doc...wati-sukarnoputri-indonesia-and-exchange-with
Operation Enduring Freedom begins 3 days later than OTL to account for ITTL complications.
The difference between OTL and ITTL Indonesia at this point was that while OTL Indonesia readily condemned the events of 9/11, it became hesistant in its stance due to pressure from religious groups in Indonesia. So much so that in OTL, you have the PM of Australia putting pressure on Indonesia not to “weaken its support” on the eve of APEC 2001 (http://edition.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/southeast/10/17/gen.indonesia.warnings/index.html)
OTL Bush was actually a domestically-oriented president before 9/11 made him into a foreign policy oriented president. McCain was always more foreign policy oriented.
Yep, the difference here is that the US gets more damage and but less sympathy.
Of course Indonesia's always had an Economic and Trade Office to Taipei since 1970 but it's the first time it's been in the spotlight in this TL. No spoilers though I will say that the administration in Taiwan is friendly towards the mainland.
143: "I'm No Moderate"
17th October 2001:
An overnight flight and the Presidential Airplane landed in the morning at Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, China. President Try Sutrisno and First Lady Tuti Setiawati were welcomed on the tarmac by Premier of China Zhu Rongji. The real welcome came at The Great Hall of the People. Try stood with President of China Jiang Zemin as both nations’ national anthems were played.
Then the meeting began. Try sat on one side of the table with Minister of Foreign Affairs Ginandjar Kartasasmita, Minister of Economics and National Development Planning Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti, Minister of Trade Anthony Salim, State Secretary Edi Sudrajat, and Head of BKPM Mari Pangestu. Jiang sat on his side with Zhu Rongji, Vice Premier Qian Qichen, Minister of Foreign Affairs Tang Jiaxuan, and Chairman of the National Development Commission Zeng Peiyan.
The Garuda and the Dragon began by praising each other. Try expressed Indonesia’s support for China’s accession to the WTO the next month while Jiang said that China was most pleased to hear changes in government policies towards the Indonesian Chinese; acknowledging the presence of two Indonesian Chinese ministers. The meeting ended with a commitment by China to facilitate study tours by Indonesian officials to study about how to manage Special Economic Zones from their Chinese counterparts as well as a commitment by Indonesia to simplify procedures for Chinese language schools to open up Chinese language courses in Indonesia and for Chinese teachers to be recruited into Indonesian private schools.
Afterwards Try was introduced to the members of the Politburo Standing Committee. He noticed Chairman of NPC Li Peng staring at him contemptuously. Vice Premier Wen Jiabao smiled politely but seemed to be taking measure of Try, the same went with Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission Luo Gan. Hu Jintao looked like someone who had either lost or is losing whatever political jockeying in the Chinese Communist Party.
The afternoon was spent taking questions from the Indonesian community living in Beijing. An Indonesian student studying in Beijing said that he’s received comments from Chinese students of something along of the lines of “Indonesia will never catch up to China”.
“I know it’s annoying but there are nations that are far stronger than ours and this is one of them”, said Try “We have to be humble, keep our head down and learn, but at the same time don’t give them too much respect that we’re too afraid to stand up to them.”
18th October 2001:
After a morning of sightseeing at the Great Wall of China, Try was brought to Zhongnanhai where Jiang has his offices and residence. Try brought Ginandjar and Edi with him while Jiang brought Qian and Tang. They smalltalked about the Great Wall until Jiang said that it is unfortunate that there is a perception that Indonesia and China are rivals. Try countered that Indonesia still has miles to go before it is anywhere near China’s rival. Jiang reiterated that China only wants to be Indonesia’s friend and Southeast Asia’s friend.
“I don’t doubt China’s intentions, Mr. President”, said Try “But if such were your intentions, you would permit Southeast Asia its independence on the world stage. The influence that you have in Cambodia, that you are trying to increase in Malaysia, and that you tried to get in Vietnam…how can ASEAN function when you are trying to make proxies out of its member nations?”
Jiang’s only apology was to geopolitical reality. He said that China being able to send a satellite to space, join the WTO, and get the opportunity to host the Olympic Games are signs of China’s increasing power. And increasing power means that China will have interests everywhere in the world and will seek to advance those interests including in Southeast Asia. He said that this “was unavoidable”.
Try knew that the conversation would not progress much from there. He endured what was tantamount to a semi-lecture on China’s increasing prominence in the world for another hour before shaking hands with Jiang and saying that they will see each other in Shanghai.
19th October 2001:
The morning saw the President and his delegation touch down in Shanghai, a bustling and modern-looking city. The APEC Summit was not due to start until the next day but leaders were already arriving and meeting with each other at the Shanghai International Convention Center. Try was no different. His first meeting at Shanghai was with none other than President of Russia Yevgeny Primakov. Try brought Minister of Defense and Security Wismoyo Arismunandar, State Minister of National Security Soerjadi, and Edi with him into the room while Primakov was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Ivanov.
They immediately got into a discussion about the situation in the world after 9/11. Primakov reiterated what he had said publicly that Muslim nations should not be under any pressure or obligation to side with the United States in the War of Terror. Primakov said that in Southeast Asia, Malaysia and Brunei shared his sentiments. Try smiled at these comments while Edi said that whatever decision taken by Indonesia will take national interest into situation.
Despite this disagreement, Try and Primakov had a productive meeting which ended with them concluding a deal which saw Indonesia make official the purchase the following military equipment from Russia:
*70 Yakhont Anti-Ship Missiles for the Navy
*12 BTR-80 Armored Personnel Carrier for the Marine Corps
Wismoyo and Edi were happy to complete the purchase. The latter especially was happy because as minister of defense and security in October 1997, Edi had been interested in purchasing the Yakhont Missiles but the crisis brought a stop to that.
Back at the hotel, Try held a fourway meeting with Ginandjar, Wismoyo, and Edi. The meeting listened to Ginandjar who had been on special assignment that day. Ginandjar said that Air Force One was not due touch down until later in the day but that United States Secretary of State Richard Williamson was already in Shanghai. Ginandjar said that he had submitted Indonesia’s conditions for support of the United States in the War of Terror as ordered by the President to Williamson.
“What was their response?” asked Try.
“They told us that with the requests we’re making, especially regarding Freeport, that McCain’s going to expect us to commit troops on the ground in Afghanistan”, said Ginandjar “Secretary Williamson said that President McCain’s preference was for us to commit troops in Afghanistan but had instructed that it will depend on what we would ask of them in exchange for their support. Now it would seem they feel they have the grounds to ask just that.”
“There would be a lot of people wanting to nail us politically if we were to agree to this”, said Edi “But then again we didn’t just expect the Americans to roll over.”
The meeting broke up with Try asking Ginandjar to meet with his Thai and Filipino counterparts.
Try ended the day watching the Indonesian National Football team play its final 2002 World Cup Qualifying Match, losing the match and missing out on the possibility of qualification by coming third in its group. He immediately placed a call to Indonesian National Football Team Manager Glenn Hoddle to send his commiserations to the team.
20th October 2001:
The APEC Summit officially got underway today. Sitting in the chairman’s position, Jiang spoke about all the APEC member nations working together to ensure economic prosperity in a time of an economic downturn and terrorism.
Try delivered a speech saying that terrorism needed to be fought in order to create a stable environment for economic development but was more interested in the bilateral meetings in these summits. These were the highlights of his and his delegation’s day:
*The first leader he met was Premier of Vietnam Phan Van Kai. Try was accompanied by Ginandjar and Dorodjatun while Kai was accompanied by Vietnam Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Dy Nien and Vietnam Minister of Planning Tan Guan Xia. The Premier said that it was great to meet Try under more “conducive” conditions.
During the meeting, Dorodjatun and Xia signed an MoU between the two nations, committing Indonesia to make Vietnam as a “first option” for rice imports and committing Vietnam to import paper from Indonesia.
*Still accompanied by Ginandjar and Dorodjatun, Try met with President of South Korea Kim Dae Jung, Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs Han Seung Soo, and Korean Minister of Planning and Budget Jin Nyum. On the economic front, despite South Korea struggling on the economic front it has pledged not to cut its intake on Indonesian migrant workers out of consideration that Indonesia is a vital ally.
*Edi Sudrajat and Anthony Salim met with Prime Minister of New Zealand Helen Clark and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Phil Goff. Trade between the two nations have carried on as normal but Indonesia failed to secure an unequivocal statement from Clark acknowledging East Timor to be a part of Indonesia and distancing themselves from the pro-East Timor independence movements in the country.
The meeting that Try was most nervous about was his “2.45 PM”. He brought in Ginandjar, Soerjadi, and Edi for this one. The men in the room representing the United States were Williamson, National Security Advisor Bill Kristol, White House Chief of Staff Rick Davis, and Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs Paul Wolfowitz who was happy to see Try. Try however found himself shaking hands with the white-haired man and posing for the cameras at the same time.
“Great to meet you at last, President Try”, he said “I’m John McCain.”
McCain and Try opened with preliminary statements. McCain stated that after the events of 9/11, it is clear that terrorism and extremism is a danger not only for the American people but also for other nations around the world and that this was why the United States has been trying to build a coalition in the War On Terror. McCain frankly acknowledged Indonesia’s important role saying that it would add legitimacy to the War on Terror if the world’s largest Muslim nation is on board.
Try said that second only to communism, religious extremism and those seeking to impose Sharia Law has been considered enemies of Pancasila in Indonesia since the establishment of the Republic. He reiterated the point that because of this there was no need to doubt Indonesia’s commitment to fighting extremism and that if it supported the War On Terror it would be because it wants to not because it is pressured to.
“And Indonesia will give its support to the United States’ War On Terror”, said Try “However, Indonesia needs to be satisfied that it is in its national interest to declare its support.”
Negotiations in the 24 hours since the list of Indonesia’s requests had been submitted to the American delegation had been conducted by Ginandjar and Williamson as well as their teams in between their APEC schedule. Now one by one, the two ministers went through Indonesia’s requests; McCain and Try making their comments. The following conditions were already approved:
-Indonesia will be given the status of “Strategic partner” in the War On Terror by the United States to avoid the term “Ally”.
-The ban on Indonesia’s participation in International Military Education and Training (IMET) placed in 1991 after the Dili Incident will be lifted.
-FAA certification process for IPTN’s N-250 Aircraft will continue without further disruption.
-The US Export Import Bank, Overseas Private Investment Cooperation, and Trade Development Agency to be mobilized to promote American trade and investment in Indonesia.
-A moratorium on the payment of all government debt for 10 years.
The conversation and negotiation between the two presidents began when McCain told Try about his desire that Indonesia should contribute some personnel on the ground in Afghanistan. Try said that it would not be feasible as there are already those seeking to play the religion card purely on the basis of Indonesia’s stance against terrorism and that “nationalist pride” would not stomach it if Indonesia became part of the coalition in Afghanistan.
Wolfowitz spoke out at this juncture and said that perhaps of commitment of troops in Afghanistan, Indonesia could commit its troops elsewhere. He said that the Filipino Government had also declared its support for the War On Terror but would prefer to concentrate its efforts in its own backyard with the various Islamic insurgents in the country. Williamson offered that Indonesia would contribute personnel to this cause.
Try began to ramble before finally saying yes while Edi tried his best to keep a poker face. This was why Ginandjar met Thailand Minister of Foreign Affairs Surakiart Sathirathai and Filipino Secretary of Foreign Affairs Domingo Siazon the previous night. It was to lobby the Thai and Filipino governments to in their turn lobby the United States Government not to push for Indonesian involvement in Afghanistan. The Filipino Government used the opportunity to ask for Indonesia to commit troops instead to the Philippines’ effort to fight Islamic insurgents instead, a request which Try accepted on condition that Indonesia will only participate once the moratorium takes effect.
Then came the issue of Freeport. In their negotiations, Williamson had told Ginandjar that this was something which McCain thought he should negotiate with Try directly.
Try had clearly expected too much of McCain for his face turned pale when McCain said that there was not a lot he could do about Freeport’s contract with the Indonesian Government. When Try argued that the present contract was a faulty contract made by the previous government, McCain would not be budged saying that both governments agreed to it. Soon enough a stalemate was reached and the room fell into an awkward silence.
“If you want something more”, began McCain “Either the deal on investment or the debt moratorium will need to be taken off the table or you need to commit troops to Afghanistan.”
All eyes in the room turned to Try.
---
At the Indonesian delegation’s table at the APEC Gala Dinner that night, the mood was jubilant. Dorodjatun was ecstatic about what a moratorium on debt payment for 10 years will mean while Mari was excited about US Investment that was to be directed in Indonesia’s direction. Edi was happy too but calmed them down and said that both sides have agreed to wait for a few days before issuing an official announcement. Only Try looked glum, having failed again to get the United States Government to budge on Freeport.
21st October 2001:
Try’s first agenda was a CNN interview recorded in his suite. After the previous day’s failure to sway McCain, Try was not to keen to do an interview on American cable TV though Edi set him straight and told him to focus. The interview, conducted by CNN’s Chief of Jakarta Bureau Maria Ressa, went over various issues including the Indonesian economy and the world post 9/11.
“I suppose the question is, Mr. President, what is on your mind as a Moderate Muslim when you see images of the US and its coalition as it goes about the task of unseating the Taliban in Afghanistan?” asked Ressa not realizing that Try winced at the term moderate.
“To start off, I don’t think I would classify myself as a moderate”, replied Try.
“Okay, Mr. President, how would you classify yourself?” asked Ressa.
“I think the term moderate is inaccurate because it implies that fundamentally speaking, I feel the same way about the United States as those extremists did but that I’m not far enough down the road to actually get into an airplane and hijack it”, said Try “I would classify myself instead as a mainstream Muslim. I say that because what these people did on 11th September is so far removed from my experience with and my attitude towards my religion that I can’t imagine being on the same spectrum as these people and their sympathizers that terms like moderate and extreme imply.”
After some more questions, the interview veered back to the comments of Russia’s Primakov and how Muslim nations should not feel pressured into supporting the United States in the War on Terror.
“Let’s put aside the mindset of being afraid of being labeled as pro or anti-American for a minute”, began Try “If someone commits a heinous crime and claims to do it in your name, do you just stand, do nothing, and let then them continue dishonoring your reputation or do you tell that person "Stop committing these crimes and stop claiming to do them in my name"? From where I sit, we need to stand up against these people because they’re dishonoring my religion.”
The APEC Summit came to an end mid-morning with a photo session at Shanghai’s Pudong Waterfront with Try and all the other leaders wearing Tang Jackets. They were all still wearing these jackets when Jiang read out the Leaders’ Declaration.
To Try’s surprise after Jiang finished reading his statement, McCain sought him out. McCain told Try that about what they agreed on and said that they should not announce it yet as had been promised at yesterday’s meeting.
“There’s some…amendments I would like to make”, said McCain “I just want ask you for extra time.”
“Of course, Mr. President”, said Try thinking that not much was going to change.
McCain offered his hand and Try shook it. To Try’s surprise, it seemed to him that McCain was showing a hint of emotion.
“I watched your interview on CNN this morning, Mr. President, and I just want to say it’s worth a lot more to me and my countrymen than a million condemnations”, he said before regaining composure “I will make it up to you, Mr. President.”
After McCain, Try had a quick and informal meeting and photo-op with Prime Minister of Malaysia Najib Razak, Prime Minister of Singapore Goh Chok Tong, Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah, President of the Philippines Joseph Estrada, Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra, and Premier of Vietnam Phan Van Khai. They only exchanged pleasantries and did not see a lot of each other during the summit, knowing that they will have plenty to talk about at the ASEAN Summit in two weeks’ time at Bandar Sri Begawan. In recognition of this, Bolkiah was placed center in their photo-op.
It was time to depart from Shanghai and just as the Presidential Airplane began to move, Try retreated into his private office with Edi. Edi too said that White House Chief of Staff Rick Davis had talked to him about McCain wanting to “amend a few things”.
“Can I say something, Mr. President?” asked Edi “I think you shouldn’t let the failure to get McCain to budge on Freeport get to you.”
“I’m just thinking that it’s important get Freeport right”, said Try “If we can fix that, we’re on stronger ground with the rest of our mining contracts or anything natural resources-related.”
“I know, Mr. President”, said Edi “But what you got is not insubstantial, think of all this nation can achieve when it does not have pay debt for 10 years.”
“I suppose you’re right”, said Try.
“Leave whatever McCain and Davis or Wolfowitz or anyone in that Administration want to amend to me, Mr. President, you just focus on what we want to achieve in Africa”, said Edi.
---
Still no dice on Freeport as Try chooses debt moratorium rather than force the issue regarding Freeport but his interview on CNN seems to have struck a chord with McCain.
Indonesia’s OTL interest in Yakhont Missiles in 1997 can be found here https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/94948/wp_sdsc_411.pdf. OTL the Indonesian Navy did puchase 50 Yakhont Missiles.
The trade and investment portion of what Indonesia and the US agreed on is based on what OTL Megawati achieved when she visited the US in September 2001 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/WCPD-2001-09-24/pdf/WCPD-2001-09-24-Pg1340.pdf
The US Military Embargo on the Indonesian military which was in effect at this time in OTL does not apply ITTL since the embargo was put in place as a response of what happened in OTL East Timor in 1999 which has been butterflied away.
It took me a while to settle on debt moratorium. I didn’t want it to be debt rescheduling or debt relief because Indonesia’s too big of an economy to get such things (I’m sure the rest of the third world won’t be happy) but I wanted something debt-related that would place it in a position for more development and faster progress.
Try’s comments during his CNN interview is not based on anything he’s said OTL but just want to continue with the “World’s Largest Muslim Nation Takes A Decisively Strong Stance On Terrorism and Extremism” theme.
An overnight flight and the Presidential Airplane landed in the morning at Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, China. President Try Sutrisno and First Lady Tuti Setiawati were welcomed on the tarmac by Premier of China Zhu Rongji. The real welcome came at The Great Hall of the People. Try stood with President of China Jiang Zemin as both nations’ national anthems were played.
Then the meeting began. Try sat on one side of the table with Minister of Foreign Affairs Ginandjar Kartasasmita, Minister of Economics and National Development Planning Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti, Minister of Trade Anthony Salim, State Secretary Edi Sudrajat, and Head of BKPM Mari Pangestu. Jiang sat on his side with Zhu Rongji, Vice Premier Qian Qichen, Minister of Foreign Affairs Tang Jiaxuan, and Chairman of the National Development Commission Zeng Peiyan.
The Garuda and the Dragon began by praising each other. Try expressed Indonesia’s support for China’s accession to the WTO the next month while Jiang said that China was most pleased to hear changes in government policies towards the Indonesian Chinese; acknowledging the presence of two Indonesian Chinese ministers. The meeting ended with a commitment by China to facilitate study tours by Indonesian officials to study about how to manage Special Economic Zones from their Chinese counterparts as well as a commitment by Indonesia to simplify procedures for Chinese language schools to open up Chinese language courses in Indonesia and for Chinese teachers to be recruited into Indonesian private schools.
Afterwards Try was introduced to the members of the Politburo Standing Committee. He noticed Chairman of NPC Li Peng staring at him contemptuously. Vice Premier Wen Jiabao smiled politely but seemed to be taking measure of Try, the same went with Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission Luo Gan. Hu Jintao looked like someone who had either lost or is losing whatever political jockeying in the Chinese Communist Party.
The afternoon was spent taking questions from the Indonesian community living in Beijing. An Indonesian student studying in Beijing said that he’s received comments from Chinese students of something along of the lines of “Indonesia will never catch up to China”.
“I know it’s annoying but there are nations that are far stronger than ours and this is one of them”, said Try “We have to be humble, keep our head down and learn, but at the same time don’t give them too much respect that we’re too afraid to stand up to them.”
18th October 2001:
After a morning of sightseeing at the Great Wall of China, Try was brought to Zhongnanhai where Jiang has his offices and residence. Try brought Ginandjar and Edi with him while Jiang brought Qian and Tang. They smalltalked about the Great Wall until Jiang said that it is unfortunate that there is a perception that Indonesia and China are rivals. Try countered that Indonesia still has miles to go before it is anywhere near China’s rival. Jiang reiterated that China only wants to be Indonesia’s friend and Southeast Asia’s friend.
“I don’t doubt China’s intentions, Mr. President”, said Try “But if such were your intentions, you would permit Southeast Asia its independence on the world stage. The influence that you have in Cambodia, that you are trying to increase in Malaysia, and that you tried to get in Vietnam…how can ASEAN function when you are trying to make proxies out of its member nations?”
Jiang’s only apology was to geopolitical reality. He said that China being able to send a satellite to space, join the WTO, and get the opportunity to host the Olympic Games are signs of China’s increasing power. And increasing power means that China will have interests everywhere in the world and will seek to advance those interests including in Southeast Asia. He said that this “was unavoidable”.
Try knew that the conversation would not progress much from there. He endured what was tantamount to a semi-lecture on China’s increasing prominence in the world for another hour before shaking hands with Jiang and saying that they will see each other in Shanghai.
19th October 2001:
The morning saw the President and his delegation touch down in Shanghai, a bustling and modern-looking city. The APEC Summit was not due to start until the next day but leaders were already arriving and meeting with each other at the Shanghai International Convention Center. Try was no different. His first meeting at Shanghai was with none other than President of Russia Yevgeny Primakov. Try brought Minister of Defense and Security Wismoyo Arismunandar, State Minister of National Security Soerjadi, and Edi with him into the room while Primakov was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Ivanov.
They immediately got into a discussion about the situation in the world after 9/11. Primakov reiterated what he had said publicly that Muslim nations should not be under any pressure or obligation to side with the United States in the War of Terror. Primakov said that in Southeast Asia, Malaysia and Brunei shared his sentiments. Try smiled at these comments while Edi said that whatever decision taken by Indonesia will take national interest into situation.
Despite this disagreement, Try and Primakov had a productive meeting which ended with them concluding a deal which saw Indonesia make official the purchase the following military equipment from Russia:
*70 Yakhont Anti-Ship Missiles for the Navy
*12 BTR-80 Armored Personnel Carrier for the Marine Corps
Wismoyo and Edi were happy to complete the purchase. The latter especially was happy because as minister of defense and security in October 1997, Edi had been interested in purchasing the Yakhont Missiles but the crisis brought a stop to that.
Back at the hotel, Try held a fourway meeting with Ginandjar, Wismoyo, and Edi. The meeting listened to Ginandjar who had been on special assignment that day. Ginandjar said that Air Force One was not due touch down until later in the day but that United States Secretary of State Richard Williamson was already in Shanghai. Ginandjar said that he had submitted Indonesia’s conditions for support of the United States in the War of Terror as ordered by the President to Williamson.
“What was their response?” asked Try.
“They told us that with the requests we’re making, especially regarding Freeport, that McCain’s going to expect us to commit troops on the ground in Afghanistan”, said Ginandjar “Secretary Williamson said that President McCain’s preference was for us to commit troops in Afghanistan but had instructed that it will depend on what we would ask of them in exchange for their support. Now it would seem they feel they have the grounds to ask just that.”
“There would be a lot of people wanting to nail us politically if we were to agree to this”, said Edi “But then again we didn’t just expect the Americans to roll over.”
The meeting broke up with Try asking Ginandjar to meet with his Thai and Filipino counterparts.
Try ended the day watching the Indonesian National Football team play its final 2002 World Cup Qualifying Match, losing the match and missing out on the possibility of qualification by coming third in its group. He immediately placed a call to Indonesian National Football Team Manager Glenn Hoddle to send his commiserations to the team.
20th October 2001:
The APEC Summit officially got underway today. Sitting in the chairman’s position, Jiang spoke about all the APEC member nations working together to ensure economic prosperity in a time of an economic downturn and terrorism.
Try delivered a speech saying that terrorism needed to be fought in order to create a stable environment for economic development but was more interested in the bilateral meetings in these summits. These were the highlights of his and his delegation’s day:
*The first leader he met was Premier of Vietnam Phan Van Kai. Try was accompanied by Ginandjar and Dorodjatun while Kai was accompanied by Vietnam Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Dy Nien and Vietnam Minister of Planning Tan Guan Xia. The Premier said that it was great to meet Try under more “conducive” conditions.
During the meeting, Dorodjatun and Xia signed an MoU between the two nations, committing Indonesia to make Vietnam as a “first option” for rice imports and committing Vietnam to import paper from Indonesia.
*Still accompanied by Ginandjar and Dorodjatun, Try met with President of South Korea Kim Dae Jung, Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs Han Seung Soo, and Korean Minister of Planning and Budget Jin Nyum. On the economic front, despite South Korea struggling on the economic front it has pledged not to cut its intake on Indonesian migrant workers out of consideration that Indonesia is a vital ally.
*Edi Sudrajat and Anthony Salim met with Prime Minister of New Zealand Helen Clark and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Phil Goff. Trade between the two nations have carried on as normal but Indonesia failed to secure an unequivocal statement from Clark acknowledging East Timor to be a part of Indonesia and distancing themselves from the pro-East Timor independence movements in the country.
The meeting that Try was most nervous about was his “2.45 PM”. He brought in Ginandjar, Soerjadi, and Edi for this one. The men in the room representing the United States were Williamson, National Security Advisor Bill Kristol, White House Chief of Staff Rick Davis, and Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs Paul Wolfowitz who was happy to see Try. Try however found himself shaking hands with the white-haired man and posing for the cameras at the same time.
“Great to meet you at last, President Try”, he said “I’m John McCain.”
McCain and Try opened with preliminary statements. McCain stated that after the events of 9/11, it is clear that terrorism and extremism is a danger not only for the American people but also for other nations around the world and that this was why the United States has been trying to build a coalition in the War On Terror. McCain frankly acknowledged Indonesia’s important role saying that it would add legitimacy to the War on Terror if the world’s largest Muslim nation is on board.
Try said that second only to communism, religious extremism and those seeking to impose Sharia Law has been considered enemies of Pancasila in Indonesia since the establishment of the Republic. He reiterated the point that because of this there was no need to doubt Indonesia’s commitment to fighting extremism and that if it supported the War On Terror it would be because it wants to not because it is pressured to.
“And Indonesia will give its support to the United States’ War On Terror”, said Try “However, Indonesia needs to be satisfied that it is in its national interest to declare its support.”
Negotiations in the 24 hours since the list of Indonesia’s requests had been submitted to the American delegation had been conducted by Ginandjar and Williamson as well as their teams in between their APEC schedule. Now one by one, the two ministers went through Indonesia’s requests; McCain and Try making their comments. The following conditions were already approved:
-Indonesia will be given the status of “Strategic partner” in the War On Terror by the United States to avoid the term “Ally”.
-The ban on Indonesia’s participation in International Military Education and Training (IMET) placed in 1991 after the Dili Incident will be lifted.
-FAA certification process for IPTN’s N-250 Aircraft will continue without further disruption.
-The US Export Import Bank, Overseas Private Investment Cooperation, and Trade Development Agency to be mobilized to promote American trade and investment in Indonesia.
-A moratorium on the payment of all government debt for 10 years.
The conversation and negotiation between the two presidents began when McCain told Try about his desire that Indonesia should contribute some personnel on the ground in Afghanistan. Try said that it would not be feasible as there are already those seeking to play the religion card purely on the basis of Indonesia’s stance against terrorism and that “nationalist pride” would not stomach it if Indonesia became part of the coalition in Afghanistan.
Wolfowitz spoke out at this juncture and said that perhaps of commitment of troops in Afghanistan, Indonesia could commit its troops elsewhere. He said that the Filipino Government had also declared its support for the War On Terror but would prefer to concentrate its efforts in its own backyard with the various Islamic insurgents in the country. Williamson offered that Indonesia would contribute personnel to this cause.
Try began to ramble before finally saying yes while Edi tried his best to keep a poker face. This was why Ginandjar met Thailand Minister of Foreign Affairs Surakiart Sathirathai and Filipino Secretary of Foreign Affairs Domingo Siazon the previous night. It was to lobby the Thai and Filipino governments to in their turn lobby the United States Government not to push for Indonesian involvement in Afghanistan. The Filipino Government used the opportunity to ask for Indonesia to commit troops instead to the Philippines’ effort to fight Islamic insurgents instead, a request which Try accepted on condition that Indonesia will only participate once the moratorium takes effect.
Then came the issue of Freeport. In their negotiations, Williamson had told Ginandjar that this was something which McCain thought he should negotiate with Try directly.
Try had clearly expected too much of McCain for his face turned pale when McCain said that there was not a lot he could do about Freeport’s contract with the Indonesian Government. When Try argued that the present contract was a faulty contract made by the previous government, McCain would not be budged saying that both governments agreed to it. Soon enough a stalemate was reached and the room fell into an awkward silence.
“If you want something more”, began McCain “Either the deal on investment or the debt moratorium will need to be taken off the table or you need to commit troops to Afghanistan.”
All eyes in the room turned to Try.
---
At the Indonesian delegation’s table at the APEC Gala Dinner that night, the mood was jubilant. Dorodjatun was ecstatic about what a moratorium on debt payment for 10 years will mean while Mari was excited about US Investment that was to be directed in Indonesia’s direction. Edi was happy too but calmed them down and said that both sides have agreed to wait for a few days before issuing an official announcement. Only Try looked glum, having failed again to get the United States Government to budge on Freeport.
21st October 2001:
Try’s first agenda was a CNN interview recorded in his suite. After the previous day’s failure to sway McCain, Try was not to keen to do an interview on American cable TV though Edi set him straight and told him to focus. The interview, conducted by CNN’s Chief of Jakarta Bureau Maria Ressa, went over various issues including the Indonesian economy and the world post 9/11.
“I suppose the question is, Mr. President, what is on your mind as a Moderate Muslim when you see images of the US and its coalition as it goes about the task of unseating the Taliban in Afghanistan?” asked Ressa not realizing that Try winced at the term moderate.
“To start off, I don’t think I would classify myself as a moderate”, replied Try.
“Okay, Mr. President, how would you classify yourself?” asked Ressa.
“I think the term moderate is inaccurate because it implies that fundamentally speaking, I feel the same way about the United States as those extremists did but that I’m not far enough down the road to actually get into an airplane and hijack it”, said Try “I would classify myself instead as a mainstream Muslim. I say that because what these people did on 11th September is so far removed from my experience with and my attitude towards my religion that I can’t imagine being on the same spectrum as these people and their sympathizers that terms like moderate and extreme imply.”
After some more questions, the interview veered back to the comments of Russia’s Primakov and how Muslim nations should not feel pressured into supporting the United States in the War on Terror.
“Let’s put aside the mindset of being afraid of being labeled as pro or anti-American for a minute”, began Try “If someone commits a heinous crime and claims to do it in your name, do you just stand, do nothing, and let then them continue dishonoring your reputation or do you tell that person "Stop committing these crimes and stop claiming to do them in my name"? From where I sit, we need to stand up against these people because they’re dishonoring my religion.”
The APEC Summit came to an end mid-morning with a photo session at Shanghai’s Pudong Waterfront with Try and all the other leaders wearing Tang Jackets. They were all still wearing these jackets when Jiang read out the Leaders’ Declaration.
To Try’s surprise after Jiang finished reading his statement, McCain sought him out. McCain told Try that about what they agreed on and said that they should not announce it yet as had been promised at yesterday’s meeting.
“There’s some…amendments I would like to make”, said McCain “I just want ask you for extra time.”
“Of course, Mr. President”, said Try thinking that not much was going to change.
McCain offered his hand and Try shook it. To Try’s surprise, it seemed to him that McCain was showing a hint of emotion.
“I watched your interview on CNN this morning, Mr. President, and I just want to say it’s worth a lot more to me and my countrymen than a million condemnations”, he said before regaining composure “I will make it up to you, Mr. President.”
After McCain, Try had a quick and informal meeting and photo-op with Prime Minister of Malaysia Najib Razak, Prime Minister of Singapore Goh Chok Tong, Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah, President of the Philippines Joseph Estrada, Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra, and Premier of Vietnam Phan Van Khai. They only exchanged pleasantries and did not see a lot of each other during the summit, knowing that they will have plenty to talk about at the ASEAN Summit in two weeks’ time at Bandar Sri Begawan. In recognition of this, Bolkiah was placed center in their photo-op.
It was time to depart from Shanghai and just as the Presidential Airplane began to move, Try retreated into his private office with Edi. Edi too said that White House Chief of Staff Rick Davis had talked to him about McCain wanting to “amend a few things”.
“Can I say something, Mr. President?” asked Edi “I think you shouldn’t let the failure to get McCain to budge on Freeport get to you.”
“I’m just thinking that it’s important get Freeport right”, said Try “If we can fix that, we’re on stronger ground with the rest of our mining contracts or anything natural resources-related.”
“I know, Mr. President”, said Edi “But what you got is not insubstantial, think of all this nation can achieve when it does not have pay debt for 10 years.”
“I suppose you’re right”, said Try.
“Leave whatever McCain and Davis or Wolfowitz or anyone in that Administration want to amend to me, Mr. President, you just focus on what we want to achieve in Africa”, said Edi.
---
Still no dice on Freeport as Try chooses debt moratorium rather than force the issue regarding Freeport but his interview on CNN seems to have struck a chord with McCain.
Indonesia’s OTL interest in Yakhont Missiles in 1997 can be found here https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/94948/wp_sdsc_411.pdf. OTL the Indonesian Navy did puchase 50 Yakhont Missiles.
The trade and investment portion of what Indonesia and the US agreed on is based on what OTL Megawati achieved when she visited the US in September 2001 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/WCPD-2001-09-24/pdf/WCPD-2001-09-24-Pg1340.pdf
The US Military Embargo on the Indonesian military which was in effect at this time in OTL does not apply ITTL since the embargo was put in place as a response of what happened in OTL East Timor in 1999 which has been butterflied away.
It took me a while to settle on debt moratorium. I didn’t want it to be debt rescheduling or debt relief because Indonesia’s too big of an economy to get such things (I’m sure the rest of the third world won’t be happy) but I wanted something debt-related that would place it in a position for more development and faster progress.
Try’s comments during his CNN interview is not based on anything he’s said OTL but just want to continue with the “World’s Largest Muslim Nation Takes A Decisively Strong Stance On Terrorism and Extremism” theme.
My god, McCain willing to give big concessions including 10 year debt moratorium and possibly Freeport now doesn't seem out of reach just for some words. TTL's 9/11 shook the US a lot more than I thought. Especially considering the previous aggressive stances towards Indonesia. Even if Try still doesn't get Freeport it is still major victory that just cost him possible angle of attack from ultrareligionists which he wasn't that keen on winning anyways. Also Philippines just become MVP here and the military aid can easily be spun as an act of solidarity between ASEAN nations, and that it was formally requested by the Philippine government was not in any way an unwelcome intervention.
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There are a few factors why the US is being generous:
-TTL’s 9/11 causing more damage.
-The US not being as successful as in OTL in building a coalition in the War On Terror, mostly because Russia’s running around telling Muslim-majority nations they shouldn’t be obliged to support the US but also because unlike OTL, Pakistan is not on board so it becomes even more important to get the nation with the largest Muslim population on board.
-The whole “I’m a mainstream not a moderate” spiel is a dig at what happens OTL both in Indonesia and not outside of it. Whenever there’s a terrorist attack, everybody’s quick to condemn. But then the condemnations would turn into disbelief that the perpetrators were the perpetrators (ie. people who argue the Bali Bombings were conducted by CIA rather than Jemaah Islamiyah) or turn around and imply somehow the targets deserve to have the attacks happen on them (Hamzah Haz saying that 9/11 will “cleanse” America). What is making McCain take notice is the fact that Try is saying and doing something different than everyone else.
-ITTL Philippines is pretty jealous of Thailand signing the treaty of cooperation with Indonesia in February 2001 and that it’s positioning itself as Indonesia’s right hand in the region. It wants to show Indonesia it can be useful whilst also getting help to fight Islamic insurgents.
144: New Markets
22nd October 2001:
President Try Sutrisno had arrived at Abuja, Nigeria the previous night but it had been too late for any official activities but now it was morning and it was time for him to go about his engagements. At Aso Villa, Nigeria’s Presidential Palace, Try was given his official welcome by President of Nigeria Olesegun Obasanjo.
The ceremonies out of the way, Try and Obasanjo got down to business. Try brought along Minister of Foreign Affairs Ginandjar Kartasasmita, Minister of Economics and National Development Planning Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti, Minister of Trade Anthony Salim, State Minister of National Security Soerjadi, and State Secretary Edi Sudrajat. Obasanjo was accompanied by Vice President/Chairman of the National Economic Council Atiku Abubakar, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sule Lamido, Minister of Finance Adamu Ciroma, Minister of Commerce Mustapha Bello, Minister of Industries Kolawole Babalola Jamodu, and Minister of Justice Bela Iga.
On the economic front the two delegations discussed various ways to facilitate Indonesian FMCGs to invest in Nigeria and better use it as a launching pad to access the West African market. They agreed that there is a great opportunity for cooperation in terms of creating employment for Nigerians and gaining market access for Indonesian products.
On the security front, the Nigerians expressed their desire to learn about Pancasila to establish a stronger basis for a multi-religious society. The Indonesians said that they are more than happy to accommodate. An MoU was signed by Soerjadi and Bela Iga committing Indonesia to set aside spots at Lemhanas Courses and P4 Training for Nigerian civil servants.
For the benefit of the cameras, Try and Obasanjo stood by as first Dorodjatun and Abubakar signed an Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement.
23rd October 2001:
The day began with breakfast at Aso Villa with Obasanjo. Obasanjo said he had been unpopular in recent times for supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and that he admired Try for the statement he made in Shanghai about wanting to be a mainstream rather than a moderate Muslim. Try joked that he’s certain there are those who disagree with him. Obasanjo told him that it is small price to pay for increasing prominence.
At their joint press conference, Try hailed Obasanjo as a unifier of Nigeria while Obasanjo praised Try, again using the word prominent, as an emerging statesman from an emerging nation.
Try and the Presidential Delegation then flew from Abuja to Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial center. The first event was co-hosted by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and Indonesia’s KADIN whose chairman Aburizal Bakrie had also attended the trip from Shanghai. Try delivered the keynote speech.
“The downside of being export-oriented is that you are reliant on your export markets always having good economic conditions. But the economic downturn this year has taught Indonesia that it cannot place all its export eggs in the one export market basket and so it must diversify. Africa is a natural place for Indonesia to set its sights on.”
Then what followed was an impressive sight as one after another the CEOs of Wings (detergent), Sosro (bottled tea), Mayora (biscuits), and Kalbe Farma (pharmaceuticals) signed agreements for establishing distribution in Nigeria or expanding distribution within Nigeria with their Nigerian partners. While all this was happening Try watched from his table while Anthony Salim sat beside him to give information about what the company in question was up to in Nigeria. Anthony said that this was the first step and that the next step would be to expand distribution elsewhere in West Africa; he pointed out there were businesspeople from Ghana, Benin, Togo, and Cameroon.
In late afternoon early evening there was a meet and greet session with the Indonesian community at Lagos at which Try explained about his strong stance on terrorism and the goals he had outlined for the nation at his State Address.
24th October 2001:
With Anthony Salim by his side and Bello representing the Nigerian Government, Try today inaugurated Wings Group’s Representative Offices in Lagos. In his speech, Try called the employees Indonesia’s “Spearheads in accessing new markets”.
From there it was of to Murtala Muhammed International Airport. By late afternoon, the Presidential Airplane had landed at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The official welcome was given by President of Ethiopia Girma Wolde-Giorgis at the National Palace.
After the National Palace, Try’s Presidential Delegation went to Menelik Palace this time to be welcomed by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi Asres, the person who held the real power in Ethiopia. Try was joined by Ginandjar Kartasasmita, Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti, Edi Sudrajat and Minister of Agriculture Sarwono Kusumaatmadja who joined the trip in Addis Ababa. Meles was accompanied by Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs Seyoum Mesfin, Minister of Finance and Economic Development Sufian Ahmed as they disappeared for talks.
It was nearly dusk when in the presence of their ministers and the cameras, Try and Meles signed a cooperation agreement which would enhance cooperation across the areas of agriculture, education, and family planning with Indonesia facilitating study programs for Ethiopian civil servants while Ethiopia pledged to facilitate access to its markets.
That night, there was a banquet held by the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectorial Associations. In Try and Meles’ presence, agreements were signed between Indonesian companies and their Ethiopian counterparts: Wings Group and Mayora (again for Kopiko and Mayora biscuits) to set up their respective distribution centers in Ethiopia. Try once again delivered the keynote speech.
25th October 2001:
The Indonesian delegation broke into two today. One half of the delegation were led by Dorodjatun and Anthony Salim and comprising of the Indonesian businessmen who went on the trip toured Addis Ababa to look at the business prospects there and listen to presentations from the Ethiopian Government. When asked by the Indonesian media who attended the trip about Ethiopia’s prospects and why Indonesian businesses were there, Anthony said that as businessmen they have to be able to look at a nation’s prospects not just at the present but in the next 10 years. He said that the selection of Nigeria and Ethiopia were not accidental as export markets as these nations are the two most populous nations in Africa.
That evening, the delegation led by Dorodjatun and Anthony flew to Harar to get ready for the next leg of the trip.
The other delegation comprised of Try, Ginandjar, Sarwono, and Edi. After a courtesy call to visit Meles, the four departed for Harar, where coffee was allegedly invented. Ethiopian Minister of Agriculture Mengistu Hulluka acted as tour guide as the small entourage toured a coffee plantation, spoke to workers, and had coffee. Try said that he was reminded of plantation workers back in Indonesia when he spoke to them and asked about their knowledge about their plants.
The most interesting development of the day happened out of sight when during dinner time when Edi took a phone call and then asked Try to join him in a private room. Try took the call, it was none other than President of the United States John McCain. McCain said that he’s pressured Freeport-McMoran via former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger who is a board member of Freeport.
“Congratulations, they’ve agreed to start divesting their shares in their mine in Irian Jaya”, said McCain “But as to negotiations about the implementation of this divestment and other issues they would like to bring up with your Government, I will leave that to you and Freeport.”
26th October 2001:
The Presidential Airplane took off again this morning and a short flight later, Try landed in Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Nairobi, Kenya. Kenyan Minister of Foreign Affairs Christopher Obure welcomed Try as he walked off the plane. From the Airport, Try departed for the State House where President of Kenya Daniel Arap Moi gave him the official welcoming ceremony.
They immediately got talking. Try, Ginandjar, Dorodjatun, Anthony, and Edi for Indonesia. Moi, Obure, Kenyan Minister of Finance Chris Olemo, and Kenyan Minister of Trade JJ Kamotho for Kenya. Among discussions about various topics, the main breakthrough was that Indonesia and Kenya agreed to begin negotiations for a preferential trade agreement.
There was another signing ceremony, though this was one that Anthony stayed well clear from propriety’s sake. Indofood, owned by Anthony’s family and which he was CEO of until his appointment as minister of trade. Bakrie, speaking to the Indonesian media said that this trip has been about providing opportunity for all Indonesian businessmen to gain access to the African market. Try delivered the keynote speech.
That evening Try had a private one-on-one dinner with Moi. It was Try’s first chance to get to know Moi though he had seen Moi when the latter attended the G-15 in Jakarta earlier in the year. Moi openly admitted that he was drifting closer in the direction of Russia and China because of his experiences with the IMF in recent times. Moi said that the United States will be kept busy with “fighting terrorists” and wonders if this will keep it distracted enough to not be able to focus on Russia and China.
The conversation turned out interesting. Try thought there was something similar about Moi serving as vice president, ascending to the presidency because the existing president passed away, and going through a situation where “everybody underestimated me and didn’t expect me to last long”. Moi laughed when he heard Try’s story that “the daughters of my predecessors are after me”.
“Some of us are not meant to be unchallenged or undisputed”, said Moi “When that happens, the only option we have left is just to keep overcoming whoever’s challenging us.”
27th October 2001:
Another early take off took Try and his delegation from Nairobi to Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. After being welcomed on arrival by Prime Minister of Tanzania Frederick Sumaye and Tanzanian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Jakaya Kikwete. Try was getting familiar with the routine, he guessed correctly that he would be given the official welcome at the State Palace by President of Tanzania Benjamin Mkapa.
After the welcome, Try accompanied by Ginandjar and Edi met with Mkapa who was in turn accompanied by Sumaye and Kikwete. Try and Mkapa discussed international issues. Mkapa said that he had supported the United States in the War of Terror because Tanzania had been attacked by terrorists in 1998 but that he did not want Tanzania to drift to close to the United States. Try said that it was a good approach to have though Mkapa teased him saying that it looked like Indonesia was playing hard-to-get with the United States trying to get its support. Try tried to smile without revealing that he and the United States had come to an agreement. He was saved by Edi who asserted that Indonesia is considering its interests and not of the United States when it comes to that issue.
The conversation from international affairs to economic cooperation. Try said that the NAM should not just be a political forum but also a forum for economic conversation and that Indonesia and Tanzania, being well-respected members of the NAM should lead by example by deepening economic ties. Mkapa agreed with this.
Tanzania’s Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture held dinner that night. There was another signing ceremony, setting up a distribution center for Wings Group, Sosro, and Mayora in Tanzania. Try by now could deliver most of the keynote speech without looking at the text since the contents of the speech were the same except for the mention of specific characteristics of the African nation was was currently visited.
28th October 2001:
Try’s Coffee morning at the Indonesian Embassy in Kenya involved a small ceremony from the Indonesians living in Kenya as this was Youth Oath day. It was for the most part a day of rest and refreshing for Try. With First Lady Tuti Setiawati he flew to Kilimanjaro National Park where he went on a safari.
29th October 2001:
The Indonesians and Tanzanians got at it early with a working breakfast. Try, Ginandjar, Dorodjatun, Anthony, Sarwono, and Edi for the Indonesians, Mkapa, Sumaye, Kikwete, Minister of Industry and Commerce Juma Ngasongwa, and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Charles Keenja. At the end of it, in a somewhat lengthy press conference, Ginandjar and Kikwete announced various areas of deepening cooperation between the two nations from trade, agriculture, and fighting AIDS. In agriculture, Indonesia pledged to continue its Farmer’s Agriculture and Rural Training Centre (FARTC) program with Tanzania which was begun in 1996.
Try and Mkapa held a joint press conference in which Try and Mkapa joked that Indonesia and Tanzania are the IMF’s Bad Boy and Golden Boy working together side by side. Then there was one final handshake for the cameras and then Try departed for the Airport and another flight on the Presidential Airplane.
It was late afternoon when the Presidential Airplane landed in Johannesburg, South Africa. He was welcomed by Deputy President of South Africa Jacob Zuma and South African Minister of Foreign Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma who happened to be Zuma’s wife. Zuma gave him the official welcome at the airport.
By now Try was used to signing ceremonies and that was precisely his first engagement, held by the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Nearly all of the businesses which had joined Try and his delegation had something to sign. Kalbe Farma which hasn’t signed an agreement since Nigeria, joined in with the festivities while Wings, Mayora and Sosro were at it again. Mustika Ratu (cosmetics) signed an agreement for the first time in the trip as did Batik Keris who will be selling Indonesian-made “Madiba shirts”. As Try would later say in his keynote speech, South Africa is the economic hub of the nation.
30th October 2001:
In the morning, Try departed for Pretoria. At the Mahlamba Ndlopfu Palace, Try was welcomed by President of South Africa Thabo Mbeki. There was none of the across the table meeting with multiple ministers as most of the South African ministers had already departed for Dhaka, Bangladesh where the NAM Summit was going to be held in a few days’ time.
The talks between Try (accompanied by Ginandjar and Edi) and Mbeki (accompanied by Dlamini-Zuma) were good. Mbeki said that South Africa would also like to invest in Indonesia to which Try readily gave instructions for Ginandjar to facilitate through the Indonesian Embassy in South Africa. Mbeki also promised that he will be bringing a business delegation to Indonesia early next year.
On the upcoming NAM Summit, Mbeki said that Russia and China wanting to challenge the United States and 9/11 had made the NAM Summit all the more relevant. He told Try that the message he was getting from Dhaka was that Indonesia’s made some waves recently; politically by its strong stance on terrorism and economically just by its strong economic performance in the year and by its “tour of Africa”. Try laughed it off saying that he preferred not causing any waves.
After a joint press conference and a photo-op, Try and his delegation returned to Johannesburg. There they visited Fourways Mall, the largest shopping center in the city. Try and the First Lady visited a supermarket where they looked for and posed for pictures with Indonesian products sold on there.
That night back at the hotel, Try, Ginandjar, Dorodjatun, Anthony, Sarwono, and Edi held a conference call at the hotel. On the phone from Jakarta were Vice President JB Sumarlin, Minister of Home Affairs Harsudiono Hartas, Minister of Defense and Security Wismoyo Arismunandar, Minister of Finance Mar’ie Muhammad, Minister of Mining and Energy Djiteng Marsudi, Minister of Transportation Soerjadi Soedirja, State Minister of National Security Soerjadi, Cabinet Secretary Hayono Isman, and Head of BKPM Mari Pangestu.
In this meeting, Try outlined the concessions he got from the United States in exchange for Indonesia’s support in the War on Terror. There were some applause over the phone when Try mentioned 10 year debt moratorium but there were cheers when Try said that McCain had gotten Freeport to budge. Try calmed them down saying that the details would have to be negotiated and that he would be announcing this news the next day.
31st October 2001:
From a VIP Lounge at OR Tambo International Airport, The President held a long press-conference attended by members of the Indonesian media who had been included as part of the trip. He first declared his visit of the five African nations in the last 10 days a success and specifically singled out Anthony Salim for getting the national export strategy up and running.
“We need to build up on this visit, to be sure”, said Try “But we have laid for ourselves a strong foundation as far as gaining access to export markets in Africa by showing that we are serious about them.”
Of course the bombshell came next with Try announcing the various concessions he was able to get from the United States to Indonesia. At that time, someone said jokingly, the visit to Africa to establish new export markets became a distant memory. Freeport and a 10 year debt moratorium soon dominated the minds of the cameramen and the reporters taking notes.
Edi and Ginandjar watched from the entrance of the VIP Lounge.
“I wouldn’t have thought that McCain would’ve budged”, said Ginandjar “But then again the strategic environment is in our favor, what with Pakistan not supporting the United States and Russia trying to portray itself as sympathetic to the Islamic world, the United States needs us.”
“Perhaps”, countered Edi before saying again “Most of the news will be Freeport but the real gain here is the debt moratorium, 10 years without having to budget for debt payment…imagine what we can do with that.”
There were sounds of cameras snapping as Try got up from his seat.
“You have to pack up your equipments and we have a long flight to catch”, said Try “Off to the NAM Summit we go and then to the ASEAN Summit!”
---
OTL, Indonesian fast moving consumer goods’ entrance into the African market is something that is not coordinated the way it is ITTL. You get bits and pieces about companies targeting the African market and succeeding over the years but that’s about it, I think for the most part that these companies are left on their own. What happens ITTL is that Anthony Salim the Minister of Trade is going for an approach where these companies go in with the support of the Indonesian Government in a bid to diversify Indonesia's export markets.
OTL Anthony Salim is the current Head of the Salim Group which produces Indomie instant noodles and which originally opened a factory in Nigeria 1995. As ITTL Minister of Trade, he’s encouraging other businesses to tap into the opportunities available in Africa.
President Try Sutrisno had arrived at Abuja, Nigeria the previous night but it had been too late for any official activities but now it was morning and it was time for him to go about his engagements. At Aso Villa, Nigeria’s Presidential Palace, Try was given his official welcome by President of Nigeria Olesegun Obasanjo.
The ceremonies out of the way, Try and Obasanjo got down to business. Try brought along Minister of Foreign Affairs Ginandjar Kartasasmita, Minister of Economics and National Development Planning Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti, Minister of Trade Anthony Salim, State Minister of National Security Soerjadi, and State Secretary Edi Sudrajat. Obasanjo was accompanied by Vice President/Chairman of the National Economic Council Atiku Abubakar, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sule Lamido, Minister of Finance Adamu Ciroma, Minister of Commerce Mustapha Bello, Minister of Industries Kolawole Babalola Jamodu, and Minister of Justice Bela Iga.
On the economic front the two delegations discussed various ways to facilitate Indonesian FMCGs to invest in Nigeria and better use it as a launching pad to access the West African market. They agreed that there is a great opportunity for cooperation in terms of creating employment for Nigerians and gaining market access for Indonesian products.
On the security front, the Nigerians expressed their desire to learn about Pancasila to establish a stronger basis for a multi-religious society. The Indonesians said that they are more than happy to accommodate. An MoU was signed by Soerjadi and Bela Iga committing Indonesia to set aside spots at Lemhanas Courses and P4 Training for Nigerian civil servants.
For the benefit of the cameras, Try and Obasanjo stood by as first Dorodjatun and Abubakar signed an Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement.
23rd October 2001:
The day began with breakfast at Aso Villa with Obasanjo. Obasanjo said he had been unpopular in recent times for supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and that he admired Try for the statement he made in Shanghai about wanting to be a mainstream rather than a moderate Muslim. Try joked that he’s certain there are those who disagree with him. Obasanjo told him that it is small price to pay for increasing prominence.
At their joint press conference, Try hailed Obasanjo as a unifier of Nigeria while Obasanjo praised Try, again using the word prominent, as an emerging statesman from an emerging nation.
Try and the Presidential Delegation then flew from Abuja to Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial center. The first event was co-hosted by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and Indonesia’s KADIN whose chairman Aburizal Bakrie had also attended the trip from Shanghai. Try delivered the keynote speech.
“The downside of being export-oriented is that you are reliant on your export markets always having good economic conditions. But the economic downturn this year has taught Indonesia that it cannot place all its export eggs in the one export market basket and so it must diversify. Africa is a natural place for Indonesia to set its sights on.”
Then what followed was an impressive sight as one after another the CEOs of Wings (detergent), Sosro (bottled tea), Mayora (biscuits), and Kalbe Farma (pharmaceuticals) signed agreements for establishing distribution in Nigeria or expanding distribution within Nigeria with their Nigerian partners. While all this was happening Try watched from his table while Anthony Salim sat beside him to give information about what the company in question was up to in Nigeria. Anthony said that this was the first step and that the next step would be to expand distribution elsewhere in West Africa; he pointed out there were businesspeople from Ghana, Benin, Togo, and Cameroon.
In late afternoon early evening there was a meet and greet session with the Indonesian community at Lagos at which Try explained about his strong stance on terrorism and the goals he had outlined for the nation at his State Address.
24th October 2001:
With Anthony Salim by his side and Bello representing the Nigerian Government, Try today inaugurated Wings Group’s Representative Offices in Lagos. In his speech, Try called the employees Indonesia’s “Spearheads in accessing new markets”.
From there it was of to Murtala Muhammed International Airport. By late afternoon, the Presidential Airplane had landed at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The official welcome was given by President of Ethiopia Girma Wolde-Giorgis at the National Palace.
After the National Palace, Try’s Presidential Delegation went to Menelik Palace this time to be welcomed by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi Asres, the person who held the real power in Ethiopia. Try was joined by Ginandjar Kartasasmita, Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti, Edi Sudrajat and Minister of Agriculture Sarwono Kusumaatmadja who joined the trip in Addis Ababa. Meles was accompanied by Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs Seyoum Mesfin, Minister of Finance and Economic Development Sufian Ahmed as they disappeared for talks.
It was nearly dusk when in the presence of their ministers and the cameras, Try and Meles signed a cooperation agreement which would enhance cooperation across the areas of agriculture, education, and family planning with Indonesia facilitating study programs for Ethiopian civil servants while Ethiopia pledged to facilitate access to its markets.
That night, there was a banquet held by the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectorial Associations. In Try and Meles’ presence, agreements were signed between Indonesian companies and their Ethiopian counterparts: Wings Group and Mayora (again for Kopiko and Mayora biscuits) to set up their respective distribution centers in Ethiopia. Try once again delivered the keynote speech.
25th October 2001:
The Indonesian delegation broke into two today. One half of the delegation were led by Dorodjatun and Anthony Salim and comprising of the Indonesian businessmen who went on the trip toured Addis Ababa to look at the business prospects there and listen to presentations from the Ethiopian Government. When asked by the Indonesian media who attended the trip about Ethiopia’s prospects and why Indonesian businesses were there, Anthony said that as businessmen they have to be able to look at a nation’s prospects not just at the present but in the next 10 years. He said that the selection of Nigeria and Ethiopia were not accidental as export markets as these nations are the two most populous nations in Africa.
That evening, the delegation led by Dorodjatun and Anthony flew to Harar to get ready for the next leg of the trip.
The other delegation comprised of Try, Ginandjar, Sarwono, and Edi. After a courtesy call to visit Meles, the four departed for Harar, where coffee was allegedly invented. Ethiopian Minister of Agriculture Mengistu Hulluka acted as tour guide as the small entourage toured a coffee plantation, spoke to workers, and had coffee. Try said that he was reminded of plantation workers back in Indonesia when he spoke to them and asked about their knowledge about their plants.
The most interesting development of the day happened out of sight when during dinner time when Edi took a phone call and then asked Try to join him in a private room. Try took the call, it was none other than President of the United States John McCain. McCain said that he’s pressured Freeport-McMoran via former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger who is a board member of Freeport.
“Congratulations, they’ve agreed to start divesting their shares in their mine in Irian Jaya”, said McCain “But as to negotiations about the implementation of this divestment and other issues they would like to bring up with your Government, I will leave that to you and Freeport.”
26th October 2001:
The Presidential Airplane took off again this morning and a short flight later, Try landed in Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Nairobi, Kenya. Kenyan Minister of Foreign Affairs Christopher Obure welcomed Try as he walked off the plane. From the Airport, Try departed for the State House where President of Kenya Daniel Arap Moi gave him the official welcoming ceremony.
They immediately got talking. Try, Ginandjar, Dorodjatun, Anthony, and Edi for Indonesia. Moi, Obure, Kenyan Minister of Finance Chris Olemo, and Kenyan Minister of Trade JJ Kamotho for Kenya. Among discussions about various topics, the main breakthrough was that Indonesia and Kenya agreed to begin negotiations for a preferential trade agreement.
There was another signing ceremony, though this was one that Anthony stayed well clear from propriety’s sake. Indofood, owned by Anthony’s family and which he was CEO of until his appointment as minister of trade. Bakrie, speaking to the Indonesian media said that this trip has been about providing opportunity for all Indonesian businessmen to gain access to the African market. Try delivered the keynote speech.
That evening Try had a private one-on-one dinner with Moi. It was Try’s first chance to get to know Moi though he had seen Moi when the latter attended the G-15 in Jakarta earlier in the year. Moi openly admitted that he was drifting closer in the direction of Russia and China because of his experiences with the IMF in recent times. Moi said that the United States will be kept busy with “fighting terrorists” and wonders if this will keep it distracted enough to not be able to focus on Russia and China.
The conversation turned out interesting. Try thought there was something similar about Moi serving as vice president, ascending to the presidency because the existing president passed away, and going through a situation where “everybody underestimated me and didn’t expect me to last long”. Moi laughed when he heard Try’s story that “the daughters of my predecessors are after me”.
“Some of us are not meant to be unchallenged or undisputed”, said Moi “When that happens, the only option we have left is just to keep overcoming whoever’s challenging us.”
27th October 2001:
Another early take off took Try and his delegation from Nairobi to Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. After being welcomed on arrival by Prime Minister of Tanzania Frederick Sumaye and Tanzanian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Jakaya Kikwete. Try was getting familiar with the routine, he guessed correctly that he would be given the official welcome at the State Palace by President of Tanzania Benjamin Mkapa.
After the welcome, Try accompanied by Ginandjar and Edi met with Mkapa who was in turn accompanied by Sumaye and Kikwete. Try and Mkapa discussed international issues. Mkapa said that he had supported the United States in the War of Terror because Tanzania had been attacked by terrorists in 1998 but that he did not want Tanzania to drift to close to the United States. Try said that it was a good approach to have though Mkapa teased him saying that it looked like Indonesia was playing hard-to-get with the United States trying to get its support. Try tried to smile without revealing that he and the United States had come to an agreement. He was saved by Edi who asserted that Indonesia is considering its interests and not of the United States when it comes to that issue.
The conversation from international affairs to economic cooperation. Try said that the NAM should not just be a political forum but also a forum for economic conversation and that Indonesia and Tanzania, being well-respected members of the NAM should lead by example by deepening economic ties. Mkapa agreed with this.
Tanzania’s Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture held dinner that night. There was another signing ceremony, setting up a distribution center for Wings Group, Sosro, and Mayora in Tanzania. Try by now could deliver most of the keynote speech without looking at the text since the contents of the speech were the same except for the mention of specific characteristics of the African nation was was currently visited.
28th October 2001:
Try’s Coffee morning at the Indonesian Embassy in Kenya involved a small ceremony from the Indonesians living in Kenya as this was Youth Oath day. It was for the most part a day of rest and refreshing for Try. With First Lady Tuti Setiawati he flew to Kilimanjaro National Park where he went on a safari.
29th October 2001:
The Indonesians and Tanzanians got at it early with a working breakfast. Try, Ginandjar, Dorodjatun, Anthony, Sarwono, and Edi for the Indonesians, Mkapa, Sumaye, Kikwete, Minister of Industry and Commerce Juma Ngasongwa, and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Charles Keenja. At the end of it, in a somewhat lengthy press conference, Ginandjar and Kikwete announced various areas of deepening cooperation between the two nations from trade, agriculture, and fighting AIDS. In agriculture, Indonesia pledged to continue its Farmer’s Agriculture and Rural Training Centre (FARTC) program with Tanzania which was begun in 1996.
Try and Mkapa held a joint press conference in which Try and Mkapa joked that Indonesia and Tanzania are the IMF’s Bad Boy and Golden Boy working together side by side. Then there was one final handshake for the cameras and then Try departed for the Airport and another flight on the Presidential Airplane.
It was late afternoon when the Presidential Airplane landed in Johannesburg, South Africa. He was welcomed by Deputy President of South Africa Jacob Zuma and South African Minister of Foreign Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma who happened to be Zuma’s wife. Zuma gave him the official welcome at the airport.
By now Try was used to signing ceremonies and that was precisely his first engagement, held by the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Nearly all of the businesses which had joined Try and his delegation had something to sign. Kalbe Farma which hasn’t signed an agreement since Nigeria, joined in with the festivities while Wings, Mayora and Sosro were at it again. Mustika Ratu (cosmetics) signed an agreement for the first time in the trip as did Batik Keris who will be selling Indonesian-made “Madiba shirts”. As Try would later say in his keynote speech, South Africa is the economic hub of the nation.
30th October 2001:
In the morning, Try departed for Pretoria. At the Mahlamba Ndlopfu Palace, Try was welcomed by President of South Africa Thabo Mbeki. There was none of the across the table meeting with multiple ministers as most of the South African ministers had already departed for Dhaka, Bangladesh where the NAM Summit was going to be held in a few days’ time.
The talks between Try (accompanied by Ginandjar and Edi) and Mbeki (accompanied by Dlamini-Zuma) were good. Mbeki said that South Africa would also like to invest in Indonesia to which Try readily gave instructions for Ginandjar to facilitate through the Indonesian Embassy in South Africa. Mbeki also promised that he will be bringing a business delegation to Indonesia early next year.
On the upcoming NAM Summit, Mbeki said that Russia and China wanting to challenge the United States and 9/11 had made the NAM Summit all the more relevant. He told Try that the message he was getting from Dhaka was that Indonesia’s made some waves recently; politically by its strong stance on terrorism and economically just by its strong economic performance in the year and by its “tour of Africa”. Try laughed it off saying that he preferred not causing any waves.
After a joint press conference and a photo-op, Try and his delegation returned to Johannesburg. There they visited Fourways Mall, the largest shopping center in the city. Try and the First Lady visited a supermarket where they looked for and posed for pictures with Indonesian products sold on there.
That night back at the hotel, Try, Ginandjar, Dorodjatun, Anthony, Sarwono, and Edi held a conference call at the hotel. On the phone from Jakarta were Vice President JB Sumarlin, Minister of Home Affairs Harsudiono Hartas, Minister of Defense and Security Wismoyo Arismunandar, Minister of Finance Mar’ie Muhammad, Minister of Mining and Energy Djiteng Marsudi, Minister of Transportation Soerjadi Soedirja, State Minister of National Security Soerjadi, Cabinet Secretary Hayono Isman, and Head of BKPM Mari Pangestu.
In this meeting, Try outlined the concessions he got from the United States in exchange for Indonesia’s support in the War on Terror. There were some applause over the phone when Try mentioned 10 year debt moratorium but there were cheers when Try said that McCain had gotten Freeport to budge. Try calmed them down saying that the details would have to be negotiated and that he would be announcing this news the next day.
31st October 2001:
From a VIP Lounge at OR Tambo International Airport, The President held a long press-conference attended by members of the Indonesian media who had been included as part of the trip. He first declared his visit of the five African nations in the last 10 days a success and specifically singled out Anthony Salim for getting the national export strategy up and running.
“We need to build up on this visit, to be sure”, said Try “But we have laid for ourselves a strong foundation as far as gaining access to export markets in Africa by showing that we are serious about them.”
Of course the bombshell came next with Try announcing the various concessions he was able to get from the United States to Indonesia. At that time, someone said jokingly, the visit to Africa to establish new export markets became a distant memory. Freeport and a 10 year debt moratorium soon dominated the minds of the cameramen and the reporters taking notes.
Edi and Ginandjar watched from the entrance of the VIP Lounge.
“I wouldn’t have thought that McCain would’ve budged”, said Ginandjar “But then again the strategic environment is in our favor, what with Pakistan not supporting the United States and Russia trying to portray itself as sympathetic to the Islamic world, the United States needs us.”
“Perhaps”, countered Edi before saying again “Most of the news will be Freeport but the real gain here is the debt moratorium, 10 years without having to budget for debt payment…imagine what we can do with that.”
There were sounds of cameras snapping as Try got up from his seat.
“You have to pack up your equipments and we have a long flight to catch”, said Try “Off to the NAM Summit we go and then to the ASEAN Summit!”
---
OTL, Indonesian fast moving consumer goods’ entrance into the African market is something that is not coordinated the way it is ITTL. You get bits and pieces about companies targeting the African market and succeeding over the years but that’s about it, I think for the most part that these companies are left on their own. What happens ITTL is that Anthony Salim the Minister of Trade is going for an approach where these companies go in with the support of the Indonesian Government in a bid to diversify Indonesia's export markets.
OTL Anthony Salim is the current Head of the Salim Group which produces Indomie instant noodles and which originally opened a factory in Nigeria 1995. As ITTL Minister of Trade, he’s encouraging other businesses to tap into the opportunities available in Africa.
145: A Time And A Place To Throw Weight Around
1st November 2001:
President Try Sutrisno looked around the Convention Hall in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The sight of the leaders of the third world gathered in one place was admittedly an inspiring sight. He and his delegation had arrived late last night after a long flight from South Africa. That morning he had woken up, made his way to the Convention Hall and shook hands with Prime Minister of Bangladesh Khaleda Zia who hosted the Summit.
But then the Summit began. Zia, who had recently taken office by building a coalition with Islamists delivered the first speech of the summit. She spoke about various international issues and spoke against the “War on Terror” becoming a “War on a certain faith” and said that “certain nations, even though they are part of the faith being attacked, are aiding and abetting the War on Terror in becoming a War on a certain faith”. Minister of Foreign Affairs Ginandjar Kartasasmita would later say he could notice the eyes being cast in Try’s direction at this comment.
Try’s speech addressed the issues of the day saying that the “first step towards non-alignment is to be non-aligned in one’s respective region and not allow the world’s great powers to determine policy there”, an argument he often made about Southeast Asia being free of China’s influence. On the fight against terrorism, Try spoke out against “forces which sought to twist religion to their own ends and which must be stood up against.”
Indonesia was not the only issue on the minds of various leaders as they made their speech but references to its present stance on terrorism would appear in the speeches of those critical of Indonesia. The speech that was most critical of Indonesia came from Prime Minister of Malaysia Najib Razak who criticized “nations who try too hard to court the support of the aggressor nation despite having the largest amount of adherents of the faith under attack”. Ginandjar and State Secretary Edi Sudrajat gritted their teeth at this whilst Try looked blankly at the space in front of him.
Indonesia’s stance in the War on Terror was not the only thing that came under attack. President of Mozambique Joaquim Chissano attacked the “neo-colonialism which stands between the way between our comrades in FRETILIN and East Timor Independence”, such similar sentiments were shared by Cuba, represented by Vice President of Cuba Raul Castro.
Seated alphabetically, Try was seated between Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee and President of Iran Mohammad Khatami. These two thankfully gave Try some respite, giving him sympathetic smiles when a comment became too biting. President of Philippines Joseph Estrada and then Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra came to Try’s defense saying that nations “who take a decisive stance against those who twist their religion into terrorism should be encouraged not condemned”.
When the day’s speeches were at last over, Try breathed a sigh of relief. Behind him, Ginandjar and Edi were having a discussion about possibly walking out on the Summit.
“We’ll do no such thing”, said Try hearing the mutterings behind him “Keep your head and focus down, there’s a time and a place to throw our weight around.”
2nd November 2001:
The NAM Summit gave Try a chance to meet a lot of leaders from various continents at the same time. There were formal meetings but there were also informal encounters as he bumped into various leaders as he walked down hallways to the next meeting.
From Asia, Try’s most notable meeting was with President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov. Karimov said that he too had asked for and received a lot of concessions, economic or otherwise, from the United States in exchange for his allowing the United States to set up military bases in Uzbekistan to allow them to attack Afghanistan from. Karimov said that the national interest called for it though the “price” for this was that Uzbekistan, like Indonesia, is now being seen as “pro-American”. The two commiserated with each other on this.
Try also took time to meet with the NAM’s only member from Oceania, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea Mekere Morauta. Morauta thanked Indonesian investors and tourists for somewhat cushioning the blow received by Papua New Guinea as a result of the 2001 economic downturn; a strong Rupiah combining with a weak Kina to make Papua New Guinea a cheaper place to invest and visit. Try said that it was in Indonesia’s interest to see Papua New Guinea prosper and said that he hopes that there will be indirect benefit to the 10 year debt moratorium for Indonesia’s eastern neighbors.
The Middle East was a mixed bag. Saudi Arabia Minister of Foreign Affairs Saud bin Faisal delivered a strongly worded letter signed by King Fahd speaking out against Indonesia’s stance against terrorism and calling for the Indonesian Government to stop “spying on LIPIA” saying that this ran the risk of “jeopardizing relations” between the two nations. The letter threatened that the construction of Exor II in Irian Jaya, in which Aramco is involved, may also be jeopardized. King Abdullah II of Jordan’s reaction was warmer and he told Try he who supported his stance. Even more warm was President of Egypt Hosni Mubarak who said that he drew strength from what he said.
From Africa where he just had a tour to begin opening Africa’s markets, Try met at last with President of Gabon Omar Bogo. As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 1999, Gabon had supported the UN Resolution acknowledging East Timor to be a part of Indonesia. Beyond official meetings, Minister of Trade Anthony Salim was swarmed by counterparts from Africa eager to get information on what are the possible benefits of trading with Indonesia.
The most notable meeting with a South American nation was with President of Suriname Ronald Venetiaan. Venetiaan invited Try to come and visit Suriname and both presidents agreed to activate the cooperation commission established in 1992.
3rd November 2001:
The NAM Summit came to an end today with a failed attempt at a joint declaration. Whilst condemning terrorism, Bangladesh and Malaysia also wanted to condemn “acts of aggression claimed to be done in the name of fighting terrorism”. Uzbekistan said that if the summit wanted to press with this statement, it should also outright condemn religious extremism. There was enough rejection for Uzbekistan’s proposition for a deadlock to be reached.
After the Summit was over Try paid courtesy calls to President of Bangladesh A.Q.M Badrudozza Chowdhury and Zia though these were done out of diplomatic niceties rather than genuine warmth after Zia’s comments. By the time he and his delegation arrived at the Zia International Airport, Try could no wait to get out of Bangladesh. Though Indonesia did not return from the summit emptyhanded, there was some frustration in the delegation at the condemnation Indonesia received on the first day of the summit.
Though he seemingly took the criticism against Indonesia in stride, Try could not pretend he was undisturbed. The next time he went overseas, he would re-establish Indonesia’s image as being non-aligned as well as put it in a stronger bargaining position.
The Presidential Airplane landed at Bandar Sri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam very late in the afternoon and Try was welcomed by Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah Bolkiah.
Try was taken to the Nurul Iman Palace to be welcomed by Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah. Bolkiah had not attended the NAM Summit to focus on preparing to chair and host the ASEAN Summit but told Try that he was keen to talk to him. Bolkiah gave a tour of his opulent palace to Try all the while talking one-on-one with him of various issues.
Bolkiah told Try that while he would not stand up and deliver criticism in front of an entire summit, he shared some of the sentiments which were directed at Try at the NAM Summit. Bolkiah also said that he was against the United States, Australia, and Canada trying to get some kind of a statement on the War On Terror at the APEC Summit because of religious sensitivities. He concluded by saying that he is saying this as a friend without any intention of jeopardizing Brunei’s relationship with Indonesia. Try said that he respected the opinions of Brunei and appreciated the fact that Brunei have conveyed such opinions tactfully.
4th November 2001:
One by one, delegations from the ASEAN Nations began arriving at Bandar Sri Begawan for the ASEAN Summit. At his hotel, President Try spent the morning resting and meeting with his delegation to the ASEAN Summit which consisted of Ginandjar Kartasasmita, Minister of Economics and National Development Planning Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti, Minister of Industry Siswono Yudohusodo, Anthony Salim, Edi Sudrajat, and Head of BKPM Mari Pangestu.
Siswono and Anthony reported to the meeting that at the ministerial-level meetings, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia/Minister of International Trade and Industry Syed Hamid Albar has “kindly asked” if AFTA will be put on the agenda.
“These Malaysians, they’re really playing the “You want to be the leader of ASEAN, you better start by leading on AFTA” card with us aren’t they?” asked Edi looking annoyed.
“They seem to forget that they were the ones who asked for implementation of AFTA to be suspended back in 1998”, muttered Siswono.
Try asked Ginandjar to read out what Indonesia was going to propose regarding AFTA.
“These are interesting proposals but how will those 3 countries respond to it?” asked Dorodjatun “Considering we will need two out of those three countries to approve our 10 year debt moratorium to make things official.”
“South Korea knows it’s coming, I’ve brought it up with them at APEC”, replied Ginandjar “The Japanese are beginning to pick up on it from their business lobbies. Prime Minister Kato will not be happy but most members of the Japanese government will realize that this is not directed against them.”
“And China?” asked Dorodjatun.
Everyone in the room turned to the President for a response.
“Thank you for the meeting everyone”, replied Try.
5th November 2001:
Sitting in the chairman’s position, Bolkiah declared the ASEAN Summit open and one by one the leaders read out their speeches. When it came to his turn, Try’s speech addressed the latest strategic issues.
“Going after the perpetrators of the events which occurred in New York, Washington DC, and Chicago nearly two months ago will neccesarily occupy the United States’ attention. If prior to 11th September, the United States has made it clear that Southeast Asia are not among its priorities, we must be even more careful when its attention is drawn elsewhere. It means we cannot use the United States to counterbalance the intentions of other major powers trying to impose its will on Southeast Asia.”
During his turn, Razak stuck to his line that ASEAN had to implement existing agreements which had gone dormant such as AFTA rather than embark on new venture. The only addition his made to a spiel which most in Southeast Asian capitals had been familiar with was that he realized that it had been Malaysia which had asked for the implementation of AFTA to be suspended in 1998 but that now he feels that it is time for this decision to be reviewed. Razak therefore requests that ASEAN review this decision and that if ASEAN’s “most prominent nation” would give its advice, ASEAN would follow suit.
Terrorism and the economic downturn were on the minds of the leaders of ASEAN. All focused on these issues without revealing their hand on what they wanted the summit to achieve. Thailand’s Thaksin Shinawatra and the Philippines’ Joseph Estrada sided with Indonesia on the issue of terrorism but was non-specific on how ASEAN should respond to the 2001 economic downturn. Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Sen got some looks his way when he openly advocated closer trade relations with China. Meanwhile President of Vietnam Tran Duc Luong in his speech took Indonesia’s side to remind the Summit that a “major power” tried to intervene in its internal affairs when it successfully delayed the 9th Vietnamese Communist Party National Congress.
Once the speeches had been made, the lobbying began in between bilateral meetings. Try and Edi met with Estrada and Executive Secretary Edgardo Angara from the Philippines and Thaksin Shinawatra who was accompanied by Minister to the Office of Prime Minister Chaturon Chaisang. Try reiterated his commitment to back the Philippines militarily in its campaign against Islamic insurgents in the country but softly reminded that it will be conditional on Indonesia’s debt moratorium being approved by the Paris Club. Thaksin also expressed Thailand’s desire to commit personnel as well though it will be conditional on Indonesia’s involvement. Estrada thanked both Try and Thaksin saying that the Philippines was still struggling with Islamic insurgency throughout 2001 and could use the assistance.
The next matter they discussed was AFTA. Thaksin said that the summit seemed to lean on the side on working implementation of AFTA, especially because of the economic downturn around the world, and that this was a chance for Indonesia to exercise leadership in the economic field. Try then replied with what he was proposing to the Summit.
It was a proposal which Ginandjar, Dorodjatun, Siswono, and Anthony were making to their ministerial counterparts and which then made the rounds to the ASEAN leaders. The 3-point proposal were as follows:
-Suspension on the implementation of the AFTA will be lifted for all ASEAN Nations and all ASEAN Members can begin implementing its AFTA Commitments.
-As it would be impossible to implement AFTA provisions by 2003 (as agreed at the 1995 ASEAN Summit), Indonesia proposes that AFTA would take into effect in 2011 or 2012 so that all ASEAN members will have the opportunity to take part when AFTA takes effect.
-Indonesia’s participation in AFTA conditional on the cessation of ASEAN+3 Meetings.
The first two items of the proposal were well-received with a general consensus quickly developing that the differences between ASEAN member nations will be in relation to the timing of its implementation.
It was the third item of the proposal that gave those attending the summit some thought. ASEAN+3 was an annual meeting between all 10 ASEAN members and leaders from China, Japan, and South Korea which had been held since 1997. As Indonesia proposed, however, to ensure ASEAN’s “Strategic independence”, nations which are not members should not have a say in matters related to ASEAN as a collective.
The “Try-Point Proposal”, as it was already being referred, occupied the minds of those attending the 2001 ASEAN Summit as the day came to a close.
At the Malaysian Government’s Suite, the Malaysian delegation discussed these conditions, especially the third one.
“This is a good proposal”, began Syed Hamid Albar “But this third proposal, what does it mean?”
“It means that ASEAN will get AFTA if it ceases to hold ASEAN+3 meetings”, explained Minister of Foreign Affairs Rais Yatim “But this means we would be allowing Indonesia to determine who can come and cannot come to the ASEAN Summit and who ASEAN nations can and cannot meet during the ASEAN Summit. If we were to allow this to happen…”
“That would be the same as accepting that Indonesia’s in charge”, muttered Razak.
6th November 2001:
That morning, ASEAN Secretary-General Rodolfo Severino called for a straw poll to be held to see where the Summit stood on Try’s proposal. All members agreed to this. The result was as follows:
For President Try Sutrisno’s Three-Point Proposal:
Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Laos and Vietnam
Against President Try Sutrisno’s Three-Point Proposal:
Malaysia and Cambodia
Abstaining On President Try Sutrisno’s Three-Point Proposal:
Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, and Myanmar
It was not a majority though given that “6 Fors” were required for such a majority to be reached, the Summit could not have failed to notice that Indonesia was one vote away from gaining majority support for its proposal. There were gasps and murmurings around the room. Severino called for further dialogue to be held between ASEAN members as regards Indonesia’s proposal to ensure a “more unanimous outlook” and this was agreed by all members.
The awkward part was that China, Japan, and South Korea had arrived at the Summit. China represented by Premier of China Zhu Rongji, Japan by Prime Minister Koichi Kato, and South Korea by Minister of Foreign Affairs Han Seung-Soo. The Chinese delegation were enraged that a vote, albeit unbinding, had been taken about the possibility of China not having an annual dialogue with all 10 ASEAN Countries in the same place.
Indonesia however, continued to press matters. Try said that Indonesia respects the Summit’s opinion on his proposal, he asks however that the Summit would respect Indonesia’s stance of wanting diplomatic relations with China, Japan, and South Korea on a bilateral basis but not on an ASEAN+3 basis which in effect meant that Indonesia was not going to join the ASEAN+3 to be held that day.
There were more gasps and murmurs around the room which only continued to build up when Thaksin and Estrada lifted their hands up looking very ready to join Indonesia. Bolkiah, sitting in the chairman’s position, suspended proceedings before things got out of hand. With the assistance of Prime Minister of Singapore Goh Chok Tong, the situation was salvaged with a solution that was considered face-saving: ASEAN+3 would be attended by all participating nations’ ministers of foreign affairs rather than heads of state and heads of government. The ASEAN+3 meeting that resulted was an awkward affair with Indonesia trying its best to be courteous and China under instructions from Zhu not to speak out against anything to avoid “playing into Indonesia’s hands”.
While the ministers of foreign affairs have their meeting, Try met with Thaksin, Estrada, Luong and Prime Minister of Laos Bounnhang Vorachith. The five-way meeting produced an MoU agreeing to a Conference of Cooperation to be held in Surabaya within 3 months.
That was how the 2001 ASEAN Summit ended. There was a photo-op for all 10 ASEAN Leaders, the smiles of Try and the other ASEAN Leaders not really telling the story about what kind of a summit it was. There was a growing consensus as the media filed their reports and the diplomats got ready to fly home, however, that this would be remembered as the ASEAN Summit “Indonesia threw its weight around”.
That night the Presidential Airplane touched down at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, Jakarta. Bringing home President Try Sutrisno after three weeks’ worth of travel.
---
OTL the 2001 NAM Summit was due to be held in Bangladesh but then got delayed to early 2002 and then cancelled when the new government led by Prime Minister Khaleda Zia did not think that it was relevant to hold the NAM Summit.
The implementation of AFTA was suspended ITTL at the 1998 ASEAN Summit. The explanation as to why Try never noticed it at the time was because Try was not really paying attention to foreign affairs at the time (Actually, I didn't think that there would be such a big foreign affairs component to this TL as well at the time).
Keep in mind that Southeast Asia is feeling the effects of the 2001 economic downturn with Indonesia feeling the least effect (if any) on its economy. Malaysia is laying a trap for Indonesia knowing that the latter’s industry has much to go in terms of development and trying to get Indonesia to reject resuming the implementation of AFTA; looking bad in the process in front of the other ASEAN Nations. Indonesia countering by saying that it would accept resumption of AFTA’s implementation but on the condition that the ASEAN+3 is ceased. But as the Malaysians argue this is the same as accepting Indonesia’s authority in the region by letting it determine who can meet with who and who can come or can’t come.
President Try Sutrisno looked around the Convention Hall in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The sight of the leaders of the third world gathered in one place was admittedly an inspiring sight. He and his delegation had arrived late last night after a long flight from South Africa. That morning he had woken up, made his way to the Convention Hall and shook hands with Prime Minister of Bangladesh Khaleda Zia who hosted the Summit.
But then the Summit began. Zia, who had recently taken office by building a coalition with Islamists delivered the first speech of the summit. She spoke about various international issues and spoke against the “War on Terror” becoming a “War on a certain faith” and said that “certain nations, even though they are part of the faith being attacked, are aiding and abetting the War on Terror in becoming a War on a certain faith”. Minister of Foreign Affairs Ginandjar Kartasasmita would later say he could notice the eyes being cast in Try’s direction at this comment.
Try’s speech addressed the issues of the day saying that the “first step towards non-alignment is to be non-aligned in one’s respective region and not allow the world’s great powers to determine policy there”, an argument he often made about Southeast Asia being free of China’s influence. On the fight against terrorism, Try spoke out against “forces which sought to twist religion to their own ends and which must be stood up against.”
Indonesia was not the only issue on the minds of various leaders as they made their speech but references to its present stance on terrorism would appear in the speeches of those critical of Indonesia. The speech that was most critical of Indonesia came from Prime Minister of Malaysia Najib Razak who criticized “nations who try too hard to court the support of the aggressor nation despite having the largest amount of adherents of the faith under attack”. Ginandjar and State Secretary Edi Sudrajat gritted their teeth at this whilst Try looked blankly at the space in front of him.
Indonesia’s stance in the War on Terror was not the only thing that came under attack. President of Mozambique Joaquim Chissano attacked the “neo-colonialism which stands between the way between our comrades in FRETILIN and East Timor Independence”, such similar sentiments were shared by Cuba, represented by Vice President of Cuba Raul Castro.
Seated alphabetically, Try was seated between Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee and President of Iran Mohammad Khatami. These two thankfully gave Try some respite, giving him sympathetic smiles when a comment became too biting. President of Philippines Joseph Estrada and then Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra came to Try’s defense saying that nations “who take a decisive stance against those who twist their religion into terrorism should be encouraged not condemned”.
When the day’s speeches were at last over, Try breathed a sigh of relief. Behind him, Ginandjar and Edi were having a discussion about possibly walking out on the Summit.
“We’ll do no such thing”, said Try hearing the mutterings behind him “Keep your head and focus down, there’s a time and a place to throw our weight around.”
2nd November 2001:
The NAM Summit gave Try a chance to meet a lot of leaders from various continents at the same time. There were formal meetings but there were also informal encounters as he bumped into various leaders as he walked down hallways to the next meeting.
From Asia, Try’s most notable meeting was with President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov. Karimov said that he too had asked for and received a lot of concessions, economic or otherwise, from the United States in exchange for his allowing the United States to set up military bases in Uzbekistan to allow them to attack Afghanistan from. Karimov said that the national interest called for it though the “price” for this was that Uzbekistan, like Indonesia, is now being seen as “pro-American”. The two commiserated with each other on this.
Try also took time to meet with the NAM’s only member from Oceania, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea Mekere Morauta. Morauta thanked Indonesian investors and tourists for somewhat cushioning the blow received by Papua New Guinea as a result of the 2001 economic downturn; a strong Rupiah combining with a weak Kina to make Papua New Guinea a cheaper place to invest and visit. Try said that it was in Indonesia’s interest to see Papua New Guinea prosper and said that he hopes that there will be indirect benefit to the 10 year debt moratorium for Indonesia’s eastern neighbors.
The Middle East was a mixed bag. Saudi Arabia Minister of Foreign Affairs Saud bin Faisal delivered a strongly worded letter signed by King Fahd speaking out against Indonesia’s stance against terrorism and calling for the Indonesian Government to stop “spying on LIPIA” saying that this ran the risk of “jeopardizing relations” between the two nations. The letter threatened that the construction of Exor II in Irian Jaya, in which Aramco is involved, may also be jeopardized. King Abdullah II of Jordan’s reaction was warmer and he told Try he who supported his stance. Even more warm was President of Egypt Hosni Mubarak who said that he drew strength from what he said.
From Africa where he just had a tour to begin opening Africa’s markets, Try met at last with President of Gabon Omar Bogo. As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 1999, Gabon had supported the UN Resolution acknowledging East Timor to be a part of Indonesia. Beyond official meetings, Minister of Trade Anthony Salim was swarmed by counterparts from Africa eager to get information on what are the possible benefits of trading with Indonesia.
The most notable meeting with a South American nation was with President of Suriname Ronald Venetiaan. Venetiaan invited Try to come and visit Suriname and both presidents agreed to activate the cooperation commission established in 1992.
3rd November 2001:
The NAM Summit came to an end today with a failed attempt at a joint declaration. Whilst condemning terrorism, Bangladesh and Malaysia also wanted to condemn “acts of aggression claimed to be done in the name of fighting terrorism”. Uzbekistan said that if the summit wanted to press with this statement, it should also outright condemn religious extremism. There was enough rejection for Uzbekistan’s proposition for a deadlock to be reached.
After the Summit was over Try paid courtesy calls to President of Bangladesh A.Q.M Badrudozza Chowdhury and Zia though these were done out of diplomatic niceties rather than genuine warmth after Zia’s comments. By the time he and his delegation arrived at the Zia International Airport, Try could no wait to get out of Bangladesh. Though Indonesia did not return from the summit emptyhanded, there was some frustration in the delegation at the condemnation Indonesia received on the first day of the summit.
Though he seemingly took the criticism against Indonesia in stride, Try could not pretend he was undisturbed. The next time he went overseas, he would re-establish Indonesia’s image as being non-aligned as well as put it in a stronger bargaining position.
The Presidential Airplane landed at Bandar Sri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam very late in the afternoon and Try was welcomed by Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah Bolkiah.
Try was taken to the Nurul Iman Palace to be welcomed by Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah. Bolkiah had not attended the NAM Summit to focus on preparing to chair and host the ASEAN Summit but told Try that he was keen to talk to him. Bolkiah gave a tour of his opulent palace to Try all the while talking one-on-one with him of various issues.
Bolkiah told Try that while he would not stand up and deliver criticism in front of an entire summit, he shared some of the sentiments which were directed at Try at the NAM Summit. Bolkiah also said that he was against the United States, Australia, and Canada trying to get some kind of a statement on the War On Terror at the APEC Summit because of religious sensitivities. He concluded by saying that he is saying this as a friend without any intention of jeopardizing Brunei’s relationship with Indonesia. Try said that he respected the opinions of Brunei and appreciated the fact that Brunei have conveyed such opinions tactfully.
4th November 2001:
One by one, delegations from the ASEAN Nations began arriving at Bandar Sri Begawan for the ASEAN Summit. At his hotel, President Try spent the morning resting and meeting with his delegation to the ASEAN Summit which consisted of Ginandjar Kartasasmita, Minister of Economics and National Development Planning Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti, Minister of Industry Siswono Yudohusodo, Anthony Salim, Edi Sudrajat, and Head of BKPM Mari Pangestu.
Siswono and Anthony reported to the meeting that at the ministerial-level meetings, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia/Minister of International Trade and Industry Syed Hamid Albar has “kindly asked” if AFTA will be put on the agenda.
“These Malaysians, they’re really playing the “You want to be the leader of ASEAN, you better start by leading on AFTA” card with us aren’t they?” asked Edi looking annoyed.
“They seem to forget that they were the ones who asked for implementation of AFTA to be suspended back in 1998”, muttered Siswono.
Try asked Ginandjar to read out what Indonesia was going to propose regarding AFTA.
“These are interesting proposals but how will those 3 countries respond to it?” asked Dorodjatun “Considering we will need two out of those three countries to approve our 10 year debt moratorium to make things official.”
“South Korea knows it’s coming, I’ve brought it up with them at APEC”, replied Ginandjar “The Japanese are beginning to pick up on it from their business lobbies. Prime Minister Kato will not be happy but most members of the Japanese government will realize that this is not directed against them.”
“And China?” asked Dorodjatun.
Everyone in the room turned to the President for a response.
“Thank you for the meeting everyone”, replied Try.
5th November 2001:
Sitting in the chairman’s position, Bolkiah declared the ASEAN Summit open and one by one the leaders read out their speeches. When it came to his turn, Try’s speech addressed the latest strategic issues.
“Going after the perpetrators of the events which occurred in New York, Washington DC, and Chicago nearly two months ago will neccesarily occupy the United States’ attention. If prior to 11th September, the United States has made it clear that Southeast Asia are not among its priorities, we must be even more careful when its attention is drawn elsewhere. It means we cannot use the United States to counterbalance the intentions of other major powers trying to impose its will on Southeast Asia.”
During his turn, Razak stuck to his line that ASEAN had to implement existing agreements which had gone dormant such as AFTA rather than embark on new venture. The only addition his made to a spiel which most in Southeast Asian capitals had been familiar with was that he realized that it had been Malaysia which had asked for the implementation of AFTA to be suspended in 1998 but that now he feels that it is time for this decision to be reviewed. Razak therefore requests that ASEAN review this decision and that if ASEAN’s “most prominent nation” would give its advice, ASEAN would follow suit.
Terrorism and the economic downturn were on the minds of the leaders of ASEAN. All focused on these issues without revealing their hand on what they wanted the summit to achieve. Thailand’s Thaksin Shinawatra and the Philippines’ Joseph Estrada sided with Indonesia on the issue of terrorism but was non-specific on how ASEAN should respond to the 2001 economic downturn. Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Sen got some looks his way when he openly advocated closer trade relations with China. Meanwhile President of Vietnam Tran Duc Luong in his speech took Indonesia’s side to remind the Summit that a “major power” tried to intervene in its internal affairs when it successfully delayed the 9th Vietnamese Communist Party National Congress.
Once the speeches had been made, the lobbying began in between bilateral meetings. Try and Edi met with Estrada and Executive Secretary Edgardo Angara from the Philippines and Thaksin Shinawatra who was accompanied by Minister to the Office of Prime Minister Chaturon Chaisang. Try reiterated his commitment to back the Philippines militarily in its campaign against Islamic insurgents in the country but softly reminded that it will be conditional on Indonesia’s debt moratorium being approved by the Paris Club. Thaksin also expressed Thailand’s desire to commit personnel as well though it will be conditional on Indonesia’s involvement. Estrada thanked both Try and Thaksin saying that the Philippines was still struggling with Islamic insurgency throughout 2001 and could use the assistance.
The next matter they discussed was AFTA. Thaksin said that the summit seemed to lean on the side on working implementation of AFTA, especially because of the economic downturn around the world, and that this was a chance for Indonesia to exercise leadership in the economic field. Try then replied with what he was proposing to the Summit.
It was a proposal which Ginandjar, Dorodjatun, Siswono, and Anthony were making to their ministerial counterparts and which then made the rounds to the ASEAN leaders. The 3-point proposal were as follows:
-Suspension on the implementation of the AFTA will be lifted for all ASEAN Nations and all ASEAN Members can begin implementing its AFTA Commitments.
-As it would be impossible to implement AFTA provisions by 2003 (as agreed at the 1995 ASEAN Summit), Indonesia proposes that AFTA would take into effect in 2011 or 2012 so that all ASEAN members will have the opportunity to take part when AFTA takes effect.
-Indonesia’s participation in AFTA conditional on the cessation of ASEAN+3 Meetings.
The first two items of the proposal were well-received with a general consensus quickly developing that the differences between ASEAN member nations will be in relation to the timing of its implementation.
It was the third item of the proposal that gave those attending the summit some thought. ASEAN+3 was an annual meeting between all 10 ASEAN members and leaders from China, Japan, and South Korea which had been held since 1997. As Indonesia proposed, however, to ensure ASEAN’s “Strategic independence”, nations which are not members should not have a say in matters related to ASEAN as a collective.
The “Try-Point Proposal”, as it was already being referred, occupied the minds of those attending the 2001 ASEAN Summit as the day came to a close.
At the Malaysian Government’s Suite, the Malaysian delegation discussed these conditions, especially the third one.
“This is a good proposal”, began Syed Hamid Albar “But this third proposal, what does it mean?”
“It means that ASEAN will get AFTA if it ceases to hold ASEAN+3 meetings”, explained Minister of Foreign Affairs Rais Yatim “But this means we would be allowing Indonesia to determine who can come and cannot come to the ASEAN Summit and who ASEAN nations can and cannot meet during the ASEAN Summit. If we were to allow this to happen…”
“That would be the same as accepting that Indonesia’s in charge”, muttered Razak.
6th November 2001:
That morning, ASEAN Secretary-General Rodolfo Severino called for a straw poll to be held to see where the Summit stood on Try’s proposal. All members agreed to this. The result was as follows:
For President Try Sutrisno’s Three-Point Proposal:
Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Laos and Vietnam
Against President Try Sutrisno’s Three-Point Proposal:
Malaysia and Cambodia
Abstaining On President Try Sutrisno’s Three-Point Proposal:
Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, and Myanmar
It was not a majority though given that “6 Fors” were required for such a majority to be reached, the Summit could not have failed to notice that Indonesia was one vote away from gaining majority support for its proposal. There were gasps and murmurings around the room. Severino called for further dialogue to be held between ASEAN members as regards Indonesia’s proposal to ensure a “more unanimous outlook” and this was agreed by all members.
The awkward part was that China, Japan, and South Korea had arrived at the Summit. China represented by Premier of China Zhu Rongji, Japan by Prime Minister Koichi Kato, and South Korea by Minister of Foreign Affairs Han Seung-Soo. The Chinese delegation were enraged that a vote, albeit unbinding, had been taken about the possibility of China not having an annual dialogue with all 10 ASEAN Countries in the same place.
Indonesia however, continued to press matters. Try said that Indonesia respects the Summit’s opinion on his proposal, he asks however that the Summit would respect Indonesia’s stance of wanting diplomatic relations with China, Japan, and South Korea on a bilateral basis but not on an ASEAN+3 basis which in effect meant that Indonesia was not going to join the ASEAN+3 to be held that day.
There were more gasps and murmurs around the room which only continued to build up when Thaksin and Estrada lifted their hands up looking very ready to join Indonesia. Bolkiah, sitting in the chairman’s position, suspended proceedings before things got out of hand. With the assistance of Prime Minister of Singapore Goh Chok Tong, the situation was salvaged with a solution that was considered face-saving: ASEAN+3 would be attended by all participating nations’ ministers of foreign affairs rather than heads of state and heads of government. The ASEAN+3 meeting that resulted was an awkward affair with Indonesia trying its best to be courteous and China under instructions from Zhu not to speak out against anything to avoid “playing into Indonesia’s hands”.
While the ministers of foreign affairs have their meeting, Try met with Thaksin, Estrada, Luong and Prime Minister of Laos Bounnhang Vorachith. The five-way meeting produced an MoU agreeing to a Conference of Cooperation to be held in Surabaya within 3 months.
That was how the 2001 ASEAN Summit ended. There was a photo-op for all 10 ASEAN Leaders, the smiles of Try and the other ASEAN Leaders not really telling the story about what kind of a summit it was. There was a growing consensus as the media filed their reports and the diplomats got ready to fly home, however, that this would be remembered as the ASEAN Summit “Indonesia threw its weight around”.
That night the Presidential Airplane touched down at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, Jakarta. Bringing home President Try Sutrisno after three weeks’ worth of travel.
---
OTL the 2001 NAM Summit was due to be held in Bangladesh but then got delayed to early 2002 and then cancelled when the new government led by Prime Minister Khaleda Zia did not think that it was relevant to hold the NAM Summit.
The implementation of AFTA was suspended ITTL at the 1998 ASEAN Summit. The explanation as to why Try never noticed it at the time was because Try was not really paying attention to foreign affairs at the time (Actually, I didn't think that there would be such a big foreign affairs component to this TL as well at the time).
Keep in mind that Southeast Asia is feeling the effects of the 2001 economic downturn with Indonesia feeling the least effect (if any) on its economy. Malaysia is laying a trap for Indonesia knowing that the latter’s industry has much to go in terms of development and trying to get Indonesia to reject resuming the implementation of AFTA; looking bad in the process in front of the other ASEAN Nations. Indonesia countering by saying that it would accept resumption of AFTA’s implementation but on the condition that the ASEAN+3 is ceased. But as the Malaysians argue this is the same as accepting Indonesia’s authority in the region by letting it determine who can meet with who and who can come or can’t come.
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Could you explain how this P-4 ideological training works? I don't get it and Google didn't help me either.
Indonesia should be cautious about the free trade agreements and explore other alternatives including bilateral free trade agreements. India OTL stifled it's industrial with free trade agreements with ASEAN, Japan and South Korea.
I believe there is the MPR election due the following year and Try has to tread carefully as to not jeopardize the results.
Instead of Try why Estrada or Thaksin couldn't have proposed the end of ASEAN+3 then Razak could have been trapped. He isn't doing much for the economy, so his popularity must be dipping or is he playing the "standing upto Indonesia" card to the Malaysian public? You have previously said that Singapore's support will be obtained when their desalination plants are complete, how's the progress there?
Keep up the good work!
Indonesia should be cautious about the free trade agreements and explore other alternatives including bilateral free trade agreements. India OTL stifled it's industrial with free trade agreements with ASEAN, Japan and South Korea.
I believe there is the MPR election due the following year and Try has to tread carefully as to not jeopardize the results.
Instead of Try why Estrada or Thaksin couldn't have proposed the end of ASEAN+3 then Razak could have been trapped. He isn't doing much for the economy, so his popularity must be dipping or is he playing the "standing upto Indonesia" card to the Malaysian public? You have previously said that Singapore's support will be obtained when their desalination plants are complete, how's the progress there?
Keep up the good work!
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I'll answer this in sections.
P-4:
The national ideology of Indonesia is Pancasila and has been so since its independence. In 1978, Soeharto's Government formulated the official interpretation of Pancasila which was known as the Comprehension and Implementation of Pancasila Guidelines or by it's acronym the P-4. From 1979 onwards, this official interpretation was disseminated to people from all walks of life through what's called the P-4 Training. It's tedious stuff (up to 120 hours of discussing Pancasila for the advanced course) but something that people put up with because the Government took it seriously enough. Its critics call it indoctrination rather than training and after Soeharto fell from power, it was abolished by President BJ Habibie in 1999.
There's something of a consensus that the abolition of P-4 Training is considered to be one of the "mistakes" of the post-Soeharto period and the perception that younger Indonesians are less nationalistic or more susceptible to Islamism has been blamed on the abolition of P-4 Training. It's an important enough issue OTL that an agency to promote and foster Pancasila was established by the current government.
ITTL, the P-4 Training has been retained by Try Sutrisno's Government though it has been modified so that it is less tedious.
Free Trade:
On this one, I'm still feeling around how things would progress in this regard ITTL. At the moment, Try is leaning towards it because of the influence his Vice President, JB Sumarlin.
MPR:
Yes. Scheduled for March 2003.
ASEAN:
I had Try making the proposal about the end of ASEAN+3 simply because it's him who is trying to gain the leadership position of ASEAN on Indonesia's behalf.
Yes, "Standing up to Indonesia" is certainly a card that Razak is playing to gain sympathy from the Malaysian public. ITTL Malaysia feels some security stemming from the fact that its economy is not performing well after the crisis and had not recovered fully yet so this makes it convenient to cast Indonesia as the bad guy.
Regarding Singapore: Yes, the desalination plants will be completed soon but for the most part their leadership are still indecisive.
146: Consolidating Gains
7th November 2001:
With the President taking a day off after his long trip, Chairwoman of PKPB Tutut Soeharto and Chairwoman of PNI Megawati took center stage; both penning columns in Gatra Magazine (Tutut) and Tempo.co.id (Megawati). Both criticized the “failures” of President Try’s foreign policy with Tutut focusing on what she argued was the President’s “lack of legitimacy” in the Islamic World, the NAM and ASEAN while Megawati focused on what she saw as the President’s “pro-American policy”.
Meanwhile, at Surabaya, East Java, Vice President JB Sumarlin and Minister of Home Affairs Harsudiono Hartas declared open the PKPI National Leadership Meeting. Harsudiono laughed when he was asked about what he thought about Tutut and Megawati’s criticism. He said that Tutut is failing to understand that Indonesia’s stature in the international world ,and therefore what it can do on the world stage, has progressed to a new stage under the President. Megawati was meanwhile dubbed as “confused” because in the recent past, she criticized the President as “having failed on Freeport” but that now that he has made progress, he is criticized as being “pro-American”.
8th November 2001:
Back on duty, the President met with Minister of Tourism Soeyono. Soeyono reported that the number of tourists that arrived in October was about the same as that in September so the decline had been arrested. Soeyono also said that the Department of Tourism are running advertising campaigns in the United States and Europe to encourage tourists to come to Indonesia.
Soeyono said domestically, domestic tourism is flourishing because the economy is doing well. Soeyono made particular note of infrastructure such as new toll roads playing its part. As a result of the Cipularang Toll Road being in operation for the last month, for example, Bandung has been getting record crowds from Jakarta and it’s not even the end of year holidays yet.
9th November 2001:
In a ceremony at the Presidential Palace, the President awarded the title of National Hero to Gen. (Ret.) Abdul Haris Nasution. Receiving the award on behalf of Nasution was Mrs. Johanna Nasution, the deceased’s wife.
The big news of the day came from Paris, France. Minister of Foreign Affairs Ginandjar Kartasasmita and Minister of Economics and National Development Planning Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti, who had gone on from Brunei to Paris after the ASEAN Summit, announced that Indonesia’s creditors have approved of Indonesia’s 10 year debt moratorium as part of the agreement reached by President Try and President of the United States John McCain at the APEC Summit.
When asked what this debt moratorium meant for Indonesia, Dorodjatun said that it meant that Indonesia can develop more at a faster rate because funds have been freed up and can be used for other purposes.
10th November 2001:
After presiding over the Heroes’ Day Comemmoration at Kalibata Heroes’ Cemetery at midnight, the President caught the train from Jakarta to Surabaya in East Java to join the PKPI National Leadership Meeting.
Now dressed in the PKPI uniform of white shirt, white pants, red tie and a red jacket like all the other participants the President joined the PKPI National Leadership Meeting where he was greeted as a hero. He joined just in time to watch Chairman of the PKPI’s National Campaign Hendropriyono begin making a presentation on the PKPI’s prospects at the 2002 Elections. After presenting about the PKPI’s election preparations and what the PKPI could expect on a province by province basis, Hendropiyono made a rather blunt assessment.
“The 2002 Elections is shaping up to be a tough competition because there is an incentive for all four political parties to throw everything they have at this election.
For the PKPI and the PKPB, the battle is on to fill in as much as possible the vacuum left behind Golkar.
For the PNI, this is a chance to run the campaign that they never got to run in 1997 when Megawati and her supporters were prevented from running for DPR seats to not say anything about anti-New Order activists wanting to get in and become part of the political process.
For the PPP, they want to exploit the fact that they’re the only “old” political party left, meaning that they have a head start in organizing a campaign as opposed to having to consolidate first the way the other three political parties has to.
And above all else, all four are looking to fill as many seats as possible in the 2003 MPR Session with their supporters.”
In a small ceremony held during that night’s dinner, Chairman of PKPI Basofi Sudirman presented the President, Sumarlin, and Chairman of DPR Harmoko with their PKPI Membership cards; in the process also identifying the President, the Vice President, and the Chairman of the DPR with the PKPI. After the President, the person to get the loudest cheers was Harmoko.
11th November 2001:
With the President in attendance, the 2001 PKPI National Leadership Meeting was brought to a close in mid-morning. Basofi, flanked by Secretary of PKPI Joyokusumo, Treasurer of PKPI Rambe Kamarulzaman, and the rest of the PKPI National Leadership Council, pledged the PKPI to “throwing every bit of its resources; human, organizational, financial and otherwise to ensure victory at the 2002 Elections as a perquisite to a successful 2003 MPR Session”.
The President came on stage to physically receive the pledge, written on an embroidered scroll, from Basofi. As he delivered a speech which was supposed to close the National Leadership Meeting, the President found himself pausing to smile. Throughout the speech, the PKPI faithful began unfurling banners with the writing “Try 2003” and posters with the President’s face and 2003 next to it. The President himself was interrupted by applause and cheers when he spoke of the Government’s record of taking the nation out of the Asian Financial Crisis and setting it on its present course of economic development.
“This is why we need you for another 5 years, Pak Try”, yelled someone from the crowd as the President paused again “Try Sutrisno for President 2003”.
“If you are serious about your intentions towards me in 2003, if the PKPI is serious about its intentions towards me”, replied Try “Then all of you here today and all PKPI members around Indonesia will do their best at the 2002 Elections in 6 months’ time.”
12th November 2001:
State Minister of Youth and Sports Hajriyanto Thohari came out of a meeting with the President to report on Indonesia’s performance in SEA Games 2001 and its failure to make it to the 2002 World Cup in Japan and Korea. Hajriyanto was asked whether he informed the President that Indonesian athletes in Malaysia received boos during the competition whenever there was an Indonesian victory. Hajriyanto said that he did and that the President “made note” of it.
Today the DPR saw the following laws passed:
*The Abolition of Domestic Violence Law which defines acts which constitutes domestic violence as well as steps that the State can take to protect and rehabilitate victims of domestic violence such as issuing restraining orders and providing access to counseling. State Minister of Female Empowerment and Children’s Welfare Khofifah Indar Parawansa said that the right to feel safe inside the home has been protected with this law.
*The Buildings Law which outlines the safety, accessibility, and security requirements of buildings as well as general rules regarding the construction, utilization, preservation, and demolition of buildings. Minister of Public Works Rachmat Witoelar and Junior Minister of Housing Bobby Suhardiman said that it was important to provide a legal framework as the construction sector gets moving again.
13th November 2001:
Harsudiono Hartas, Minister of Finance Mar’ie Muhammad, Minister of Mining and Energy Djiteng Marsudi, State Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Bacelius Ruru and State Secretary Edi Sudrajat came out of a meeting with the President to announce that they had been appointed as the negotiating team with Freeport. Edi, who had been appointed as chairman of the negotiating team said that the 2% divestment will go ahead as promised by the US Administration, but that there are other details which PT Freeport Indonesia has requested to discuss. When asked what these requests were, Edi said he did not know but that the President had granted the request.
Also coming in for a meeting with the President that day were State Minister of National Security Soerjadi, Commander of ABRI Wiranto, Chief of BAKIN Ari Sudewo, Army Chief of Staff Luhut Panjaitan, and Chief of Police Yun Mulyana. Soerjadi and Ari Sudewo reported that they have credible intelligence on the whereabouts of Jemaah Islamiyah members and are asking for orders to make their move.
“You have your orders”, said Try “Make sure to capture them alive so we can get information from them.”
14th November 2001:
In an interview with detik.com, Attorney General Soedjono C Atmonegoro said that he “absolutely” intends on prosecuting PT Timor Putra Nasional for lost government revenues as a result of the National Car Policy; the owner of PT Timor Putra Nasional, Tommy Soeharto now languishing in prison.
At ABRI Headquarters, a minor command shuffle was conducted. Minor in the sense that only 4 officers were transferred to new positions most notably Yudhoyono ally Sudi Silalahi who became Commander of the ABRI Academy and promoted to lieutenant general. It is likely that this will be the last command shuffle before the election.
15th November 2001:
At the Presidential Palace, the President swore in a batch of ambassadors and an official which included the following:
*V. Adm. (Ret.) Soedibyo Rahardjo as Ambassador to the United States
*H.R. Agung Laksono as Ambassador to the United Kingdom
*Prijono Tjiptoherijanto S.E., M.A., Ph.D as Deputy State Secretary
After the ceremony was over, Ginandjar Kartasasmita took questions about the two appointments. Regarding Soedibyo Rahardjo’s appointment, Ginandjar said that Soedibyo’s background as a naval aviator is an asset to be exploited in Indonesia-United States relationship in the near future given that President of United States John McCain was also a naval aviator.
Meanwhile, Edi said he looked forward to working to Prijono saying that the latter had experience across the bureaucracy and across various policy areas.
16th November 2001:
When the President arrived at the meeting room, it was a packed place. The Vice President, all of the cabinet ministers, all of the heads of agencies and officials such as OCDS Sugeng Subroto, the inspectors generals of development, the new Deputy State Secretary, and Deputy Cabinet Secretary Sri Mulyani Indrawati.
The first item on the agenda was a report by the President about his recent trip and the outcomes he got, focusing on the APEC, NAM, and ASEAN Summits. He said that he used these summits to gauge Indonesia’s place in the world and how other nations view Indonesia.
“I believe after three decades of a largely low-key foreign policy, other nations have become increasingly aware of us. Nations within our region have taken notice of us especially as we have opened our cards at the ASEAN Summit. In the third world, if we can use the NAM as reflecting the third world, our stance against terrorism has hurt us somewhat though this neutralized by the fact that we have are seen as an attractive economic partner.
Among the great powers, if we can use APEC as reflecting the world’s most prominent nations, we are still for the most part under the radar. The United States sees us as important in the sense that our support is worth a lot to them in their War on Terror but other than that, which I think is why we got all of our requests, but otherwise their attention is elsewhere. Russia sees us as nothing more than customer of their weapons and I’m happy to indulge these views if it helps keep us under their radar.”
When comments were invited, Sumarlin said he feels that Indonesia’s not so much under the radar anymore with the great powers and argued that China will probably take more notice of Indonesia though with the expectation that they can outmatch Indonesia (The President smiled at the last comment). Sumarlin also said that all things considered, if the economy continues as it is for the remainder of the year, Indonesia is set to be the 16th largest economy in the world in 2001 which is larger than Argentina and about as large as Russia.
Ginandjar spoke next about the vibe around ASEAN at the ASEAN Summit that just passed.
“The nations that are undecided about our proposals have that stance not so much because they want to keep their options open but because they want to see more about what we can do”, said Ginandjar “They get the argument that we’re the counterbalance to China, but they want to see if we're strong enough.”
Still discussing the trip, the President acknowledged the efforts of Minister of Trade Anthony Salim in helping to organize the trips and the cabinet gave him an applause for this. Nodding in the direction of Minister of Manpower and Small Business Fahmi Idris, the President said that small businesses should be encouraged to get involved.
Next it was the President’s turn to be applauded as he listed all the things which was granted by McCain in exchange for Indonesia’s support in the War on Terror. He said that the appointment of the new Ambassador of the US is to ensure that these conditions are fulfilled because some will take time as far as implementation is concerned such as the negotiations with Freeport, FAA Certification for the N-250 and the trade and investment promotion as well as trying to build a personal approach to McCain if things do not go smoothly.
Minister of Defense and Security Wismoyo Arismunandar and Wiranto reported about what preparations for their trip to Manila and their meeting with counterparts.
At this point the cabinet meeting went on a break at which point a tumpeng rice was brought in and the cabinet sang “Happy Birthday” to the President who celebrated his 66th birthday the previous day. The President gave the top of the tumpeng rice to Sumarlin.
The second item in the agenda was next when the break was over and it was the real reason why the President assembled the meeting; amely, what to do with the 10 year debt moratorium.
Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti and Mar’ie Muhammad spoke first about this. Dorodjatun explained the mechanics of the debt moratorium which was that Indonesia would not be paying debt in the next 10 years. Mar’ie said that the moratorium will take effect from the 2002/2003 Fiscal Year. He said that work has already begun for the draft budget which will be delivered by the President to the DPR in January 2002 but that as a result of this development, projects and funding which has not been approved during the budgeting process can be resubmitted again.
There was no shortage of agreement that this debt moratorium meant a faster rate of development across all areas though there was argument about where money could be spent. Wismoyo reminded all at the table of the underspending in defense over the last 3 decades, an argument that got mutterings of agreement from the military men across the table. Rachmat Witoelar wanted more money for toll roads, Minister of Transportation Soerjadi Soedirja wanted it for airports and public transportation, State Minister of the Development of Eastern Indonesia and Special Development Zones Jusuf Kalla wanted more funds to be sent in Eastern Indonesia’s way. Minister of Education Fakry Gaffar and Minister of Health Azrul Azwar agreed that there should be more social spending but debated whether the money should be directed towards schools or health facilities.
It fell to Sumarlin to call for order and turn the meeting into an economics seminar by asking the economists in the room for what they thought.
Governor of BI Boediono spoke first. He advised that the government needs to be prudent because while it now has more funds “to play around with”, it also means it has more capacity to circulate more money around the economy with its spending which can lead to inflation. Boediono said that inflation will be lower this year because the Rupiah is strong and because producers who would otherwise be selling to export markets in the west are selling it to the domestic market. But who knows what the situation will be next year. Boediono said that the government needs to realize the President’s aspiration of wanting Indonesian society to be more productive rather than consumptive.
Head of IBRA Bambang Subianto put his hand up. Bambang said said that the government needs to make sure to show its credibility. By that he means that the Government does not ease up on certain things simply because it has more money to play around with.
“I’ve had people who still owe their BLBI repayments ask for their own “moratoriums” because it's not like government is short of money. The same goes with trying to get people to sign up get their tax numbers and pay taxes, just because the government has more money doesn’t mean “Oh good, I don’t have to pay taxes anymore”, said Bambang “Same goes with fuel prices. If it’s time for fuel prices to go up, then it’s time for it to go up, it shouldn’t be delayed because the Government has more money.”
“I completely agree with the Head of IBRA”, began Minister of Agriculture Sarwono Kusumaatmadja “At the same time, if we’re talking about credibility our bureaucracy needs to shape up as well. As it stands, people out there already believe that 30% of the budget is lost to corruption.”
The discussion began drifting into a discussion about bureaucracy and various ministers and heads of agencies’ struggles with the bureaucracy when the President decided to bring the meeting to a close. Promising to address the issue on bureaucracy at a later date, the President agreed on the parameters laid down by Boediono, Bambang Subianto, and Sarwono regarding how the Government should handle the debt moratorium namely that the increased funds should not cause inflation, that the Government should continue with policies as usual as though it does not have extra funds to maintain credibility (ie. BLBI repayments and increasing the number of people paying taxes), and there should be improved supervision so that funds from the budget do not end up in corrupt officials' pockets.
When the meeting was over, the task of explaining the results of the meeting was given to Dorodjatun and Mar’ie Muhammad. Meanwhile another meeting got underway attended by the President, Sumarlin, Minister of Civil Service Reform Kuntoro Mangunsubroto, Edi Sudrajat, and Cabinet Secretary Hayono Isman. The President said he agreed with the Minister of Agriculture Sarwono’s comments that the bureaucracy needed to shape up and instructed those in the meeting to formulate an “overarching policy” for bureaucratic reform.
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Try’s outfit at the PKPI National Leadership Council Meeting is OTL PKPI’s as can be seen worn by Sutiyoso in the following picture: https://cdns.klimg.com/merdeka.com/...-hadiri-peringatan-hut-ke-15-pkpi-001-isn.jpg
The highlight of this update is the big cabinet meeting to consolidate the results of the trip which he had just made as well as to ask the question of how to handle the debt moratorium.
The claim that “30% of all state funds are lost to corruption” originated in 1993 with Sumitro Djojohadikusumo who was a former minister of finance, minister of trade, and the father of Prabowo Subianto.
With the President taking a day off after his long trip, Chairwoman of PKPB Tutut Soeharto and Chairwoman of PNI Megawati took center stage; both penning columns in Gatra Magazine (Tutut) and Tempo.co.id (Megawati). Both criticized the “failures” of President Try’s foreign policy with Tutut focusing on what she argued was the President’s “lack of legitimacy” in the Islamic World, the NAM and ASEAN while Megawati focused on what she saw as the President’s “pro-American policy”.
Meanwhile, at Surabaya, East Java, Vice President JB Sumarlin and Minister of Home Affairs Harsudiono Hartas declared open the PKPI National Leadership Meeting. Harsudiono laughed when he was asked about what he thought about Tutut and Megawati’s criticism. He said that Tutut is failing to understand that Indonesia’s stature in the international world ,and therefore what it can do on the world stage, has progressed to a new stage under the President. Megawati was meanwhile dubbed as “confused” because in the recent past, she criticized the President as “having failed on Freeport” but that now that he has made progress, he is criticized as being “pro-American”.
8th November 2001:
Back on duty, the President met with Minister of Tourism Soeyono. Soeyono reported that the number of tourists that arrived in October was about the same as that in September so the decline had been arrested. Soeyono also said that the Department of Tourism are running advertising campaigns in the United States and Europe to encourage tourists to come to Indonesia.
Soeyono said domestically, domestic tourism is flourishing because the economy is doing well. Soeyono made particular note of infrastructure such as new toll roads playing its part. As a result of the Cipularang Toll Road being in operation for the last month, for example, Bandung has been getting record crowds from Jakarta and it’s not even the end of year holidays yet.
9th November 2001:
In a ceremony at the Presidential Palace, the President awarded the title of National Hero to Gen. (Ret.) Abdul Haris Nasution. Receiving the award on behalf of Nasution was Mrs. Johanna Nasution, the deceased’s wife.
The big news of the day came from Paris, France. Minister of Foreign Affairs Ginandjar Kartasasmita and Minister of Economics and National Development Planning Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti, who had gone on from Brunei to Paris after the ASEAN Summit, announced that Indonesia’s creditors have approved of Indonesia’s 10 year debt moratorium as part of the agreement reached by President Try and President of the United States John McCain at the APEC Summit.
When asked what this debt moratorium meant for Indonesia, Dorodjatun said that it meant that Indonesia can develop more at a faster rate because funds have been freed up and can be used for other purposes.
10th November 2001:
After presiding over the Heroes’ Day Comemmoration at Kalibata Heroes’ Cemetery at midnight, the President caught the train from Jakarta to Surabaya in East Java to join the PKPI National Leadership Meeting.
Now dressed in the PKPI uniform of white shirt, white pants, red tie and a red jacket like all the other participants the President joined the PKPI National Leadership Meeting where he was greeted as a hero. He joined just in time to watch Chairman of the PKPI’s National Campaign Hendropriyono begin making a presentation on the PKPI’s prospects at the 2002 Elections. After presenting about the PKPI’s election preparations and what the PKPI could expect on a province by province basis, Hendropiyono made a rather blunt assessment.
“The 2002 Elections is shaping up to be a tough competition because there is an incentive for all four political parties to throw everything they have at this election.
For the PKPI and the PKPB, the battle is on to fill in as much as possible the vacuum left behind Golkar.
For the PNI, this is a chance to run the campaign that they never got to run in 1997 when Megawati and her supporters were prevented from running for DPR seats to not say anything about anti-New Order activists wanting to get in and become part of the political process.
For the PPP, they want to exploit the fact that they’re the only “old” political party left, meaning that they have a head start in organizing a campaign as opposed to having to consolidate first the way the other three political parties has to.
And above all else, all four are looking to fill as many seats as possible in the 2003 MPR Session with their supporters.”
In a small ceremony held during that night’s dinner, Chairman of PKPI Basofi Sudirman presented the President, Sumarlin, and Chairman of DPR Harmoko with their PKPI Membership cards; in the process also identifying the President, the Vice President, and the Chairman of the DPR with the PKPI. After the President, the person to get the loudest cheers was Harmoko.
11th November 2001:
With the President in attendance, the 2001 PKPI National Leadership Meeting was brought to a close in mid-morning. Basofi, flanked by Secretary of PKPI Joyokusumo, Treasurer of PKPI Rambe Kamarulzaman, and the rest of the PKPI National Leadership Council, pledged the PKPI to “throwing every bit of its resources; human, organizational, financial and otherwise to ensure victory at the 2002 Elections as a perquisite to a successful 2003 MPR Session”.
The President came on stage to physically receive the pledge, written on an embroidered scroll, from Basofi. As he delivered a speech which was supposed to close the National Leadership Meeting, the President found himself pausing to smile. Throughout the speech, the PKPI faithful began unfurling banners with the writing “Try 2003” and posters with the President’s face and 2003 next to it. The President himself was interrupted by applause and cheers when he spoke of the Government’s record of taking the nation out of the Asian Financial Crisis and setting it on its present course of economic development.
“This is why we need you for another 5 years, Pak Try”, yelled someone from the crowd as the President paused again “Try Sutrisno for President 2003”.
“If you are serious about your intentions towards me in 2003, if the PKPI is serious about its intentions towards me”, replied Try “Then all of you here today and all PKPI members around Indonesia will do their best at the 2002 Elections in 6 months’ time.”
12th November 2001:
State Minister of Youth and Sports Hajriyanto Thohari came out of a meeting with the President to report on Indonesia’s performance in SEA Games 2001 and its failure to make it to the 2002 World Cup in Japan and Korea. Hajriyanto was asked whether he informed the President that Indonesian athletes in Malaysia received boos during the competition whenever there was an Indonesian victory. Hajriyanto said that he did and that the President “made note” of it.
Today the DPR saw the following laws passed:
*The Abolition of Domestic Violence Law which defines acts which constitutes domestic violence as well as steps that the State can take to protect and rehabilitate victims of domestic violence such as issuing restraining orders and providing access to counseling. State Minister of Female Empowerment and Children’s Welfare Khofifah Indar Parawansa said that the right to feel safe inside the home has been protected with this law.
*The Buildings Law which outlines the safety, accessibility, and security requirements of buildings as well as general rules regarding the construction, utilization, preservation, and demolition of buildings. Minister of Public Works Rachmat Witoelar and Junior Minister of Housing Bobby Suhardiman said that it was important to provide a legal framework as the construction sector gets moving again.
13th November 2001:
Harsudiono Hartas, Minister of Finance Mar’ie Muhammad, Minister of Mining and Energy Djiteng Marsudi, State Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Bacelius Ruru and State Secretary Edi Sudrajat came out of a meeting with the President to announce that they had been appointed as the negotiating team with Freeport. Edi, who had been appointed as chairman of the negotiating team said that the 2% divestment will go ahead as promised by the US Administration, but that there are other details which PT Freeport Indonesia has requested to discuss. When asked what these requests were, Edi said he did not know but that the President had granted the request.
Also coming in for a meeting with the President that day were State Minister of National Security Soerjadi, Commander of ABRI Wiranto, Chief of BAKIN Ari Sudewo, Army Chief of Staff Luhut Panjaitan, and Chief of Police Yun Mulyana. Soerjadi and Ari Sudewo reported that they have credible intelligence on the whereabouts of Jemaah Islamiyah members and are asking for orders to make their move.
“You have your orders”, said Try “Make sure to capture them alive so we can get information from them.”
14th November 2001:
In an interview with detik.com, Attorney General Soedjono C Atmonegoro said that he “absolutely” intends on prosecuting PT Timor Putra Nasional for lost government revenues as a result of the National Car Policy; the owner of PT Timor Putra Nasional, Tommy Soeharto now languishing in prison.
At ABRI Headquarters, a minor command shuffle was conducted. Minor in the sense that only 4 officers were transferred to new positions most notably Yudhoyono ally Sudi Silalahi who became Commander of the ABRI Academy and promoted to lieutenant general. It is likely that this will be the last command shuffle before the election.
15th November 2001:
At the Presidential Palace, the President swore in a batch of ambassadors and an official which included the following:
*V. Adm. (Ret.) Soedibyo Rahardjo as Ambassador to the United States
*H.R. Agung Laksono as Ambassador to the United Kingdom
*Prijono Tjiptoherijanto S.E., M.A., Ph.D as Deputy State Secretary
After the ceremony was over, Ginandjar Kartasasmita took questions about the two appointments. Regarding Soedibyo Rahardjo’s appointment, Ginandjar said that Soedibyo’s background as a naval aviator is an asset to be exploited in Indonesia-United States relationship in the near future given that President of United States John McCain was also a naval aviator.
Meanwhile, Edi said he looked forward to working to Prijono saying that the latter had experience across the bureaucracy and across various policy areas.
16th November 2001:
When the President arrived at the meeting room, it was a packed place. The Vice President, all of the cabinet ministers, all of the heads of agencies and officials such as OCDS Sugeng Subroto, the inspectors generals of development, the new Deputy State Secretary, and Deputy Cabinet Secretary Sri Mulyani Indrawati.
The first item on the agenda was a report by the President about his recent trip and the outcomes he got, focusing on the APEC, NAM, and ASEAN Summits. He said that he used these summits to gauge Indonesia’s place in the world and how other nations view Indonesia.
“I believe after three decades of a largely low-key foreign policy, other nations have become increasingly aware of us. Nations within our region have taken notice of us especially as we have opened our cards at the ASEAN Summit. In the third world, if we can use the NAM as reflecting the third world, our stance against terrorism has hurt us somewhat though this neutralized by the fact that we have are seen as an attractive economic partner.
Among the great powers, if we can use APEC as reflecting the world’s most prominent nations, we are still for the most part under the radar. The United States sees us as important in the sense that our support is worth a lot to them in their War on Terror but other than that, which I think is why we got all of our requests, but otherwise their attention is elsewhere. Russia sees us as nothing more than customer of their weapons and I’m happy to indulge these views if it helps keep us under their radar.”
When comments were invited, Sumarlin said he feels that Indonesia’s not so much under the radar anymore with the great powers and argued that China will probably take more notice of Indonesia though with the expectation that they can outmatch Indonesia (The President smiled at the last comment). Sumarlin also said that all things considered, if the economy continues as it is for the remainder of the year, Indonesia is set to be the 16th largest economy in the world in 2001 which is larger than Argentina and about as large as Russia.
Ginandjar spoke next about the vibe around ASEAN at the ASEAN Summit that just passed.
“The nations that are undecided about our proposals have that stance not so much because they want to keep their options open but because they want to see more about what we can do”, said Ginandjar “They get the argument that we’re the counterbalance to China, but they want to see if we're strong enough.”
Still discussing the trip, the President acknowledged the efforts of Minister of Trade Anthony Salim in helping to organize the trips and the cabinet gave him an applause for this. Nodding in the direction of Minister of Manpower and Small Business Fahmi Idris, the President said that small businesses should be encouraged to get involved.
Next it was the President’s turn to be applauded as he listed all the things which was granted by McCain in exchange for Indonesia’s support in the War on Terror. He said that the appointment of the new Ambassador of the US is to ensure that these conditions are fulfilled because some will take time as far as implementation is concerned such as the negotiations with Freeport, FAA Certification for the N-250 and the trade and investment promotion as well as trying to build a personal approach to McCain if things do not go smoothly.
Minister of Defense and Security Wismoyo Arismunandar and Wiranto reported about what preparations for their trip to Manila and their meeting with counterparts.
At this point the cabinet meeting went on a break at which point a tumpeng rice was brought in and the cabinet sang “Happy Birthday” to the President who celebrated his 66th birthday the previous day. The President gave the top of the tumpeng rice to Sumarlin.
The second item in the agenda was next when the break was over and it was the real reason why the President assembled the meeting; amely, what to do with the 10 year debt moratorium.
Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti and Mar’ie Muhammad spoke first about this. Dorodjatun explained the mechanics of the debt moratorium which was that Indonesia would not be paying debt in the next 10 years. Mar’ie said that the moratorium will take effect from the 2002/2003 Fiscal Year. He said that work has already begun for the draft budget which will be delivered by the President to the DPR in January 2002 but that as a result of this development, projects and funding which has not been approved during the budgeting process can be resubmitted again.
There was no shortage of agreement that this debt moratorium meant a faster rate of development across all areas though there was argument about where money could be spent. Wismoyo reminded all at the table of the underspending in defense over the last 3 decades, an argument that got mutterings of agreement from the military men across the table. Rachmat Witoelar wanted more money for toll roads, Minister of Transportation Soerjadi Soedirja wanted it for airports and public transportation, State Minister of the Development of Eastern Indonesia and Special Development Zones Jusuf Kalla wanted more funds to be sent in Eastern Indonesia’s way. Minister of Education Fakry Gaffar and Minister of Health Azrul Azwar agreed that there should be more social spending but debated whether the money should be directed towards schools or health facilities.
It fell to Sumarlin to call for order and turn the meeting into an economics seminar by asking the economists in the room for what they thought.
Governor of BI Boediono spoke first. He advised that the government needs to be prudent because while it now has more funds “to play around with”, it also means it has more capacity to circulate more money around the economy with its spending which can lead to inflation. Boediono said that inflation will be lower this year because the Rupiah is strong and because producers who would otherwise be selling to export markets in the west are selling it to the domestic market. But who knows what the situation will be next year. Boediono said that the government needs to realize the President’s aspiration of wanting Indonesian society to be more productive rather than consumptive.
Head of IBRA Bambang Subianto put his hand up. Bambang said said that the government needs to make sure to show its credibility. By that he means that the Government does not ease up on certain things simply because it has more money to play around with.
“I’ve had people who still owe their BLBI repayments ask for their own “moratoriums” because it's not like government is short of money. The same goes with trying to get people to sign up get their tax numbers and pay taxes, just because the government has more money doesn’t mean “Oh good, I don’t have to pay taxes anymore”, said Bambang “Same goes with fuel prices. If it’s time for fuel prices to go up, then it’s time for it to go up, it shouldn’t be delayed because the Government has more money.”
“I completely agree with the Head of IBRA”, began Minister of Agriculture Sarwono Kusumaatmadja “At the same time, if we’re talking about credibility our bureaucracy needs to shape up as well. As it stands, people out there already believe that 30% of the budget is lost to corruption.”
The discussion began drifting into a discussion about bureaucracy and various ministers and heads of agencies’ struggles with the bureaucracy when the President decided to bring the meeting to a close. Promising to address the issue on bureaucracy at a later date, the President agreed on the parameters laid down by Boediono, Bambang Subianto, and Sarwono regarding how the Government should handle the debt moratorium namely that the increased funds should not cause inflation, that the Government should continue with policies as usual as though it does not have extra funds to maintain credibility (ie. BLBI repayments and increasing the number of people paying taxes), and there should be improved supervision so that funds from the budget do not end up in corrupt officials' pockets.
When the meeting was over, the task of explaining the results of the meeting was given to Dorodjatun and Mar’ie Muhammad. Meanwhile another meeting got underway attended by the President, Sumarlin, Minister of Civil Service Reform Kuntoro Mangunsubroto, Edi Sudrajat, and Cabinet Secretary Hayono Isman. The President said he agreed with the Minister of Agriculture Sarwono’s comments that the bureaucracy needed to shape up and instructed those in the meeting to formulate an “overarching policy” for bureaucratic reform.
---
Try’s outfit at the PKPI National Leadership Council Meeting is OTL PKPI’s as can be seen worn by Sutiyoso in the following picture: https://cdns.klimg.com/merdeka.com/...-hadiri-peringatan-hut-ke-15-pkpi-001-isn.jpg
The highlight of this update is the big cabinet meeting to consolidate the results of the trip which he had just made as well as to ask the question of how to handle the debt moratorium.
The claim that “30% of all state funds are lost to corruption” originated in 1993 with Sumitro Djojohadikusumo who was a former minister of finance, minister of trade, and the father of Prabowo Subianto.
Last edited:
147: Four Years On
17th November 2001:
President Try Sutrisno and First Lady Tuti Setiawati hosted a fast breaking at the Presidential Palace attended by the nation’s highest ranking officials and political elite, this being the first day of fasting month of Ramadan. In his speech, the President said that Ramadan is a time for contemplation about how to become better both as a nation and individuals.
19th November 2001:
At a joint press conference, State Minister of National Security Soerjadi, Chief of BAKIN Ari Sudewo, and Commander of ABRI Wiranto announce the capture of Jemaah Islamiyah Members Mukhlas in East Java as he was about to cross by ferry to Bali and Asmar Latin Sani in Bengkulu. Both were apprehended after authorities received credible intel about their possible activities and intentions.
Later in the day, Minister of Legal Affairs Marzuki Darusman and Attorney General Soedjono C. Atmonegoro said that the President has instructed them to begin drafting anti-terror legislation. Marzuki said that this was to strengthen the Government’s hand so that it does not rely exclusively on the Anti-Subversion Law.
20th November 2001:
The President met with Minister of Home Affairs Harsudiono Hartas. The latter reported on progress of election preparations exactly 6 months away which was reported to be on schedule.
Harsudiono also reported that he has granted the Indonesian Young Businessmen Association (HIPMI) the permission to delay its congress until after the election. The President granted it but was curious why this organization is delaying its congress. Harsudiono told the President that something’s happening with the organizations and the President asked what was happening.
“There’s a push going on for the nation’s most prominent organizations to declare themselves neutral at the 2002 Elections and the 2003 MPR Session, Mr. President”, said Harsudiono.
“Who’s making this push?” asked Try.
“The Chairman of ICMI, Cak Nur”, replied Bakrie referring to Nurcholish Madjid “He’s been pushing the idea that because we’re in the age of multiple presidential candidates and increased odds that someone other than you can be elected, that all organizations should stay above politics so that 1) they can work with whoever’s elected president 2) those who are elected as MPR Delegates can be as neutral as possible.”
The President thought this over.
“How is this push doing?” he asked.
“It’s gaining momentum”, said Harsudiono “Because while there are organizations which have chosen to take your side such as the NU and Muhammadiyah and organizations like the Indonesian Wood Panel Association taking Tutut’s side, most are finding themselves stuck in the middle. HIPMI is one of them. For every member that Siswono is able to recruit to the PKPI another goes to the PKPB.
Also emember that normally these organizations are usually mobilized to support Golkar in the elections except that now…”
“There isn’t Golkar anymore”, completed Try.
“That’s right”, continued Harsudiono “Organizations are being lobbied by the PKPI and the PKPB to give support to them or their own members are starting to support different political parties, run for DPR for different political parties and threaten to split the organization apart. Cak Nur’s push for neutrality offered many organizations a way out.”
“Is it hostile towards us?” asked Try.
“Not as long as we approach this wisely”, replied Harsudiono.
“Keep looking into it”, said Try.
21st November 2001:
At Bakaheuni Harbour, Lampung, Minister of Trade Anthony Salim and Minister of Transportation Soerjadi Soedirja conducted a surprise inspection of the harbor catching out harbor officers asking truck drivers for “unofficial levies” if they wanted to get on the ferry and deliver their goods to Jakarta. Anthony said that it was not only a matter of smooth distribution of goods but also keeping costs down.
The President and Vice President JB Sumarlin were in a meeting when all of a sudden they made a joint visit to the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta There they signed a condolence book and expressed their condolences at the death of Yang Dipertuan Agung Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Azis Syah, Malaysia’s Head of State. After the President and Sumarlin departed, State Secretary Edi Sudrajat said that Chairman of the DPR Harmoko will pay Indonesia’s final respects on behalf of the President.
22nd November 2001:
Just as Try was about to begin going through his paperwork, the volume of the television in his office was turned up. When he looked up, Edi was looking intently at the television. Try took a moment to look as well.
The television was broadcasting image from Kuala Lumpur courtesy of TV3. Harmoko had just arrived accompanied by his wife at the National Palace to pay his respects to the deceased Yang Dipertuan Agung. As he waved to the crowd, audible jeers and boos were heard from the gathered crowd. A Malaysian Television commentator was heard to comment “Must be the red and white flag on his car”. Harmoko disappeared inside where he shook hands with other dignitaries including Prime Minister of Malaysia Najib Razak. When he left, the jeers and boos were heard again.
By the time the official procession left the National Palace for the Yang Dipertuan Agung’s funeral, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ginandjar Kartasasmita, who had also made the trip to Malaysia, had conveyed a formal complaint to the Malaysian Government about the way the crowds behaved towards Harmoko. Harmoko himself seem to take it all in stride, saying later that he did not hear anything.
23rd November 2001:
Ginandjar Kartasasmita emerged out of the meeting with the President. He told the gathered media that the Malaysian Government had confirmed receipt of the Indonesian Government’s formal complaint but that it does not have a formal response because it is still in a state of seven days’ national mourning. Ginandjar said that the Indonesian Government will give Malaysia that leeway.
At the DPR building, the Leader of the PKPB in the DPR Hartono warned against the deterioration of relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia. When asked what he felt about the head of the legislative branch being treated like that by another country, Hartono said that it was “Only Harmoko” and got some laughter out of his fellow PKPB members.
24th November 2001:
At Bogor Presidential Palace, the President had a long meeting with Minister of Defense and Security Wismoyo Arismunandar, Wiranto, Army Chief of Staff Luhut Panjaitan, Navy Chief of Staff Indroko Sastrowiryono, Air Force Chief of Staff Ali Munsiri Rappe, and Yun Mulyana.
Wismoyo and Ali Munsiri Rappe acted as the spokespersons of the meeting. Wismoyo said that he and Wiranto reported about their trip to Manila that week and the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand’s preparations for their joint operations against insurgents. He also said that the President has authorized them to resume procurement of weaponry on the grounds that the economy is doing better than expected.
Ali Munsiri Rappe reported that the National Air Defence Command’s 4th Air Sector Defence Command based in Biak, Irian Jaya is now operational with radar equipment to monitor Indonesia’s easternmost provinces.
26th November 2001:
Ginandjar met with the President though when he came out, he did not share what was discussed with the President.
Minister of Economics and National Development Planning Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti, addressing a Jakarta Foreign Correspondents’ Meeting said that Indonesia’s economy in 2001, despite the global downturn, is going to remain strong and will finish strong. Dorodjatun said the decline in exports and in tourist arrivals from overseas has been offset by domestic consumption and domestic tourism, a reflection that Indonesians are doing well economically. In domestic tourism, for example Dorodjatun said that hotel rooms in Bali are nearly full with reservations and most are by domestic tourists while Bandung is shaping up for a big end of year holiday due to the Cipularang Toll Road. For the future, however, Dorodjatun said that the government could not keep relying on consumption alone and that the economy’s capacity to consume must be matched by its capacity to produce.
27th November 2001:
The President met with Harmoko in the morning and apologized to the latter that he had to go through a hostile reaction at Kuala Lumpur. Harmoko took it in stride saying that he did not hear anything but that he was somewhat distressed that his wife did to which the President asked Harmoko to convey his apologies. To the President’s surprise, Harmoko was interested to talk about something else.
“If I can say, Mr. President, we need to do more about shoring up the PKPI’s support”, said Harmoko.
“All right”, replied Try “Where are we doing wrong, Mr. Chairman?”
“You outlined your vision, your aspirations in your State Address and it’s got a good reception among Sarwono and Siswono types in the cities”, argued Harmoko “But beyond that in the villages? You need something simpler, I’ve been back to Central Java in the last three months to talk to people and they don’t understand what you mean by wanting to have a “productive rather than consumptive economy”. They say they understand what the PKPB is saying a lot more.”
“And what is the the PKPB running on?” asked Try.
“The Government doesn’t care about rural areas, the Government doesn’t care about agriculture, and the Government doesn’t care about rice farmers”, said Harmoko “In more religious areas there’s also “The Government is hostile to religion.”
28th November 2001:
In Putrajaya, Malaysia, Ginandjar Kartasasmita emerged out of a meeting with Najib Razak and Rais Yatim to hold a press conference. Ginandjar said that the “Prime Minister of Malaysia and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia conveys their regret at the reaction of the crowd towards Chairman of the DPR/MPR Harmoko”. Ginandjar expessed his thanks at the Malaysian Government and pledged to build productive relations between Indonesia and Malaysia.
The President and Edi Sudrajat watched this on the television screen at the President’s office. Both had unsatisfied looks on their faces.
“Not exactly the apology we were hoping for”, grumbled Edi.
“And yet when one’s Minister of Foreign Affairs tries to defuse a situation, one is not in a position to reject”, said Try.
29th November 2001:
The ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace, attended by officials from the Department of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries as well as from the BPN. The President was flanked by Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Tanto Kuswanto and Head of BPN Jusuf Kartanegara. In these officials’ presence, the following occurred:
*The President launched the full computerization of the BPN. All BPN offices in Jakarta, in the provinces, and the regencies/municipalities will now be fully computerized in order to aid with the land registration process.
*Two regulations related to maritime affairs were signed by the President these were:
-Coordinates for Indonesia’s archipelagic baselines which outlines the extent of Indonesia’s territorial waters.
-Policies relating to the development of islands in the Indonesian archipelago designated as “outermost”, mandating the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries to lead and coordinate efforts to conduct economic, social, and infrastructure development on these outermost islands.
*The President amended Presidential Decision 44/1994 on Border Regions In Kalimantan Development Implementation Agency. He expanded the scope of the agency to also cover border regions in Irian Jaya and renamed it Management of Borders National Agency (BNPP).
In his speech, the President said that for Indonesia to lay claim to its natural resources is as important as that of utilizing and managing these national resources. He called on land registration and land certification processes to be accelerated and for the state to “show its presence” in the outermost islands.
30th November 2001:
Goldman Sachs publishes a Global Economics Paper arguing that the G7, the grouping consisting of the seven largest economies in the world, be expanded to accommodate five emerging economies whose economic weight will only increase in the future. These five economies were grouped under the acronym BRICI- Brazil, Russia, India, China, and Indonesia.
In Indosiar’s Perspektif talkshow tonight, the show had a discussion about it has been four years since Try Sutrisno took office as president following President Soeharto's death on 29th November 1997
the PNI’s Eros Djarot said that while President Try is not Soeharto, he has not exactly dismantled the political system Soeharto left behind. Eros pointed to press regulations that are still in place and the fact that the President had centralized the appointment of governors in his hands. Instead of the “fiction” of governors being elected by the DPRD, the nation now has the President blatantly centralizing power in his hands by reserving for himself the power to appoint governors and reserving for the minister of home affairs the power to appoint regents and mayors.
“Pak Eros, there are currently two women, including your Chairwoman, parading around the country openly showing off their presidential ambitions”, replied Harsudiono Hartas “I think the fact that both these women and their followers still unharmed and unrestricted means we’ve made some progress under this President as far as political freedoms are concerned.
You of all people, being an Ibu Mega supporter, should know that progress has been made. Five years ago Ibu Mega was forcefully overthrown as Chairwoman of her party and her party Headquarters attacked. What about now? She’s been allowed to form a new party, been allowed to register that party to participate in the elections and nominate candidates, and precisely no harm much less intimidation has happened to her and her followers.”
---
OTL Mukhlas helped organize in the Bali Bombings, OTL Asmar Latin Sani was a suicide bomber in the 2003 Marriott Bombings.
OTL, The King of Malaysia did die on 21st November 2001 http://edition.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/southeast/11/21/malaysia.king/index.html
The term BRIC economies (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) originated with the OTL version of this report which can be found here https://www.goldmansachs.com/insights/archive/archive-pdfs/build-better-brics.pdf
And four years has passed ITTL, ladies and gents...Indonesia being a BRICI economy and the argument about how politically free Indonesia has become since Soeharto's death are some indicator as to how things have progressed.
President Try Sutrisno and First Lady Tuti Setiawati hosted a fast breaking at the Presidential Palace attended by the nation’s highest ranking officials and political elite, this being the first day of fasting month of Ramadan. In his speech, the President said that Ramadan is a time for contemplation about how to become better both as a nation and individuals.
19th November 2001:
At a joint press conference, State Minister of National Security Soerjadi, Chief of BAKIN Ari Sudewo, and Commander of ABRI Wiranto announce the capture of Jemaah Islamiyah Members Mukhlas in East Java as he was about to cross by ferry to Bali and Asmar Latin Sani in Bengkulu. Both were apprehended after authorities received credible intel about their possible activities and intentions.
Later in the day, Minister of Legal Affairs Marzuki Darusman and Attorney General Soedjono C. Atmonegoro said that the President has instructed them to begin drafting anti-terror legislation. Marzuki said that this was to strengthen the Government’s hand so that it does not rely exclusively on the Anti-Subversion Law.
20th November 2001:
The President met with Minister of Home Affairs Harsudiono Hartas. The latter reported on progress of election preparations exactly 6 months away which was reported to be on schedule.
Harsudiono also reported that he has granted the Indonesian Young Businessmen Association (HIPMI) the permission to delay its congress until after the election. The President granted it but was curious why this organization is delaying its congress. Harsudiono told the President that something’s happening with the organizations and the President asked what was happening.
“There’s a push going on for the nation’s most prominent organizations to declare themselves neutral at the 2002 Elections and the 2003 MPR Session, Mr. President”, said Harsudiono.
“Who’s making this push?” asked Try.
“The Chairman of ICMI, Cak Nur”, replied Bakrie referring to Nurcholish Madjid “He’s been pushing the idea that because we’re in the age of multiple presidential candidates and increased odds that someone other than you can be elected, that all organizations should stay above politics so that 1) they can work with whoever’s elected president 2) those who are elected as MPR Delegates can be as neutral as possible.”
The President thought this over.
“How is this push doing?” he asked.
“It’s gaining momentum”, said Harsudiono “Because while there are organizations which have chosen to take your side such as the NU and Muhammadiyah and organizations like the Indonesian Wood Panel Association taking Tutut’s side, most are finding themselves stuck in the middle. HIPMI is one of them. For every member that Siswono is able to recruit to the PKPI another goes to the PKPB.
Also emember that normally these organizations are usually mobilized to support Golkar in the elections except that now…”
“There isn’t Golkar anymore”, completed Try.
“That’s right”, continued Harsudiono “Organizations are being lobbied by the PKPI and the PKPB to give support to them or their own members are starting to support different political parties, run for DPR for different political parties and threaten to split the organization apart. Cak Nur’s push for neutrality offered many organizations a way out.”
“Is it hostile towards us?” asked Try.
“Not as long as we approach this wisely”, replied Harsudiono.
“Keep looking into it”, said Try.
21st November 2001:
At Bakaheuni Harbour, Lampung, Minister of Trade Anthony Salim and Minister of Transportation Soerjadi Soedirja conducted a surprise inspection of the harbor catching out harbor officers asking truck drivers for “unofficial levies” if they wanted to get on the ferry and deliver their goods to Jakarta. Anthony said that it was not only a matter of smooth distribution of goods but also keeping costs down.
The President and Vice President JB Sumarlin were in a meeting when all of a sudden they made a joint visit to the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta There they signed a condolence book and expressed their condolences at the death of Yang Dipertuan Agung Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Azis Syah, Malaysia’s Head of State. After the President and Sumarlin departed, State Secretary Edi Sudrajat said that Chairman of the DPR Harmoko will pay Indonesia’s final respects on behalf of the President.
22nd November 2001:
Just as Try was about to begin going through his paperwork, the volume of the television in his office was turned up. When he looked up, Edi was looking intently at the television. Try took a moment to look as well.
The television was broadcasting image from Kuala Lumpur courtesy of TV3. Harmoko had just arrived accompanied by his wife at the National Palace to pay his respects to the deceased Yang Dipertuan Agung. As he waved to the crowd, audible jeers and boos were heard from the gathered crowd. A Malaysian Television commentator was heard to comment “Must be the red and white flag on his car”. Harmoko disappeared inside where he shook hands with other dignitaries including Prime Minister of Malaysia Najib Razak. When he left, the jeers and boos were heard again.
By the time the official procession left the National Palace for the Yang Dipertuan Agung’s funeral, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ginandjar Kartasasmita, who had also made the trip to Malaysia, had conveyed a formal complaint to the Malaysian Government about the way the crowds behaved towards Harmoko. Harmoko himself seem to take it all in stride, saying later that he did not hear anything.
23rd November 2001:
Ginandjar Kartasasmita emerged out of the meeting with the President. He told the gathered media that the Malaysian Government had confirmed receipt of the Indonesian Government’s formal complaint but that it does not have a formal response because it is still in a state of seven days’ national mourning. Ginandjar said that the Indonesian Government will give Malaysia that leeway.
At the DPR building, the Leader of the PKPB in the DPR Hartono warned against the deterioration of relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia. When asked what he felt about the head of the legislative branch being treated like that by another country, Hartono said that it was “Only Harmoko” and got some laughter out of his fellow PKPB members.
24th November 2001:
At Bogor Presidential Palace, the President had a long meeting with Minister of Defense and Security Wismoyo Arismunandar, Wiranto, Army Chief of Staff Luhut Panjaitan, Navy Chief of Staff Indroko Sastrowiryono, Air Force Chief of Staff Ali Munsiri Rappe, and Yun Mulyana.
Wismoyo and Ali Munsiri Rappe acted as the spokespersons of the meeting. Wismoyo said that he and Wiranto reported about their trip to Manila that week and the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand’s preparations for their joint operations against insurgents. He also said that the President has authorized them to resume procurement of weaponry on the grounds that the economy is doing better than expected.
Ali Munsiri Rappe reported that the National Air Defence Command’s 4th Air Sector Defence Command based in Biak, Irian Jaya is now operational with radar equipment to monitor Indonesia’s easternmost provinces.
26th November 2001:
Ginandjar met with the President though when he came out, he did not share what was discussed with the President.
Minister of Economics and National Development Planning Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti, addressing a Jakarta Foreign Correspondents’ Meeting said that Indonesia’s economy in 2001, despite the global downturn, is going to remain strong and will finish strong. Dorodjatun said the decline in exports and in tourist arrivals from overseas has been offset by domestic consumption and domestic tourism, a reflection that Indonesians are doing well economically. In domestic tourism, for example Dorodjatun said that hotel rooms in Bali are nearly full with reservations and most are by domestic tourists while Bandung is shaping up for a big end of year holiday due to the Cipularang Toll Road. For the future, however, Dorodjatun said that the government could not keep relying on consumption alone and that the economy’s capacity to consume must be matched by its capacity to produce.
27th November 2001:
The President met with Harmoko in the morning and apologized to the latter that he had to go through a hostile reaction at Kuala Lumpur. Harmoko took it in stride saying that he did not hear anything but that he was somewhat distressed that his wife did to which the President asked Harmoko to convey his apologies. To the President’s surprise, Harmoko was interested to talk about something else.
“If I can say, Mr. President, we need to do more about shoring up the PKPI’s support”, said Harmoko.
“All right”, replied Try “Where are we doing wrong, Mr. Chairman?”
“You outlined your vision, your aspirations in your State Address and it’s got a good reception among Sarwono and Siswono types in the cities”, argued Harmoko “But beyond that in the villages? You need something simpler, I’ve been back to Central Java in the last three months to talk to people and they don’t understand what you mean by wanting to have a “productive rather than consumptive economy”. They say they understand what the PKPB is saying a lot more.”
“And what is the the PKPB running on?” asked Try.
“The Government doesn’t care about rural areas, the Government doesn’t care about agriculture, and the Government doesn’t care about rice farmers”, said Harmoko “In more religious areas there’s also “The Government is hostile to religion.”
28th November 2001:
In Putrajaya, Malaysia, Ginandjar Kartasasmita emerged out of a meeting with Najib Razak and Rais Yatim to hold a press conference. Ginandjar said that the “Prime Minister of Malaysia and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia conveys their regret at the reaction of the crowd towards Chairman of the DPR/MPR Harmoko”. Ginandjar expessed his thanks at the Malaysian Government and pledged to build productive relations between Indonesia and Malaysia.
The President and Edi Sudrajat watched this on the television screen at the President’s office. Both had unsatisfied looks on their faces.
“Not exactly the apology we were hoping for”, grumbled Edi.
“And yet when one’s Minister of Foreign Affairs tries to defuse a situation, one is not in a position to reject”, said Try.
29th November 2001:
The ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace, attended by officials from the Department of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries as well as from the BPN. The President was flanked by Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Tanto Kuswanto and Head of BPN Jusuf Kartanegara. In these officials’ presence, the following occurred:
*The President launched the full computerization of the BPN. All BPN offices in Jakarta, in the provinces, and the regencies/municipalities will now be fully computerized in order to aid with the land registration process.
*Two regulations related to maritime affairs were signed by the President these were:
-Coordinates for Indonesia’s archipelagic baselines which outlines the extent of Indonesia’s territorial waters.
-Policies relating to the development of islands in the Indonesian archipelago designated as “outermost”, mandating the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries to lead and coordinate efforts to conduct economic, social, and infrastructure development on these outermost islands.
*The President amended Presidential Decision 44/1994 on Border Regions In Kalimantan Development Implementation Agency. He expanded the scope of the agency to also cover border regions in Irian Jaya and renamed it Management of Borders National Agency (BNPP).
In his speech, the President said that for Indonesia to lay claim to its natural resources is as important as that of utilizing and managing these national resources. He called on land registration and land certification processes to be accelerated and for the state to “show its presence” in the outermost islands.
30th November 2001:
Goldman Sachs publishes a Global Economics Paper arguing that the G7, the grouping consisting of the seven largest economies in the world, be expanded to accommodate five emerging economies whose economic weight will only increase in the future. These five economies were grouped under the acronym BRICI- Brazil, Russia, India, China, and Indonesia.
In Indosiar’s Perspektif talkshow tonight, the show had a discussion about it has been four years since Try Sutrisno took office as president following President Soeharto's death on 29th November 1997
the PNI’s Eros Djarot said that while President Try is not Soeharto, he has not exactly dismantled the political system Soeharto left behind. Eros pointed to press regulations that are still in place and the fact that the President had centralized the appointment of governors in his hands. Instead of the “fiction” of governors being elected by the DPRD, the nation now has the President blatantly centralizing power in his hands by reserving for himself the power to appoint governors and reserving for the minister of home affairs the power to appoint regents and mayors.
“Pak Eros, there are currently two women, including your Chairwoman, parading around the country openly showing off their presidential ambitions”, replied Harsudiono Hartas “I think the fact that both these women and their followers still unharmed and unrestricted means we’ve made some progress under this President as far as political freedoms are concerned.
You of all people, being an Ibu Mega supporter, should know that progress has been made. Five years ago Ibu Mega was forcefully overthrown as Chairwoman of her party and her party Headquarters attacked. What about now? She’s been allowed to form a new party, been allowed to register that party to participate in the elections and nominate candidates, and precisely no harm much less intimidation has happened to her and her followers.”
---
OTL Mukhlas helped organize in the Bali Bombings, OTL Asmar Latin Sani was a suicide bomber in the 2003 Marriott Bombings.
OTL, The King of Malaysia did die on 21st November 2001 http://edition.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/southeast/11/21/malaysia.king/index.html
The term BRIC economies (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) originated with the OTL version of this report which can be found here https://www.goldmansachs.com/insights/archive/archive-pdfs/build-better-brics.pdf
And four years has passed ITTL, ladies and gents...Indonesia being a BRICI economy and the argument about how politically free Indonesia has become since Soeharto's death are some indicator as to how things have progressed.
148: Busy Season
1st December 2001:
It may be a Saturday but the KPU was a hub of activity. With ABRI Personnel providing the security, overseen by Minister of Home Affairs Harsudiono Hartas, and attended by all four chairmen and chairwomen of the PKPI, PKPB, PPP, and PNI as well as some supporters, Chairman of KPU HBL Mantiri presided over an event in which there were three items on the agenda.
The first item on the agenda were “housekeeping” matters but which was no less important:
*1st February 2002: The Final Candidates’ List is Published
*17th April-14th May 2002: Campaign Period
*15th-20th May 2002: Election Silence
*21st May 2002: Election Day
*22nd May-8th June 2002: Results Counting Process
*9th June 2002: Election Results Announcement
*16th June 2002: Election Results Ratification
The second item on the agenda was the drawing of the numbers; the numbers drawn determining the number under which the party logo appears on the ballot paper during the election. The result was as follows:
*Chairwoman of the PKPB Tutut Soeharto was the first to draw and drew number 2 on behalf of the PKPB. There were loud cheers by the PKPB supporters. 2 had been Golkar’s number on the ballot paper and the PKPB members took this to be a sign that they were the legitimate “heirs” of Golkar.
*Chairman of the PPP Matori Abdul Djalil was next. He drew number 4 on behalf of the PPP. Later on, he would say that it was a good sign because the fourth principle of Pancasila is about the people and that the PPP would provide the “wisdom” spoken about in the Pancasila’s fourth principle.
*Chairman of the PKPI Basofi Sudirman, getting the third turn, proceeded to draw number 3 on behalf of the PKPI. The PKPI members who were with him cheered loudly. Soon enough, they were saying that the PKPI had drawn number “Try” instead of number “three”.
*Finally it was the turn of Chairwoman of the PNI Megawati Soekarnoputri who drew number 1 on behalf of the PNI. The PNI much as their competitors was very happy about this number, claiming that it was a sign that the PNI would be number one.
The final item on the agenda concerned the candidates. Harsudiono reported that based on the results of the examination into the candidates’ administrative requirements and intelligence screenings, he announced that the candidates submitted by all four political parties to be fit for participation at the 2002 Elections.
Mantiri then said in accordance with the Election Law, the candidates are first entered into a Provisional Candidates’ List. If there are any issues with the candidacy of certain candidates, the public can bring these issues up with the KPU or the Department of Home Affairs. Once the Provisional Candidates’ List becomes the Final Candidates’ List, no revisions may be made.
As with past practice, the chairwomen and chairmen of the political parties held a signing ceremony to make official the Provisional Candidates’ List.
3rd December 2001:
Minister of Finance Mar’ie Muhammad and State Minister of Regional Autonomy Oemarsono came out of a three-way meeting with the President. Mar’ie and Oemarsono issued a statement saying that the 10 year debt moratorium does not lessen the provincial, regency, and municipal governments’ responsibilities to maximize revenue collection.
Saudi personnel from Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil company Aramco, working on Exor II in Irian Jaya, are seen transiting in Jakarta and then flying back home to Saudi Arabia. Minister of Mining and Energy Djiteng Marsudi said the official word from the Saudi Arabian Government was that they wanted to give these personnel an extended Eid’l Fitr Holidays.
4th December 2001:
The President landed this morning at Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi where he was welcomed by Governor of Southeast Sulawesi Laode Kaimoeddin. On the tarmac, he immediately switched to a smaller aircraft and flew to Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi. The President did not have to move very far for his first engagement on the runway, accompanied by Minister of Transportation Soerjadi Soedirja, Minister of Tourism Soeyono, and Kaimoeddin, the President inaugurated the Matahora Airport which will function as the island’s airport. As he toured the airport, Soerjadi Soedirja reported that permits have been given for Denpasar-Wakatobi Flights and Kendari-Wakatobi Flights to encourage economic activity in the island.
He was in the middle of shaking hands with locals and asking them how they were doing, answering questions from reporters along the way. Try smiled when a reporter covering the trip pointed out that with this visit, he had visited all of Indonesia’s provinces.
Flying back to Kendari, the President made a sudden appearance the city’s major tax office and was very happy to hear that people registering for tax numbers could get them within two days in accordance with government policy. He then met with the Kaimoeddin and the province’s top officials at the Governor’s Office, commenting that the province is making nice progress but could use more investment and economic activity.
The President broke his fast at the Headquarters of the Kendari Resort Military Command with the soldiers of the Sulawesi Regional Military Command and Commander of the Sulawesi Regional Military Command Bambang Darmono. With Commander of ABRI Wiranto next to him, the President told a story about how as a first lieutenant in 1962, he had been stationed at Kendari and that this was where he had first met the then-Maj. Gen. Soeharto.
5th December 2001:
From Kendari, the President and his entourage flew to Denpasar, Bali. Governor of Bali I Made Bandem greeted the President as he got off the plane. His first stop was Nusa Dua. Making surprise stops at the various 5-star hotels there and catching hotel patrons and management alike unwares, the President found that the hotels were all fully-booked for the coming Eid’l Fitr and Christmas holiday period. The general managers said that whilst there is a drop in tourists from the United States, this has been more than offset by domestic tourists.
Talking and shaking hands with the domestic tourists in the hotel’s lobbies, the President found that they, coming from different fields, have had “two great years in 2000 and 2001”. A few admitted that this was the first time they were staying at Nusa Dua, saying that their living standards have improved in the last 2-3 years.
From Denpasar, the President and his entourage headed northwest to Gilimanuk Harbour. Together with Minister of Transportation Soerjadi Soedirja, the President inspected the security measures that the regional authorities would take ahead of the holiday period. Commander of the Nusa Tenggara Regional Military Command Moedjiono gave a briefing to the President saying that he’s in coordination with the BAKIN provincial offices.
Satisfied, the President headed for the Tampaksiring Presidential Palace. There was an awkward moment when the Presidential Motorcade turned onto a road that was filled with banners with Megawati Soekarnoputri’s face on it. Upon arrival at the palace, State Secretary Edi Sudrajat got ready to yell at someone for the choice of route but was refrained by the President.
6th December 2001:
After spending the night in Bali and an early fight the Presidential entourage’s next stop was Bandung, West Java. Accompanied by Governor of West Java Muzani Syukur, the President inspected hotels around the city. There was a general consensus from various hotel’s managements that Bandung was pulling big crowds from Jakarta ever since the Cipularang Toll Road was opened and that they were expecting bigger crowds for the end of year holidays. He then toured the city, visiting the tourism office and getting angry when hearing reports from those wanting to open hotels in the city that they have to pay “unofficial fees” to get the wheels moving.
From Bandung, traveling along Cipularang Toll Road the Presidential Entourage arrived at Sukamandi Village, Subang. The President toured the village accompanied by Minister of Agriculture Sarwono Kusumaatmadja and Head of Bulog Adang Ruchiatna and inspected the rice supplies and storage there.
His final event there was inaugurating the Rice Research Institute which had been recast as an institution directly responsible to the minister of agriculture rather than as part of the Department of Agriculture’s Research and Development Agency. Cooperating with the State Ministry of Research and Technology, the institute will support the development of new rice varieties to increase rice production. The direct line the institute will have to the minister of agriculture is so that it can better advance its agenda.
“The Government has not neglected rice, contrary to what others might think”, said Sarwono to the gathered press “It is always looking to increase and diversify the production of staple foods whether that be rice or sago.”
7th December 2001:
Post Friday-prayer, Megawati held a meeting with Secretary of the PNI Sutjipto, Treasurer of the PNI Laksamana Sukardi, Chairman of the PNI National Campaign Kwik Kian Gie, and her husband Taufiq Kiemas. The meeting was spent restraining Megawati from diverting campaign resources to Bengkulu where Minister of Social Affairs Meutia Hatta has been listed as a DPR candidate there. Taufiq warned that “our man in the PKPI campaign” said that this would only playing into the PKPI’s hand and that they better focus on provinces where they have a better chance to win like Bali.
The President had a meeting with Vice President JB Sumarlin. He told the latter that tourism was going to have a big end-of-year based on what he saw despite hiccups in the dropping number of tourists. Sumarlin reported that the economy as a whole is going to have a big end-of-year holidays though there was the usual spike in basic commodities during the holiday period. Both agreed that food supplies are secure.
Sumarlin also reported about the economic policy package that the President had instructed to be worked on prior to his 3-week trip to APEC, NAM, ASEAN, and Africa. The President gave his approval to what has been done so far and told Sumarlin to set a deadline for early January 2002 to announce the package to coincide with the Draft Budget Speech.
9th December 2001:
Tutut Soeharto today inaugurated the 999th Mosque built by the YAMP in Bekasi, West Java. YAMP was a foundation established by Soeharto in 1982 to fulfill his ambition of wanting to build 999 mosques. Getting teary-eyed as she delivered her speech, Tutut said that it was a great feeling fulfilling the wishes of her father.
“Fulfill Pak Harto’s wishes by being our next president, Mbak!” said someone in the crowd as cheers of “Tutut for President! Tutut for President!” broke out.
10th December 2001:
Mar’ie Muhammad, Minister of Manpower and Small Business Fahmi Idris, Minister of Health Azrul Azwar, Meutia Hatta, Cabinet Secretary Hayono Isman, Head of BPS Gunawan Sumodiningrat, Vice Presidential Secretary Jusuf Anwar, and Deputy State Secretary Prijono Tjiptoherijanto came out of a meeting with the President and Vice President to announce that they had been appointed to the National Social Security System Preparation Committee which was to be chaired by Sumarlin.
Chairman of ICMI Nurcholish Madjid held a fast-breaking which was attended by the chairmen of the nation’s most prominent organizations including Chairman of KADIN Aburizal Bakrie, Chairman of SPSI Bomer Pasaribu, Chairman of HKTI Wardoyo, Chairman of the Indonesian Hotels and Restaurants Association (PHRI) Jakob Oetama, Chairman of the Indonesian Cooperatives Council (Dekopin) Sri Edi Swasono, and many others. The fast-breaking event got the attention of the nation’s media but the attendees refused to disclose what they discussed.
11th December 2001:
State Secretary Edi Sudrajat, Harsudiono Hartas, Mar’ie Muhammad, and Djiteng Marsudi came out of their meeting with PT. Freeport Indonesia looking ashen-faced. When they reported to the President, he sighed and facepalmed saying that Freeport is “keeping its end of the deal but they just want to embarrass us in the process”.
The reason for the four ministers’ grim expressions became clear when CEO of PT Freeport Indonesia Adrianto Machrabie held a press conference. Expressing that Freeport was more than happy to divest of its shares to Indonesian entities, Adrianto said that there were some issues that Freeport wanted to settle before it does so. Adrianto added that Freeport is requesting that the government will guarantee that Freeport would no longer have to pay “support costs” to military and units in Irian Jaya. Denying vehemently that he was picking a fight, Adrianto said that he was merely pointing out facts.
12th December 2001:
Speaking during a television interview, Treasurer of the PNI Laksamana Sukardi said that people should not be too shocked that “such arrangements” existed and still existed between Freeport and the government. Laksamana said that these arrangements has continued to exist shows that there was no fundamental difference between previous and current governments and that the people should make their voice count at the next election.
Army Chief of Staff Luhut Panjaitan and Deputy Army Chief of Staff Endriartono Sutarto, coming out of a meeting with the President, said that the President has ordered them to conduct an internal investigation into payments that may have been made by Freeport to Army units in Irian Jaya.
13th December 2001:
The President met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Ginandjar Kartasasmita and Minister of Trade Anthony Salim. The two reported to the President that as of today, China is now a member of the WTO. When asked what this meant by the President, Anthony said that it means China gets access to more export markets and western countries gets access to the Chinese market and that hopefully, it’s a win-win situation for everyone. Ginandjar said grimly that this caps off another great year for China which saw it launch a satellite and win the rights to host the 2008 Olympic Games.
The President asked about Taiwan. Anthony said that they will officially become WTO members on 1st January 2002.
“They’re not a card we can use right now against China, Mr. President”, said Ginandjar “The current administration is as friendly to the mainland as it can get though they’re going to get harassed every step of the way now that the Kuomintang had lost the majority in their legislature to the DPP.”
“Not at the moment, we try to play that card and we’ll get hammered”, replied the President.
After Ginandjar and Anthony left, the President talked to Edi Sudrajat about the discussion he had with Ginandjar and Anthony.
“What do you think about our position in relation to China, Mr. President?” asked Edi “Given that they just had another good year.”
Try thought deeply.
“I think we’ve got their number”, said Try causing Edi to raise an eyebrow.
“Really, Try?” asked Edi.
“There’s one thing I picked up this year during my trips: we’re not going to get the support of Southeast Asia or nations immediately within our region’s proximity by imposing Indonesia’s will on it”, said Try “Because simply put we’re not at that position yet politically, economically, militarily or otherwise.”
“That much is true”, said Edi.
“But our region will fall in line if they see that by siding with us, they can balance China’s increasing strength”, argued Try “Why do you think Thailand and the Philippines want to hold hands with us? Why do you think Vietnam and Laos are drifting closer? There’s a potential for symbiotic mutualism here, they see us as a counterweight to China and we want to borrow their strength so that when we have to face China, we face them with the strength of 10 nations not just one.”
“China is strong, Mr. President”, said Edi “It has a foothold in Southeast Asia through Malaysia and Colombia, not to mention that it has governments friendly to it in Tokyo and Taipei.”
“I don’t deny that they’re strong”, began Try “But there’s a paradox in our situation with China: we actually have an interest in them becoming stronger.”
Edi looked at Try and thought deeply about what was just said. It had been nearly 3 decades since they were in the same class at the Army Staff and Command College, but it was clear now that Try paid attention to the lectures on strategy.
“Because the stronger China gets, the stronger the argument that Southeast Asia should unite behind us becomes”, said Edi.
“Exactly”, replied Try.
“Then my question is, Mr. President”, said Edi “Wouldn’t it be in Beijing’s interests to back off from Southeast Asia if it doesn't want to see us get stronger? Despite what President Jiang said when he met with you in October?”
“I don’t think they will, Mr. State Secretary and there are two possibilities why”, said Try “The first is they underestimate us and think that we don’t have what it takes to stand up to them whether by ourselves or with other nations in the region behind us.”
“And the second?” asked Edi.
“The second is that even if they know what’s going on, they can’t help but get involved in Southeast Asia”, explained Try “This is a nation that is seeking to be the next superpower, 10 years, 20 years from now, who knows where they’ll be as far as their power goes but the dilemma for them is this: how can they defeat the Bald Eagle across the ocean if they can’t impose their will on the Garuda in their backyard? When Beijing sees us, the Filipinos and the Thais working together, they’re going to want to do something to reassert their influence in the region.”
---
Okay, lots of things going on everything from where the political parties will appear on the ballot paper, Tutut completing her father’s goals, and Freeport trying to publicly embarrass the government.
Anybody here remember the Orba Elections? PPP number 1, Golkar number 2, and PDI number 3?
OTL Cipularang was inaugurated in 2005. ITTL it was inaugurated in October 2001 (a few updates before this) so the whole phenomenon of Bandung being packed with Jakartans happens a few years early.
An article on YAMP Foundation’s activities: https://www.republika.co.id/berita/pw6krm282/soeharto-membangun-999-masjid-di-indonesia
OTL, it took YAMP until 2009 to fulfill Soeharto’s goal of 999 mosques. ITTL, it only took until 2001 owing to better economic conditions and Soeharto (along with his family) not experiencing the same hostility that it did OTL.
Payments made from Freeport to those within the Indonesian military being referred to as “support costs” comes from https://cdn2.globalwitness.org/archive/files/import/missing docs/paying for protection.pdf
It may be a Saturday but the KPU was a hub of activity. With ABRI Personnel providing the security, overseen by Minister of Home Affairs Harsudiono Hartas, and attended by all four chairmen and chairwomen of the PKPI, PKPB, PPP, and PNI as well as some supporters, Chairman of KPU HBL Mantiri presided over an event in which there were three items on the agenda.
The first item on the agenda were “housekeeping” matters but which was no less important:
*1st February 2002: The Final Candidates’ List is Published
*17th April-14th May 2002: Campaign Period
*15th-20th May 2002: Election Silence
*21st May 2002: Election Day
*22nd May-8th June 2002: Results Counting Process
*9th June 2002: Election Results Announcement
*16th June 2002: Election Results Ratification
The second item on the agenda was the drawing of the numbers; the numbers drawn determining the number under which the party logo appears on the ballot paper during the election. The result was as follows:
*Chairwoman of the PKPB Tutut Soeharto was the first to draw and drew number 2 on behalf of the PKPB. There were loud cheers by the PKPB supporters. 2 had been Golkar’s number on the ballot paper and the PKPB members took this to be a sign that they were the legitimate “heirs” of Golkar.
*Chairman of the PPP Matori Abdul Djalil was next. He drew number 4 on behalf of the PPP. Later on, he would say that it was a good sign because the fourth principle of Pancasila is about the people and that the PPP would provide the “wisdom” spoken about in the Pancasila’s fourth principle.
*Chairman of the PKPI Basofi Sudirman, getting the third turn, proceeded to draw number 3 on behalf of the PKPI. The PKPI members who were with him cheered loudly. Soon enough, they were saying that the PKPI had drawn number “Try” instead of number “three”.
*Finally it was the turn of Chairwoman of the PNI Megawati Soekarnoputri who drew number 1 on behalf of the PNI. The PNI much as their competitors was very happy about this number, claiming that it was a sign that the PNI would be number one.
The final item on the agenda concerned the candidates. Harsudiono reported that based on the results of the examination into the candidates’ administrative requirements and intelligence screenings, he announced that the candidates submitted by all four political parties to be fit for participation at the 2002 Elections.
Mantiri then said in accordance with the Election Law, the candidates are first entered into a Provisional Candidates’ List. If there are any issues with the candidacy of certain candidates, the public can bring these issues up with the KPU or the Department of Home Affairs. Once the Provisional Candidates’ List becomes the Final Candidates’ List, no revisions may be made.
As with past practice, the chairwomen and chairmen of the political parties held a signing ceremony to make official the Provisional Candidates’ List.
3rd December 2001:
Minister of Finance Mar’ie Muhammad and State Minister of Regional Autonomy Oemarsono came out of a three-way meeting with the President. Mar’ie and Oemarsono issued a statement saying that the 10 year debt moratorium does not lessen the provincial, regency, and municipal governments’ responsibilities to maximize revenue collection.
Saudi personnel from Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil company Aramco, working on Exor II in Irian Jaya, are seen transiting in Jakarta and then flying back home to Saudi Arabia. Minister of Mining and Energy Djiteng Marsudi said the official word from the Saudi Arabian Government was that they wanted to give these personnel an extended Eid’l Fitr Holidays.
4th December 2001:
The President landed this morning at Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi where he was welcomed by Governor of Southeast Sulawesi Laode Kaimoeddin. On the tarmac, he immediately switched to a smaller aircraft and flew to Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi. The President did not have to move very far for his first engagement on the runway, accompanied by Minister of Transportation Soerjadi Soedirja, Minister of Tourism Soeyono, and Kaimoeddin, the President inaugurated the Matahora Airport which will function as the island’s airport. As he toured the airport, Soerjadi Soedirja reported that permits have been given for Denpasar-Wakatobi Flights and Kendari-Wakatobi Flights to encourage economic activity in the island.
He was in the middle of shaking hands with locals and asking them how they were doing, answering questions from reporters along the way. Try smiled when a reporter covering the trip pointed out that with this visit, he had visited all of Indonesia’s provinces.
Flying back to Kendari, the President made a sudden appearance the city’s major tax office and was very happy to hear that people registering for tax numbers could get them within two days in accordance with government policy. He then met with the Kaimoeddin and the province’s top officials at the Governor’s Office, commenting that the province is making nice progress but could use more investment and economic activity.
The President broke his fast at the Headquarters of the Kendari Resort Military Command with the soldiers of the Sulawesi Regional Military Command and Commander of the Sulawesi Regional Military Command Bambang Darmono. With Commander of ABRI Wiranto next to him, the President told a story about how as a first lieutenant in 1962, he had been stationed at Kendari and that this was where he had first met the then-Maj. Gen. Soeharto.
5th December 2001:
From Kendari, the President and his entourage flew to Denpasar, Bali. Governor of Bali I Made Bandem greeted the President as he got off the plane. His first stop was Nusa Dua. Making surprise stops at the various 5-star hotels there and catching hotel patrons and management alike unwares, the President found that the hotels were all fully-booked for the coming Eid’l Fitr and Christmas holiday period. The general managers said that whilst there is a drop in tourists from the United States, this has been more than offset by domestic tourists.
Talking and shaking hands with the domestic tourists in the hotel’s lobbies, the President found that they, coming from different fields, have had “two great years in 2000 and 2001”. A few admitted that this was the first time they were staying at Nusa Dua, saying that their living standards have improved in the last 2-3 years.
From Denpasar, the President and his entourage headed northwest to Gilimanuk Harbour. Together with Minister of Transportation Soerjadi Soedirja, the President inspected the security measures that the regional authorities would take ahead of the holiday period. Commander of the Nusa Tenggara Regional Military Command Moedjiono gave a briefing to the President saying that he’s in coordination with the BAKIN provincial offices.
Satisfied, the President headed for the Tampaksiring Presidential Palace. There was an awkward moment when the Presidential Motorcade turned onto a road that was filled with banners with Megawati Soekarnoputri’s face on it. Upon arrival at the palace, State Secretary Edi Sudrajat got ready to yell at someone for the choice of route but was refrained by the President.
6th December 2001:
After spending the night in Bali and an early fight the Presidential entourage’s next stop was Bandung, West Java. Accompanied by Governor of West Java Muzani Syukur, the President inspected hotels around the city. There was a general consensus from various hotel’s managements that Bandung was pulling big crowds from Jakarta ever since the Cipularang Toll Road was opened and that they were expecting bigger crowds for the end of year holidays. He then toured the city, visiting the tourism office and getting angry when hearing reports from those wanting to open hotels in the city that they have to pay “unofficial fees” to get the wheels moving.
From Bandung, traveling along Cipularang Toll Road the Presidential Entourage arrived at Sukamandi Village, Subang. The President toured the village accompanied by Minister of Agriculture Sarwono Kusumaatmadja and Head of Bulog Adang Ruchiatna and inspected the rice supplies and storage there.
His final event there was inaugurating the Rice Research Institute which had been recast as an institution directly responsible to the minister of agriculture rather than as part of the Department of Agriculture’s Research and Development Agency. Cooperating with the State Ministry of Research and Technology, the institute will support the development of new rice varieties to increase rice production. The direct line the institute will have to the minister of agriculture is so that it can better advance its agenda.
“The Government has not neglected rice, contrary to what others might think”, said Sarwono to the gathered press “It is always looking to increase and diversify the production of staple foods whether that be rice or sago.”
7th December 2001:
Post Friday-prayer, Megawati held a meeting with Secretary of the PNI Sutjipto, Treasurer of the PNI Laksamana Sukardi, Chairman of the PNI National Campaign Kwik Kian Gie, and her husband Taufiq Kiemas. The meeting was spent restraining Megawati from diverting campaign resources to Bengkulu where Minister of Social Affairs Meutia Hatta has been listed as a DPR candidate there. Taufiq warned that “our man in the PKPI campaign” said that this would only playing into the PKPI’s hand and that they better focus on provinces where they have a better chance to win like Bali.
The President had a meeting with Vice President JB Sumarlin. He told the latter that tourism was going to have a big end-of-year based on what he saw despite hiccups in the dropping number of tourists. Sumarlin reported that the economy as a whole is going to have a big end-of-year holidays though there was the usual spike in basic commodities during the holiday period. Both agreed that food supplies are secure.
Sumarlin also reported about the economic policy package that the President had instructed to be worked on prior to his 3-week trip to APEC, NAM, ASEAN, and Africa. The President gave his approval to what has been done so far and told Sumarlin to set a deadline for early January 2002 to announce the package to coincide with the Draft Budget Speech.
9th December 2001:
Tutut Soeharto today inaugurated the 999th Mosque built by the YAMP in Bekasi, West Java. YAMP was a foundation established by Soeharto in 1982 to fulfill his ambition of wanting to build 999 mosques. Getting teary-eyed as she delivered her speech, Tutut said that it was a great feeling fulfilling the wishes of her father.
“Fulfill Pak Harto’s wishes by being our next president, Mbak!” said someone in the crowd as cheers of “Tutut for President! Tutut for President!” broke out.
10th December 2001:
Mar’ie Muhammad, Minister of Manpower and Small Business Fahmi Idris, Minister of Health Azrul Azwar, Meutia Hatta, Cabinet Secretary Hayono Isman, Head of BPS Gunawan Sumodiningrat, Vice Presidential Secretary Jusuf Anwar, and Deputy State Secretary Prijono Tjiptoherijanto came out of a meeting with the President and Vice President to announce that they had been appointed to the National Social Security System Preparation Committee which was to be chaired by Sumarlin.
Chairman of ICMI Nurcholish Madjid held a fast-breaking which was attended by the chairmen of the nation’s most prominent organizations including Chairman of KADIN Aburizal Bakrie, Chairman of SPSI Bomer Pasaribu, Chairman of HKTI Wardoyo, Chairman of the Indonesian Hotels and Restaurants Association (PHRI) Jakob Oetama, Chairman of the Indonesian Cooperatives Council (Dekopin) Sri Edi Swasono, and many others. The fast-breaking event got the attention of the nation’s media but the attendees refused to disclose what they discussed.
11th December 2001:
State Secretary Edi Sudrajat, Harsudiono Hartas, Mar’ie Muhammad, and Djiteng Marsudi came out of their meeting with PT. Freeport Indonesia looking ashen-faced. When they reported to the President, he sighed and facepalmed saying that Freeport is “keeping its end of the deal but they just want to embarrass us in the process”.
The reason for the four ministers’ grim expressions became clear when CEO of PT Freeport Indonesia Adrianto Machrabie held a press conference. Expressing that Freeport was more than happy to divest of its shares to Indonesian entities, Adrianto said that there were some issues that Freeport wanted to settle before it does so. Adrianto added that Freeport is requesting that the government will guarantee that Freeport would no longer have to pay “support costs” to military and units in Irian Jaya. Denying vehemently that he was picking a fight, Adrianto said that he was merely pointing out facts.
12th December 2001:
Speaking during a television interview, Treasurer of the PNI Laksamana Sukardi said that people should not be too shocked that “such arrangements” existed and still existed between Freeport and the government. Laksamana said that these arrangements has continued to exist shows that there was no fundamental difference between previous and current governments and that the people should make their voice count at the next election.
Army Chief of Staff Luhut Panjaitan and Deputy Army Chief of Staff Endriartono Sutarto, coming out of a meeting with the President, said that the President has ordered them to conduct an internal investigation into payments that may have been made by Freeport to Army units in Irian Jaya.
13th December 2001:
The President met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Ginandjar Kartasasmita and Minister of Trade Anthony Salim. The two reported to the President that as of today, China is now a member of the WTO. When asked what this meant by the President, Anthony said that it means China gets access to more export markets and western countries gets access to the Chinese market and that hopefully, it’s a win-win situation for everyone. Ginandjar said grimly that this caps off another great year for China which saw it launch a satellite and win the rights to host the 2008 Olympic Games.
The President asked about Taiwan. Anthony said that they will officially become WTO members on 1st January 2002.
“They’re not a card we can use right now against China, Mr. President”, said Ginandjar “The current administration is as friendly to the mainland as it can get though they’re going to get harassed every step of the way now that the Kuomintang had lost the majority in their legislature to the DPP.”
“Not at the moment, we try to play that card and we’ll get hammered”, replied the President.
After Ginandjar and Anthony left, the President talked to Edi Sudrajat about the discussion he had with Ginandjar and Anthony.
“What do you think about our position in relation to China, Mr. President?” asked Edi “Given that they just had another good year.”
Try thought deeply.
“I think we’ve got their number”, said Try causing Edi to raise an eyebrow.
“Really, Try?” asked Edi.
“There’s one thing I picked up this year during my trips: we’re not going to get the support of Southeast Asia or nations immediately within our region’s proximity by imposing Indonesia’s will on it”, said Try “Because simply put we’re not at that position yet politically, economically, militarily or otherwise.”
“That much is true”, said Edi.
“But our region will fall in line if they see that by siding with us, they can balance China’s increasing strength”, argued Try “Why do you think Thailand and the Philippines want to hold hands with us? Why do you think Vietnam and Laos are drifting closer? There’s a potential for symbiotic mutualism here, they see us as a counterweight to China and we want to borrow their strength so that when we have to face China, we face them with the strength of 10 nations not just one.”
“China is strong, Mr. President”, said Edi “It has a foothold in Southeast Asia through Malaysia and Colombia, not to mention that it has governments friendly to it in Tokyo and Taipei.”
“I don’t deny that they’re strong”, began Try “But there’s a paradox in our situation with China: we actually have an interest in them becoming stronger.”
Edi looked at Try and thought deeply about what was just said. It had been nearly 3 decades since they were in the same class at the Army Staff and Command College, but it was clear now that Try paid attention to the lectures on strategy.
“Because the stronger China gets, the stronger the argument that Southeast Asia should unite behind us becomes”, said Edi.
“Exactly”, replied Try.
“Then my question is, Mr. President”, said Edi “Wouldn’t it be in Beijing’s interests to back off from Southeast Asia if it doesn't want to see us get stronger? Despite what President Jiang said when he met with you in October?”
“I don’t think they will, Mr. State Secretary and there are two possibilities why”, said Try “The first is they underestimate us and think that we don’t have what it takes to stand up to them whether by ourselves or with other nations in the region behind us.”
“And the second?” asked Edi.
“The second is that even if they know what’s going on, they can’t help but get involved in Southeast Asia”, explained Try “This is a nation that is seeking to be the next superpower, 10 years, 20 years from now, who knows where they’ll be as far as their power goes but the dilemma for them is this: how can they defeat the Bald Eagle across the ocean if they can’t impose their will on the Garuda in their backyard? When Beijing sees us, the Filipinos and the Thais working together, they’re going to want to do something to reassert their influence in the region.”
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Okay, lots of things going on everything from where the political parties will appear on the ballot paper, Tutut completing her father’s goals, and Freeport trying to publicly embarrass the government.
Anybody here remember the Orba Elections? PPP number 1, Golkar number 2, and PDI number 3?
OTL Cipularang was inaugurated in 2005. ITTL it was inaugurated in October 2001 (a few updates before this) so the whole phenomenon of Bandung being packed with Jakartans happens a few years early.
An article on YAMP Foundation’s activities: https://www.republika.co.id/berita/pw6krm282/soeharto-membangun-999-masjid-di-indonesia
OTL, it took YAMP until 2009 to fulfill Soeharto’s goal of 999 mosques. ITTL, it only took until 2001 owing to better economic conditions and Soeharto (along with his family) not experiencing the same hostility that it did OTL.
Payments made from Freeport to those within the Indonesian military being referred to as “support costs” comes from https://cdn2.globalwitness.org/archive/files/import/missing docs/paying for protection.pdf
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