I

joined the Indonesian foreign service in 1986. Since the beginning of my career, I’ve heard much about a special relationship between Indonesia and the Netherlands. But I never asked how special it was beyond the historical linkage.

During my assignment here in the Netherlands from 1997 to 2001, I was briefed by my superior that we had a special relationship with the Netherlands. I neither questioned how special it was nor what the word “special” really meant.

Today, I stand before you as the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. I bring along the same mantra that “we have a special relationship with the Netherlands”. I have now the full mandate from my President and the Government of Indonesia to demonstrate to our two peoples that the relationship shall remain special today and in the future.

It is special if we feel a strong attachment with each other. It is special when we understand each other well. Most importantly, it is special when the relationship can bring special and tangible benefits to our two peoples.

Allow me to present to you an outline of what Indonesia is today. The picture of disorder, instability and uncertainty so visible 14 years ago, no longer represents our country today. After years of rough tides, we have weathered the storm. The crises have long been over. Indonesia has emerged stronger, more united and more resilient.

In the midst of global economic crises both in 2008 and in the current one, Indonesia consistently registered positive growth. In 2011, Indonesia’s economy grew at 6.4 percent. This year, we expect to have a positive forecast of 6.7 percent growth. We enjoy a surplus in our trade (2011 = US$26.3 billion). Our debt to GDP ratio is less than 20 percent and our budget deficit is less than 2 percent.

Beyond numbers and statistics, let me give you another perspective. Today, Indonesia is registered among the 20 biggest economies in the world. As a member of the G20, we now actively contribute to global governance.

Indonesia has recently joined such countries as China, India, Brazil, and South Korea in the so-called “trillion US dollar club,” which
refers to the size of economy in terms of GDP exceeding one trillion US dollars. Some economists have projected that by 2045 Indonesia will become the 8th largest economy in the world with a GDP amounting to $16.6 trillion and an income per capita of about $46,900.

Today, Indonesia is the third largest democracy in the world, after India and the US. Indonesia also constitutes the largest and strongest democracy in Southeast Asia.

I understand it is easy to pick up bad news coming out of Indonesia’s political life nowadays. The media reports high-profile corruption cases, violent conflicts in our communities, the use of excessive force by our police, cases of bureaucratic red-tape and other misfortunes.

But, these are only noises. Upon closer examination, one can see a steady trend of a better rule of law, better governance, better public services, and of course a totally
free media.

Democracy has taken root in our society. It has reached the point of no return, as Indonesian people
believe that they have taken control of their own future. Therefore, it is not a coincidence that recent international surveys have placed Indonesians among the most optimistic nations about the future.

Nor is it a coincidence that Indonesia today is widely regarded as a living proof where democracy, Islam and modernity can thrive harmoniously together. Hillary Clinton even added a fourth pillar that has made Indonesia a shining example: Women empowerment.

I am the first female ambassador in this very important post in the Netherlands, and that bears proof that women empowerment is deeply rooted within the mainstream of our national policies.

In short, this is a story of the new Indonesia. A story of a country with 240 million people that has been able to manage and develop itself to become a middle income country. A country that has emerged as a regional power with global responsibilities and interests. A country that relentlessly pursues peace, stability and prosperity in Southeast and East Asian regions.

A country that is dedicated to contributing actively and constructively to important international
issues. With the “million friends, zero enemies” approach in our foreign policy, Indonesia today stands ready to play the “bridge builder” role and be involved actively in the international arena.

Let us have a closer look at where the bilateral relations between our two countries stand now. I am happy to say that political relations between our two countries remains excellent.

Economically speaking, the bilateral trade figure almost reached $5 billion in 2011 with a steady increase year after year. The same trend is also being reflected in investment and tourism. The Dutch investment is among the top 10 foreign investors in Indonesia. The number of tourist arrivals from the Netherlands is among the largest from Europe. The Netherlands also remains among the most popular destinations for Indonesian tourists.

Those pictures indicate the fact that our bilateral relations are
good and promising. But are they good enough? We could make them better.

We have to elevate the relationship into a more comprehensive and strategic partnership. Let’s move toward achieving a comprehensive and strategic partnership. We should not only think Indonesia and the Netherlands as individual countries, but also in the context of international cooperation.

It has been a dream of mine that one day we will see more and more joint collaboration between Indonesia and the Netherlands that significantly contributes to solutions on international strategic issues. Both of us have the capacity to do it now.

Indonesia is a democracy. She may have a work in progress, but definitely not a messy and oppressive dictatorship. Indonesia is a rising economy based on free market and social justice. She may have some catching up to do, but she is definitely not a corrupt and failed country.

Indonesia cherishes her diversity. She may have to work very hard to maintain her unity, but she will never surrender to acts of terrorism, separatism and militant radicalism. The overwhelming majority of 240 million Indonesians are working very hard, day by day, to ensure that Indonesia will always prevail.

Rome was not built in a day. I would be among the first to say that Indonesia is not a perfect country. It is a normal country, just like other fellow democracies in the world
today with their respective challenges and aspirations.

But we are learning and working hard to become a better country. We have a vision to promote peace and prosperity not only for Indonesian people but also for the rest of the world. It is a constitutional mandate for us to promote a world order based on freedom, peace and social justice.

Together, Indonesia and the Netherlands have the foundation, capacity and opportunity to make significant contributions to the world.

Let us work together to ensure that our bilateral relationship remains special. Let us work together to build a modern partnership between the new Indonesia and the new Netherlands — two countries that share democratic values.