The Government is concerned at the number and extent of the challenges currently facing Indonesia and the ability of the democratically elected Government to meet them effectively with full respect for democracy and human rights. Much needed reforms are being undertaken, including reform of the military and the establishment of the rule of law. However, tensions and conflicts have arisen for social, sectarian or separatist reasons in several regions of the country, including the island of Halmahera and elsewhere in the Moluccas. The killing and persecution of persons on religious grounds is a further cause of particu lar concern including, I believe, to President Wahid and his Government.
Our concerns are fully shared by our EU partners, and the Indonesian Government has been made aware of them. The Union has further made clear that it wishes to see a strong, united and democratic Indonesia which can address these problems as well as their root causes. In this perspective Ireland is ready, together with our EU partners, to provide support and assistance to Indonesia.
I am very concerned at the situation in Halmahera. This is one of the issues that we are considering together with our EU partners, in the context of the protection of human rights in Indonesia.
The restoration of public order is the responsibility of the Indonesian Government. Indonesia has not sought external assistance, and, in the absence of a request from Indonesia, a legal basis for international peace-keeping does not currently exist. However, I envisage that EU assistance cover such matters as good governance, and within that context I shall urge that attention be paid to the vital aspects of responsible civic leadership and reconciliation.
