POLICY
Excellencies, I am very much delighted that you all could join us this evening, as we bid farewell to the year just past and usher in the new year. In the year of 2002, we witnessed still too much crises, unpredictability, and tragedy in the world. The year was dominated by the issue of international terrorism. We also had the rumblings of a possible war on the question of Iraq. At the same time, peace remained elusive in the Middle East. Then, a nuclear crisis once again loomed over the Korean peninsula. In Indonesia, the one event that stood out during the period was a grim and massive tragedy. In the carnage of 12 October in Bali, innocent individuals of various nationalities lost their lives. Let me assure you once again that we in Indonesia will not rest until the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice. The work of our Police has so far been very impressive. In a relatively short time, the Indonesian Police has not only arrested the perpetrators but also uncovered the terrorists network. For that reason, our Police truly deserves the commendation coming not only from the Indonesian people but also from the international community. The results of our hard work have provided new momentum and confidence to our efforts in combating international terrorism. Like the rest of the ASEAN family, we are more determined than ever to fight and defeat international terrorism. Ladies and Gentlemen, The year 2002 also brought a number of positive developments. The question of Iraq was firmly placed where it should be-in the hands of the United Nations. Other sources of instability and tensions, resulting from traditional conflicts between states, had largely been managed with diplomatic efforts. There was even a growing trend of dialogue and reconciliation in resolving intra-states conflicts. In Southeast Asia, ASEAN remains the driving force for the promotion of peace and security in the region. In Indonesia, a watershed event was the signing of the Cessation of
Hostilities Agreement between the Government and the Free Aceh Movement.
We are confident that this will eventually lead to a peaceful solution
to the problem of Aceh. Through most of last year, robust consumer confidence nourished the economy. Tax reform and overhaul of the customs administration system continued. We operated on a budget that enabled us to restructure our economy, by doing away with inefficient subsidies and selling government stocks that represent bad loans. The budget deficit was considerably below the target limit and the Rupiah remained stable. Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, With a new year upon us, we can look forward to strengthening of peace in the various parts of the world. In all the appropriate multilateral forums, we will continue to work for a just and equitable global peace. In Indonesia, we hope that the spirit of peace and reconciliation will flourish not only in Aceh but also in Papua and several provinces that have suffered communal and sectarian conflict. To realize this, we will persevere in promoting sincere dialogue and in redressing legitimate grievances through a justice system that we will continue to improve. Through a more equitable sharing of power and resources between the national and regional governments, we expect to deepen our national unity. As we further advance our structural economic reforms, we also strive to find ways to alleviate the hardship that our people have had to bear. In general, with the support and cooperation of our friends in the international community, we have basis for optimism. I do believe that if we all work hard enough in concert, and in democratic manners, there can be equitable and durable global peace in our lifetime. I am just as confident that Indonesia will achieve and sustain the unity and harmony that we so dearly cherish. On that note, may I invite all of you to join me in a toast to peace and prosperity in the world and in Indonesia-this year and in the years to come.
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