[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 134 (Thursday, August 10, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12310-S12311]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDONESIAN INDEPENDENCE

 Mr. JOHNSTON. Mr. President, on August 17th, the Republic of 
Indonesia, one of America's strongest and best allies, will celebrate 
the 50th anniversary of its declaration of independence. It was on this 
day 50 years ago that this great friend ended 300 years of colonial 
rule by the Dutch. The United States, I am pleased to say, was the 
first to recognize Indonesia.
  Since that momentous day one half century ago our two nations have 
enjoyed a warm and mutually supportive relationship. Indeed, Indonesia 
has proved this friendship time and time again in matters as diverse as 
votes in the United Nations and support of the United States position 
during the Vietnamese war.
  Mr. President, on this anniversary it is also appropriate to pay 
tribute to President Soeharto under whose leadership, truly astonishing 
progress has been made. President Soeharto assumed control of the 
country in 1965 and was named Acting President by the 

[[Page S 12311]]
national legislature 2 years later and was then formally elected to 
office in 1968.
  Today, the adult illiteracy rate has been cut by two-thirds and 
primary education is now universal throughout the islands. Per capita 
income is over $900 a year, putting Indonesia at the edge of membership 
in the tigers groups. Life expectancy at birth has increased by 20 
years, or 50 percent, and the rate of infant mortality has plummeted.
  Perhaps the most telling measure of all, overall poverty rates, best 
illustrates the economic miracle which has occurred in Indonesia. From 
a rate of 60 percent in 1967, today less than 15 percent of the total 
population is now considered to live in poverty.
  Indonesia's remarkable growth and development has affected every 
sector of society, every geographic area of this island nation, and all 
ethnic groups.
  There is no question in my mind that these wise economic and social 
achievements have helped build and nurture this relatively new nation, 
and that the nation of Indonesia now rests on a solid foundation.
  We in the United States along with our many friends in Asia and 
elsewhere have also benefited from the stability which has emerged in 
Indonesia. This stability has enabled Indonesia to move away from the 
earlier years of konfontasi and toward the regional leadership role 
Indonesia has asserted in promoting the peaceful resolution of disputes 
in Southeastern Asia including Cambodia and the Sprattlys. Indonesia 
has become an important voice of reason throughout Asia and the third 
world, and is a key part of a peaceful stable Pacific.
  Mr. President, I know I am joined by my colleagues in sending our 
very best wishes to our great friend and ally, the Republic of 
Indonesia, and in sending our heartiest congratulations to its 
distinguished President.


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