[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 165 (Tuesday, October 24, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S15582]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                RECOGNITION OF INDONESIA'S ACHIEVEMENTS

 Mr. BOND. Mr. President, this past August, Indonesia, a 
longtime Asian friend and ally of the United States marked 50 years of 
independence. Over those 50 years, the United States has been able to 
count on this strong ally for support in a wide range of areas, 
including its anti-Communist commitment, its support during the Vietnam 
war, its backing for United States and United Nations operations in 
countries such as Somalia and Cambodia, and its role in advancing trade 
liberalization in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation [APEC].
  Over the past 25 years, under the direction of President Soeharto, 
this nation of 13,000 islands and 198 million people has achieved some 
of the most impressive economic growth the world has seen. Let me give 
you some numbers to emphasize this point: a 7-percent average annual 
growth in the GDP since 1967, an increase in the per capita GNP from 
less than $70 in 1967 to almost $900 today, a life expectancy rate that 
has risen from 41 in 1967 to 61 in 1992, and a dramatic decrease in 
both the infant mortality rate and illiteracy rate.
  The Government of Indonesia is continuing to move ahead with 
aggressive and impressive projects to develop further the nation's 
quality of life, its infrastructure, and its capabilities and 
competitiveness for the next millennium. Over the next 5 years, these 
projects include: increasing the telephone penetration in the country 
by 8 million lines; increasing power generation by 11,000 megawatts; 
implementing a $13 billion basic transportation infrastructure program 
that will touch almost every sector, including, ports, airports, 
railways, roadways and a rail system through the city of Jakarta; and a 
water and sanitation plan to bring clean water to a larger portion of 
the population.
  In all, the country is looking at approximately $53 billion in new 
works and heavy maintenance, engineering and support systems 
development over the next 5 years.
  I think my colleagues would agree with me that this is an impressive 
program of development.
  As these projects move forward, the Government of Indonesia is also 
working to make the country an easier place to do business by 
streamlining investment regulations and removing import license 
requirements; thus making it easier for foreign firms to participate in 
this booming market's economy.
  And for anyone who questions whether the changes and opportunities 
created in this environment have benefited U.S. business, the answer is 
yes. In fact U.S. firms have reacted emphatically with exports from the 
U.S. rising 113 percent--from $2.3 billion in 1989 to $4.9 billion in 
1994. For the U.S. economy that means that more than 95,000 jobs are 
supported by exports to Indonesia. And the United States Government has 
participated in supporting United States industries' interest in 
Indonesia by naming this emerging Asian tiger one of the 10 big 
emerging markets [BEM] for economic growth and by opening one of the 
first overseas U.S. Export Assistance Centers in Jakarta.

  As Indonesia has gained a growing presence in the economic arena, 
President Soeharto has also brought the country into a more active role 
in the international community. As chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement 
[NAM], Mr. Soeharto has been a moderating voice in the developing world 
on the benefits of an active dialog between developed and lesser 
developed countries. Indonesia has also taken a leading role in 
promoting peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region. From its role 
in helping to settle the Cambodian conflict, where Indonesians made up 
one of the largest U.N. peacekeeping contingencies, to its efforts to 
establish an Asia dialog to settle the Spratly Islands territorial 
dispute, President Soeharto's efforts have been instrumental in helping 
promote harmony in a rapidly evolving region.
  In recognition of his tireless efforts to bring economic prosperity 
to Indonesia while also engaging the country in a prominent 
international political role, President and Mrs. Soeharto are being 
honored later this week in Washington at a dinner hosted by CARE. It is 
an honor they richly deserve.
  The strong relationship between the United States and Indonesia is 
indeed a benefit for both our countries. We both have prospered and 
continue to prosper from our close ties and common interests.
  I think I also speak for many of my colleagues when I say that the 
achievements and growth of Indonesia over the past 25 years are truly 
impressive by any standards. I congratulate President Soeharto and the 
people of Indonesia on the many achievements they have made since 
independence and wish them continued success for the next 50 years.
  I am confident that the strong relationship between our two great 
nations will continue not only for the next 50 years but well 
beyond.

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