10 Dec 2013
On behalf of the Board of the Indonesia Nederland Society. Dr. Nikolaos van Dam, former Ambassador to Indonesia, grants the Linggadjati Award 2013 to both former Ministers of Foreign Affairs, HE Dr. Hassan Wirajuda and Dr. Bernard Bot – ‘as a homage to the foresight of two men and as an important symbol of how relationships between countries are built. In doing so, Dr Bernard Bot and Dr. Hassan Wirajuda have set an example to us all.’
In his award presentation speech Dr. Nikolaos van Dam recalls the highlights of their cooperation as follows: ‘On 17th August 2005 Dr. Bernard Bot attended the Indonesian Independence Day celebrations in Jakarta as Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs. He was the first member of a Dutch government to do so. His presence in Jakarta on that historic day was intended as an important symbol of respect for the Indonesian people and their history as a modern nation state. In a landmark speech Dr. Bot, on behalf of the Dutch Government, expressed his profound regret for all the suffering that in the times of transition from colonial rule to Indonesian independence had been part of the lives of the Indonesian people. Minister Bot stated that, in retrospect, The Netherlands had been put on the wrong side of history, and he declared that only when someone is standing on the summit of the mountain he can see what would have been the simplest and shortest way up. This applies equally to the people on the Dutch side who were involved in the decisions taken from 1945 onwards … Although painful memories never go away, they must not be allowed to stand in the way of honest reconciliation.’ Minister Bernard Bot’s speech was warmly received and much appreciated by the Indonesian government. Together, Dr. Hassan Wirajuda and Dr. Bernard Bot agreed that the time had come for Indonesia and the Netherlands to draw a line under the past and to take the relationship between the two countries forward into the future. Having arrived in Jakarta just after the speeches of Dr. Bot and Dr. Wirajuda were delivered, I experienced the softest diplomatic landing any new ambassador to Indonesia can imagine. The bilateral climate had become excellent, the diplomatic sky was perfectly clear, and I was received everywhere, throughout Indonesia in all its 33 provinces, in the most positive way. In his introduction to the book published in 2006 on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Linggadjati conference, Dr. Wirajuda underlined the importance of the complementary role of diplomacy to armed struggle for the same goal of sovereign nationhood. Without peaceful diplomatic initiatives, armed struggle, more often than not, has turned out to be futile. We, unfortunately, still witness new examples of that today. Trying to solve conflicts by only military means usually does not really work. I had the privilege to get acquainted with the thoughts of Minister Wirajuda much more closely, when he kindly invited me to accompany him during the three-and-a-half hour train journey from Jakarta to Cirebon and Linggajati in 2006. More recently, Dr. Hassan Wirajuda founded the Bali Democracy Forum, which our minister of Foreign Affairs Frans Timmermans attended this year. It is a remarkable project and the successful transition process to democracy in Myanmar exemplifies its international political potential among others. From Linggadjati in 1946 onwards the relationship between the Netherlands and Indonesia has grown to maturity. Maturity with all its occasional ups and downs. Last month, in November 2013, Prime Minister Mark Rutte and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Jakarta launched a joint declaration on a comprehensive Indonesian-Dutch partnership, thereby officially opening up a broad field of bilateral cooperation. This new partnership marks an important milestone in the relationship between our two countries. The comprehensive partnership had been planned already for a long time, and both minister Bot and Wirajuda already initialed an earlier text in 2006 in Jogyakarta, thereby already putting in action various aspects of it.’
Following his speech Dr. Nikolaos van Dam congratulates Dr. Bernard Bot and presents him the Linggadjati Award 2013.
Mr. Adji Witjaksono, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. to the Embassy of Indonesia, receives the Linggadjati Award for Dr. Hassan Wirajuda, who had sent an Award acceptance video letter.
Dr. Bernard Bot and Mr. Witjaksono with Linggadjati Award 2013
Dr. Wirajuda’s acceptance speech by video letter
In his video Dr. Wirajuda, reflecting on Dr. Bernard Bot’s speech on 17 August 2005, explains: ‘Bernard actually delivered a message of goodwill and reconciliation’. He shares Bernard Bot’s view that ‘we should not forget our history, but with the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation, we should make our forward looking cooperation under the comprehensive partnership a productive one.’ Dr. Wirajuda continues: ‘As Foreign Ministers, Ben and I worked closely in expanding and deepening all aspects of the bilateral relations between the Netherlands and Indonesia. I must say that I am fortunate to have Ben, who at the time worked together rigorously to set a new course of cooperation and partnership for our future generations.’
About the comprehensive partnership, that finally was launched by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Prime Minister Mark Rutte during his official visit to Indonesia Dr. Wirajuda says: ‘As two resilient but dynamic economies, I believe the comprehensive partnership would make our two countries politically closer, economically beneficial, but most importantly, it fosters harmonious social relations among our peoples.’ And he concludes: ‘It is my hope that you will gain from my words, and from our example, a renewed sense of optimism, trust, and hope of a better future together. Although our cooperation has significantly improved over the years, we must also recognize the responsibilities that come with it. Building a bridge requires hard work, diligence and trust. It is a work in progress and at times the process will be challenging. With your support, I am sure we’ll be seeing a better relationship between our two countries and peoples.’ See under ‘events-speeches’ for the complete speech of Dr. Wirajuda.
Dr. Bernard Bot responds to the awarding
From the speech of Dr. Bernard Bot: ‘I am deeply touched by this award, and the more so since I receive it together with my former colleague and friend Hassan Wirajuda’. Dr. Bot also recalled how the name Linggadjati already circulated at his home when he was a young boy, since his farther was at that time also involved in the future of Netherlands-Indonesia relations. He still kept a picture of the Round Table Conference in the Ridderzaal in 1949 on his desk because his father was one of the participants in that historical conference. Bernard Bot furthermore underlined the importance of Linggajati since it was the first time the two parties negotiated on a foot of equality. Quoting from the book ‘Linggajati, Brug naar de Toekomst’, he said that ‘much bitterness could have been prevented if Linggajati had become the supporting beam for the new Netherlands-Indonesian construction.’ He concludes by saying: ‘Fortunately, ever since that momentous agreement, important steps have been set on the path towards ever closer relations. Many new supporting beams have been created in the meantime. It is up to us to create a long lasting construction between Netherlands and Indonesia.’ See under ‘events-speeches’ for the complete speech of Dr. Bot.
From the speech by Mr. Witjaksono: Mr. Witjaksono conveyed the felicitations by Ambassador Retno Marsudi to the INS Board for the successful undertaking of this seminar as well as her warm congratulations to the recipients of the Linggajati Award 2013, Dr. Bot and Dr. Wirajuda. ‘Ambassador Marsudi expresses her deep regrets for being unable to come personally to this important gathering. Nevertheless, she extends her warm greetings to each and every one of you. Dr. Bernard Bot and Dr. Hassan Wirajuda have acted in a way we most admire. Both gentlemen, in their time, not only share a vision in the exercise of their profession but also a robust friendship,’ Mr. Witjaksono declares. ‘They have worked closely as Foreign Ministers from 2003 to 2007. Since the visit of Dr. Bernard Bot to Indonesia in August 2005, both Foreign Ministers propelled the relations between our two countries into a higher plane of cooperation. Thus, during the awarding of Bintang Mahaputra Utama – one of Indonesia’s highest decorative national honour, Dr. Hassan Wirajuda conveyed in his speech that what Dr. Bernard Bot did, has helped bring about the completion of a long healing process. As a result, both Indonesia and the Netherlands veterans honour each other by both joining the Independence Day ceremonies.’ He continues: ‘It is quite fitting for these great men to be awarded the Linggadjati Award for their actions speak for itself. The word ‘Linggadjati’ connotes different meaning for different people but in the end and in time, ‘Linggadjati’ itself has transformed its meaning equivalent to that of diplomacy and sustained peaceful solutions. That is why, the conferment of this year’s Linggadjati Award is somewhat special because the actions of these great men represent what the Linggadjati Agreement is all about – diplomacy and peaceful solutions are the best avenues in facing even the most difficult and greatest challenge.’ About the Comprehensive Partnership Agreement Mr. Witjaksono said: ‘This agreement is the basis for intensifying bilateral cooperation on a future oriented relationship on all fields: from political, economic, trade, judicial to the socio-cultural sphere. Through this, it sealed our relations by becoming true partners: by history and by destiny.’ Reflecting on the Dutch trade mission he believes this mission was beneficial for both Indonesia and the Netherlands. ‘On the one hand, it could be good for the Netherlands, its economy and its companies. On the other, it is also good for Indonesia as it provides solutions to the problems we face. I take for example the Garuda project, which was shown on the screen to protect Jakarta from land subsidence, and flood, to which a whole new city centre of Jakarta could emerge. Thus, as the old city of Jakarta (kota tua) was created by the Dutch, I can start imagining that the development of that the future new city could also have a Dutch contribution.’ Responding to the words spoken by Mr. Bernard Wientjes, he says: ‘While you are cognizant of being quiet late in approaching Indonesia, it seems there is the intention to catch up with other countries who have engaged us before you. The strong bond between our peoples due to our shared past shouldn’t be underestimated. There is certainly a sense of strong connection binding us that could serve as a powerful asset.’ And he concludes by saying: ‘I have high hopes that today’s partnership will serve us in good stead and with it we can build on our unique complementarities and make them serve the welfare of our peoples. This is the kind of partnership that Ambassador Retno Marsudi promotes. She called it, version 2.0, a special relationship with tangible benefits for both sides.’ See under ‘events-speeches’ for the complete speech of Mr. Witjaksono.
Note: during a luncheon in March 2014, the Members of the Board of INS Mr. Jesse Kuiper, Dr. Wim van Eekelen and Dr. Aljosja van Dorssen have conveyed the Linggadjati Award 2013 in person to Dr. Hassan Wirajuda.
Mr. Witjaksono and Dr. Koos van Dam
At the closing of the seminar Jesse Kuijper thanks the speakers for their precious contributions and the Direction Asia and Oceania for the generous support and facilitation of the INS Autumn 2013 seminar.