Malik On Indonesia's Aims

"Indonesia wants to live in friendship and peace with all nations of the world," said Mr. Adam Malik, Foreign Minister of Indonesia, speaking at Victoria University recently.

"Friendly relations with our immediate neighbours are of utmost importance," he continued. "We have consistently pursued this policy ever since I had the privilege to serve as Foreign Minister in the Government of President Suharto."

"Our foreign policy will continue to be non-aligned, an independent and active foreign policy, anti-imperialist and anti-colonialist, as delineated in the decision of the M.P.R.S., the Provisional

People's Consultative Assembly." he said.

This decision had been taken in conformity with the provisions of Indonesia's 1945 Constitution and with the State philosophy, he said. This consisted or five principles, belief in God, humanity, the unity of Indonesia or nationalism, democracy, and social justice.

"After the abortive coup d'etat of 30 September 1965 by the P.K.I., a comprehensive review had to be made of the conduct of our foreign policy. It has to be brought back to its basic principles which remain unchanged," he said.

Mr. Malik discussed the need in South East Asia for a scheme of effective cooperation between countries with different outlooks and political systems. He mentioned the formation of the Association of South East Asian Nations (A.S.E.A.N.) on 8 August 1967.

This Association comprises Thailand. the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Indoesia—five nations "determined to enter into arrangements with each other to bring about progress and prosperity to the peoples of their region in equality, fraternity, mutual respect and understanding."

Mr. Malik said that it was hoped that improvement in the standard of living of the people would blunt the sharp edges of political controversies, and gradually national resistance capabilities would increase.

"Armed strength alone is not sufficient for the defence of a nation; it is but a part of the overall capacity of that nation to safeguard itself from any possible threat."

"Within this context Indonesia places more importance on economic co-operation and development rather than on military alliances or pacts," he said.

Discussing the planned withdrawal of British forces from the basis in South East Asia by 1971, Mr Maia—filik said Indonesia welcomed the idea of withdrawal.

"But we do not subscribe to the anxieties of those countries who may still think of Indonesia as a potential menace after the British leave the scene.

To those who erroneously harbour this feeling of anxiety we categorically say that Indonesia has no territorial ambitions whatsoever and that it respects the territorial integrity of its neighbours," he said.

On the war in Vietnam, Mr. Malik said "We are of the opinion that the cessation of the bombings on North Vietnam could lead to a peaceful settlement through negotiation.

He welcomed the recent American de-escalation move, and said all moves towards the negotiation table should be encouraged. He suggested the use of Djarkarta as a venue for negotiations.

Mr. Malik welcomed also the elevation to ambassadorial status of representation between New Zealand and Indonesia.