Indonesia’s Plans To Combat Communism

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28823, 18 February 1959, Page 11

Indonesia’s Plans To Combat Communism

. • ■ <N«w Zealand Press Association;

WELLINGTON, Feb. 17. Although Cdiiiniunist influences in Indonesia were regarded as foremost questions in Indonesia’s development, the Government and people were thinking more in terms of the .growth of the national movement, Pantja Sila, said the Indonesian Foreign Minister (Dr. % R. Subandrio) at a press conference in Wellington. “We have to think in terms of getting our democracy to work,” he said. “At the same time we have to show to our people that democracy is better than any other ideology.” Dr. Subandrio said that Indonesia was not thinking of asking for assistance from Australia or New Zealand to combat communism. That ideology would be met by the growth of Indonesia’s national movement. Parliamentary reforms, and by guiding the people toward democratic ideals.

“I can’t say when Indonesia will develop as a fully democratic country, but in the next 10 or 20 years of peaceful growth and increasing confidence*. Indonesia will be making great progress,” he said.

Dr. Subandrio added that though there was a 20 per cent, representation by Communists in Indonesia’s Parliament, the party was only the fourth largest among the political organisation. there were more Communistic 4ii France and Italy than there were in Indonesia. It was, however, possible that communism was stronger in Indonesia than in any other Asian country outside Communist China. Relations With N.Z. There were no pressing problems between Indonesia and New Zealand, and the discussions he would have here would be in the friendlist manner, said Dr. Subandrio. He said he felt that both Australia and New'-Zealand were becoming more aware that they shduld regard themselves not as outposts of Europe but as Western nations living among Asian friends. “I am aware 'of the caused by developments <afgpnr the" Asian Wt WL egnnot ignore people. I am doing n)y;.sertJ£.'W»rk' on friendly terma Jvitbxttnations. After al), ti»re>is.no need. for fear if nations respert each other. ■lf New Zealta<i .tad Australia seek friendly relations with Indonesia and Asia they will find that Asia will be their; best shield for, security and .for future relations. “I am not asking for anything from New Zealand. If there is to be any substance In future relationships there must be trade, and that will give-impetus to friendship between our two countries.” -* A ■ Dr. Subandrio said that the reaction of thi people of Indone-r til to the appointment of a Maori as New Zealand’s High Commissioner in Malaya was “very good.” Some people, he said, were surprised that such an appointment was made and that radaT integration presented no problems in New Zealand. He added, in reply to another question, that he- had not heard of tile hotel incident concerning Dr. H. R. Bennett, but even if he had he would have regarded it “only as an incident in the whole process of racial integration.” x “I am not coming here to ask New Zealand’s support on Indone-

sia’s claim to the territory of Dutch or West New Guinea,” said Dr. Subandrio. “We are anxious to solve this dispute in a peaceful way between Indonesia and the Netherlands.

“West Guinea in the hands of Indonesia iO more essential for New Zealand’s security than if it were in the hands of any other nation.” Dr. Subandrio said. “If West New Guinea were in the hands of Australia or any nation other than Indonesia it might be tempting for a would be Asian aggressor to march in there. Psychologically or morally it would be more difficult to attack West New Guinea if that territory were in Indonesian hands.” Dr. * Subandrio this morning made an official calUpn the Gov-ernor-General (Lora£ Gdßham), paid his compliments Lathe Mayor of Wellington (Mr F. J. Kitts, M.P.), and later formally called, oh the Prime Minister (Mr Nash) and was received by members of the Cabinet.

Dr. Subandrio attended a Government in Parliament Buildings, and this afternoon began discussions with Mr Nash. These will, it is understood, relate mainly to Colombo Plan matters, and cultural relationships. Later this. afternoon Dr> Subandrio Subandrio hnd Dr. Jk. Hfctei, Indonesian to New Zfeglaimi" residentW Canberra and Mrt 4 fteimf, a Government reception given by the Prime. Minister. Tonight Dr. Subandrio. h)d Mrs Subandrio were the of Lord and Lady Cobham at Government HouOjv;