Business communities have played a very crucial role in
promoting mutually beneficial relations between Indonesia and China
over the last two decades, according to a book launched in Jakarta
Wednesday.
The book, entitled Dinamika Hubungan Indonesia-Tiongkok di
Era Kebangkitan Asia (the Dynamics of Indonesia-China Relations
in the Emerging Asia), provides readers plenty of historical facts
on the ups and downs of Indonesia-China relations.
The two countries established diplomatic ties in 1950 but were
then frozen in 1967-1990. In early 1980s, when diplomatic ties were
suspended and only indirect trade existed between the two
countries, entrepreneurs from both countries stepped in to struggle
for direct trade.
On July 5, 1985, representatives of the Indonesian Chamber of
Commerce and Industry (Kadin) and of Chinese business communities
signed a landmark agreement on direct bilateral trade.
The direct trade agreement initiated by business communities
"gave a momentum for both countries to fully resume diplomatic ties
on August 8, 1990," said Sukamdani Sahid Gitosardjono, the author
of the book.
Sukamdani, 78, was the Kadin chairman when the signing took
place.
"The book describes very clearly the dynamics of Indonesia-China
relations, which are very unique. Businesspeople and historians
need to read it," Vice President Jusuf Kalla said in his welcoming
remarks in the 223-page book.
Sukamdani, who himself played a major role in the resumption of
direct trade relations, "is a long-time friend of China as well as
a champion for China-Indonesia friendly relations and cooperation,"
Chinese Ambassador Lan Lijun said of the author.
(Xinhua News Agency July 6, 2006)
