ASEAN hopes for Indonesian stability

New leader Megawati has been urged to address corruption issues in Indonesia

By staff and wire reports

HANOI, Vietnam -- The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has welcomed the election of Megawati Sukarnoputri as Indonesia's new president saying it hopes she will lead the country towards greater stability.

"We welcome the political transition and election of President Megawati Sukarnoputri in Indonesia," ASEAN said in an official communique issued after the bloc's annual meeting in Hanoi.

"We reiterated our support for the territorial integrity and national unity of Indonesia," the communique went on, adding: "We believe that the stability and prosperity of Indonesia would contribute positively to the peace, stability and prosperity of the region."

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Indonesia's supreme legislative body voted on Monday to sack President Abdurrahman Wahid and replace him with his deputy, Megawati.

The upheaval in Jakarta dominated the 10-member ASEAN gathering, which began on Monday, and forced Indonesia's foreign minister to cancel his own attendance at the meeting.

Praise floods in

Several dignitaries on Tuesday welcomed Megawati's appointment, but stressed the need for the transition of power to be managed peacefully and democratically.

Neighboring Australia, which has often had a turbulent relationship with Indonesia, described Megawati as a "champion of democratic ideals."

Prime Minister John Howard said in a statement the Australian Government welcomed "the peaceful resolution of political differences by the Indonesian people in accordance with the constitution".

The U.S. State Department meanwhile endorsed Megawati and urged Indonesia to maintain peace and work toward national reconciliation.

The State Department said Indonesia's political upheaval would provoke a fresh look at U.S. policies toward Jakarta but it was too soon to signal any possible initiatives.

"We urge all parties there to work together to maintain peace, support the constitution and promote national reconciliation," said Philip Reeker, deputy State Department spokesman.

He added that one problem Indonesia must tackle was the country's endemic corruption.

'Strong leadership'

Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong sent Megawati a congratulatory letter, saying Megawati had in a "quiet and confident way, provided strong leadership" for Indonesia.

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi also sent a message of congratulations to the new president and reiterated Japan's support for reform in Indonesia.

Koizumi's office said in a statement, however, that embattled predecessor Abdurrahman Wahid had "made every effort to build a new Indonesia in the reform process for its democratization."

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said in New York it was important that democratic processes appeared to have been followed in Megawati's ascension.

"The Parliament has designated Mrs Megawati as a new president and I wish her every success," he said.

"And I hope the kind of change that is taking place now will remain peaceful, democratic and that the nation will come together to get themselves out of this difficulty."

Malaysia's outspoken Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad, said he hoped for a stable Indonesia, but added that he was not in a position to comment on the change in leadership.

"It is Indonesia's problem and we hope whatever they do brings good to Indonesia," Mahathir was quoted by the national news agency, Bernama, as saying.

Stability needed

Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said in Bangkok: "It doesn't matter who is president but the sooner the region's politics becomes stable, the better."

Secretary General of ASEAN Rodolfo Severino told CNN the foreign ministers received a first-hand briefing by an Indonesian delegation on Monday.

He too recognized the change in power.

"The Supreme Court has spoken, the Parliament has spoken, the MPR -- then we have to accept this," he said.

Iran congratulated Megawati and expressed hope that tranquility and stability will return to that country, the official news agency IRNA reported.

Iran hopes to continue expanding its friendly ties with predominantly Muslim Indonesia, foreign ministry spokesman Hamid-Reza Assefi was quoted as saying.

In Manila, parallels were drawn between Megawati, the daughter of Indonesia's founding president Sukarno and Philippine President Gloria Arroyo, the daughter of former president Diosdado Macapagal.

"I firmly believe that under your able guidance, Indonesia's success in surmounting the economic and political challenges ahead will be advanced and its quest to strengthen its democratic institutions will be achieved," Arroyo said.

China's praise

Chinese President Jiang Zemin said China and Indonesia had "made great progress in advancing friendly cooperation and exchanges in the fields of politics, economy, trade, science and technology in recent years."

Taiwan's foreign ministry meanwhile said President Chen Shui-bian had sent a congratulated "congratulatory message" to Megawati.

Indonesia has diplomatic ties with China and does not recognize Taiwan, which China says is a part of its One China policy, but Jakarta maintains close economic ties with the island.

The Associated Press & Reuters contributed to this report.