AN INDONESIAN minister said over the weekend that Indonesia welcomes the proposal for it to facilitate the reopening of peace negotiations between the Philippine government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

In an exclusive interview with Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro, Andhika Bambang Supeno, Indonesian minister counselor for political affairs, said that his government has had a good track record in facilitating peace negotiations in the region.

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"Most politicians are requesting Indonesia because of its record of accomplishment in facilitating peace talks. Maybe we start (with) our experience in dealing with the MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front) final peace agreement (with the GRP)," Supeno said.

He said their government does not treat the Philippines as just neighbors in Southeast Asia but also the cultural ties, citing that both countries mostly belong to the Malay race.

"Philippines is not just a neighbor but (we also treat Filipinos) as our brothers. We do not want that there (would be) troubles with our brothers," he said.

Supeno was in Cagayan de Oro last week to explore tie-ups with the city and had met with City Mayor Constantino Jaraula.

Jaraula had told Supeno that he has been batting for the Indonesian government to be considered as an additional international peace observer for the peace talks between the government and MILF.

"Unta i-adapt (ang Indonesia) as peace observer kay mas neutral (sila). Maybe in addition to Malaysia or in lieu," Jaraula told Supeno last week.

Jaraula cited the contending claim of Malaysia and the Philippines over Sabah Island as a detrimental factor to Malaysia's neutrality in facilitating the peace talks.

"That's why I'm pushing for the final resolution of the Sabah claim. The final solution should be based on proprietary rights and not sovereignty rights," Jaraula said.

When asked on what he thinks about Cagayan de Oro, Supeno said the city has strong economic potentials and looks forward to increased trades between both countries' business communities.

"Cagayan de Oro city is very interesting. It has high economic potentials. I am looking forward to increased direct trades from the business community in my country," Supeno told Sun.Star.

He said that consuls in Davao City have been exploring ways in promoting friendship not just on the national level but also on the local authority.

"We are exploring ways of promoting better trade with our country. There is a lot of potential, especially in North Sulawesi in agriculture prospects. We can support each other," Supeno said. (Cong B. Corrales)