Indonesia-U.S. ties<\/p>\n
Indonesia has taken a lot of criticism from its foreign
\nfriends in recent years, not the least from the United States,
\nwhich is undoubtedly one of its most important trading partners.
\nSome criticism was valid and some was not, but it was accepted,
\nor at least heard, nevertheless.<\/p>\n
But anyone familiar with Indonesia's foreign policy since the
\nrepublic's inception knows that Indonesia draws the line
\nsomewhere, that is when friends start meddling in its domestic
\naffairs. This, along with mutual respect and reciprocal benefits,
\nis one of the most sacred principles guiding our international
\nrelations, and one which we expect our friends will respect.<\/p>\n
The U.S. Congress, not the administration of President Bill
\nClinton, has crossed that line. This is the reason behind the
\nletter that President Soeharto wrote to Clinton recently. In the
\nletter, the content of which was disclosed by Minister of Foreign
\nAffairs Ali Alatas yesterday, Soeharto said Indonesia was
\nwithdrawing its participation in the extended International
\nMilitary and Education Training (IMET) program, and canceling its
\nplan to purchase nine F-16 fighter planes.<\/p>\n
Some Congress members recently attempted to link their
\ncriticism of Indonesia to the IMET program and the F-16 deal.
\nWhile American politicians have every right to their criticism,
\nany attempt to attach strings to American assistance or sales to
\nIndonesia is a violation of the principle of non-interference in
\nthe domestic affairs of another country.<\/p>\n
Anyone with a basic understanding of American politics knows
\nthat issues are raised and shelved in Congress based on how they
\nwould affect the politicians' standing, and less on rational
\nprinciples. Foreign policy issues are particularly convenient
\ntargets, because, while they could win more votes, they are
\nunlikely to cause them to lose votes.<\/p>\n
Soeharto's decision reflects foresight, if not wisdom.<\/p>\n
It is designed to preserve the good relations that have
\ndeveloped between the two countries. Criticism from the other
\nside of the Pacific has become louder in recent years, but the
\noverall ties have blossomed. This is a sign that our relationship
\nis maturing and we are both able to look at problems that crop up
\nin their proper perspective and their right proportion.<\/p>\n
The IMET program and F-16 sales had become irritants that had
\nthe potential to disrupt relations between Indonesia and the
\nUnited States. By removing these irritants, it is hoped the
\nClinton administration will no longer be saddled by these two
\nissues when dealing with Indonesia. They are certainly no longer
\nin the equation of the overall relations between the two
\ncountries.<\/p>\n
President Soeharto's decision still came as a major surprise
\nfor it is unprecedented. One certainly cannot compare it to
\npresident Sukarno's emotionally charged famous phrase \"go to hell
\nwith your aid\" to the United States in the 1960s because the
\ncircumstances are different. Nor can we compare it to the
\nIndonesian government's decision to reject further Dutch
\nassistance in 1992 because relations then were already strained.<\/p>\n
Judging by the blossoming trade and investment, relations with
\nthe United States are probably at their best now and there is no
\nreason why they should deteriorate with this latest turn of
\nevents. If it is any indication, Indonesia's trade relations with
\nthe Netherlands flourished after the irritant -- Dutch aid -- was
\nremoved from the equation.<\/p>\n
There will be a price to pay for this decision though.
\nIndonesia will continue to send its military officers for
\ntraining to the United States, but will pay its own way, and
\nIndonesia will have to look at other suppliers to beef up its Air
\nForce's strength. The United States too will have to find new
\nbuyers for the F-16 planes. But this is a small price to pay, and
\nit will certainly be worth it in the long-term interest of
\nmaintaining and strengthening good relations.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/indonesia-us-ties-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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