Powell's visit smooths edges on U.S.--RI ties<\/p>\n
East-West Center, Honolulu, Hawaii<\/p>\n
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell's visit to Jakarta, albeit a
\none-day whirlwind, has brought the much-needed balm of
\npersonal diplomacy to a delicate and, in recent months, edgy
\nrelationship between the two governments, an East-West Center
\nspecialist on Indonesia said.<\/p>\n
"The visit comes after nine months of misread signals and
\nmissed cues, underlining the importance of regular face-to-face,
\nhigh-level dialog between the United States and the world's
\nlargest Muslim country," Richard Baker said.<\/p>\n
A week after the Sept. 11 attacks, President Soekarnoputri
\nMegawati visited President George Bush in the White House and
\npublicly declared her condemnation of terrorism.<\/p>\n
On her return to Jakarta, however, she faced mixed views
\nwithin her own government as well as strident anti-American
\nagitation from radical voices in the Islamic community.<\/p>\n
When the United States attacked Afghanistan, Megawati sought
\npolitical shelter in a broad statement opposing the use of force
\nfor any purpose in interstate relations.<\/p>\n
Baker noted that this apparent shift led Bush to pass up an
\nopportunity, reportedly sought by Megawati, for a further meeting
\nduring the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering in
\nShanghai in November.<\/p>\n
Early this year U.S. news reports quoted unnamed officials
\nsaying Indonesia might be the next target for U.S. counter-
\nterrorism action, predictably offending staunch Indonesian
\nnationalists. Disclaimers by senior U.S. officials such as Deputy
\nDefense Secretary and former U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Paul
\nWolfowitz, just as predictably, could not undo the damage, Baker
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
"Secretary Powell is wisely taking the time to meet with some
\nof Indonesia's top Islamic leaders, extending the discussion
\ndirectly into this major Indonesian community," Baker said.<\/p>\n
"These meetings will not resolve all the differences but can
\nkeep them from overshadowing the more important areas of
\nagreement and common interests."<\/p>\n
The timing of Powell's visit is also auspicious, Baker noted.
\nHe arrived directly from meetings with Association of Southeast
\nAsian Nations (ASEAN) counterparts in Brunei and the signing of a
\nU.S.-ASEAN anti-terrorism declaration.<\/p>\n
Also this week the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee
\napproved anti-terrorism assistance and training for the
\nIndonesian military, lifting some of the restrictions imposed
\nagainst it due to human-rights concerns.<\/p>\n
"Powell's meetings in Jakarta can help project a more accurate
\npicture of the relationship between the two governments, of U.S
\nsupport for Indonesia's territorial integrity, democratic
\nconsolidation and economic recovery," Baker said.<\/p>\n
"It can also demonstrate understanding of the country's
\ncomplicated internal politics, and the quiet but growing
\ncooperation between the two governments on terrorism and other
\nproblems."<\/p>\n
Baker added that differences remain in the relationship,
\nespecially over the extent that Indonesia has brought
\naccountability to its security establishment. "But in the context
\nof the broader dialog and of new joint-efforts, the differences
\nand constraints on both sides can be put into perspective and be
\nmore effectively managed."<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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