A foreign affair

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono embarks today on, arguably, his most important state visit since taking office. For the next 10 days, he will visit two global powers -- the United States and Japan -- along with fellow Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) member Vietnam.

This will be the President's fifth foreign trip since taking office in October, and the most watched since his first overseas trip last year.

Susilo's arrival at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Chile and the ASEAN summit in Laos last year reaffirmed his administration's commitment to regional processes. Bilateral visits to Singapore and Malaysia earlier this year were important in cementing ties with Indonesia's closest neighbors, while Susilo's trip to Australia, showed Jakarta's goodwill toward a neighbor with which it has had often difficult ties.

Despite a few discreet fumbles, through it all the new President showed the poise and dignity becoming of a leader of the world's third largest democracy. His aplomb standing among dozens of state leaders during the Asian-African Summit in Jakarta last month further solidified Susilo's image in the international spotlight.

Not only has he proven to be a worthy spokesman for the nation, but also an effective salesman. Now it is time for Susilo to show that he is an ardent national advocate in facing a global superpower.

Without reducing the significance of previous international trips, his visits to Washington and Tokyo will undoubtedly be the most closely scrutinized back home.

Like it or not, the reality is that the United States and Japan are masters of the prevailing geopolitical hegemony. Whether we are simple observers, subscribe to traditionalist real politik thinking or are students of globalization, no pragmatic scenario -- political, economic or militarily -- can detach itself from the central role these two countries play.

We may not like the existing world order -- the self- righteousness of unilateralism and the marginalization of those disconnected from globalization -- nevertheless it is one that we cannot avoid.

Susilo's description, during a speech to the Indonesian Council on World Affairs last week, of the challenges facing Indonesian foreign policy as "navigating a turbulent ocean" is an apt analogy of the challenges he faces in his meeting with U.S. President George W. Bush.

While there is amity at the heart-to-heart level between the people of the two countries, it is also an unequivocal fact that most Indonesians are disgusted with the foreign policy of the Bush administration.

The current wave of antagonism toward Washington cannot be blamed simply on a retracted Newsweek article over the desecration of the Koran by American interrogators at Guantanamo Bay. An incorrect article by itself would not trigger such mass hysteria. What is at the heart of the reaction to the story is that based on past U.S. actions, many believe such desecration is plausible.

Despite the close relationship and America's generosity to the victims of the Dec. 26 tsunami, we expect Susilo to convey categorically Indonesia's disappointment over the conduct of the world's superpower. Expressions of Indonesia's desire to intensify relationships -- trade and security -- should not prevent the sending of a clear signal that we stand opposite the United States on many international political issues.

Susilo should not sell out our principles, our national pride or our international identity simply to be chummy with Washington. Nationalism must be at the root of our internationalism.

But neither should our opposition to many of Washington's foreign policy stances lead to hostility.

In Susilo's own words, Indonesia subscribes to an open, moderate, tolerant and outward-looking nationalism, not one that is arrogant or self-absorbed. Furthermore, while being independent-minded is critical, it is no use to end up making wrong turns or becoming marginalized. Hence the need for a constructive approach in the conduct of foreign policy.

"An ability to turn adversary into friend, and to turn friend into partner."

It also our hope that while abroad, the President will be accountable to international scrutiny of his commitment to continuing democratization, protecting human rights and resolving internal issues through diplomacy.

With regards to Japan, Susilo's visit is testament to the long-standing relationship between Tokyo and Jakarta. As the overall largest investor in Indonesia, Japan has proven its desire for a long-term presence in this country.

Unlike Tokyo's closest neighbors, Indonesia is mature enough to look beyond the tragedies of history in its relationship with Japan. It should be forgiven, but not forgotten.

By going to Tokyo and reiterating pledges for continued cooperation, we hope Susilo can pave the way for further collaboration between the two countries. It is also an opportunity for the President to declare his political will to overcome impediments that have bogged down various cooperation projects with Japan. An inability to settle these bureaucratic obstacles will not bode well for coming free trade negotiations between the two countries.

Jakarta and Tokyo are central players in regional cooperation, especially with the ascendance of the East Asia Summit. A strategic partnership should be welcomed in which the two countries can foster closer links in all areas, including issues of conflict prevention and non-traditional security threats.

Susilo and Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi have met at least four times at various multilateral events over the past seven months. This coming visit should help solidify the rapport between two important regional players.

This all seems a massive undertaking for just 10 days. However, with the groundwork already laid and a strong political will, we are confident that Susilo can use this tour to set the necessary framework for positive relations with two of the world's most powerful nations.