Alwi senses U.S. uneasiness at RI internal conflicts

JAKARTA (JP): Foreign Minister Alwi Shihab revealed that in his meetings with United States officials, he detected a sense of uneasiness from Washington at the continuing troubles besetting Indonesia.

While stressing that Washington seemed to be firm in its support for the government here, Alwi noted that U.S. officials seemed increasingly anxious and upset when discussing the situation in Indonesia, particularly the continuing violence in Maluku and Aceh.

He added that there were signs that the U.S. government wanted to directly "assist" in these matters. However, he said, Jakarta is unable to accommodate these desires as there are "technical problems" involved.

"(As a result) they seem to feel a little bit upset with our government," Alwi told The Jakarta Post on Thursday while suggesting that the offers of assistance were often coupled with demands for certain "privileges".

Alwi remarked that Jakarta appreciates the concern and the attention being paid to Indonesia. Nevertheless, some of the reciprocal requests were simply impossible to accommodate.

He singled out criticism which alleges that Jakarta is hampering U.S. efforts to send humanitarian aid to strife-torn areas around the country by not letting American aid workers into such areas.

"The government's position is very difficult. If we allow them to come and some of their people get killed, then we would be held responsible for it at a time when we are trying hard to improve the security situation," the minister asserted.

Alwi further revealed that there were requests for special visas for volunteers who wanted to assist in improving democracy in Indonesia. He said Jakarta could not accommodate these requests due to administrative difficulties here.

Alwi stressed that while Jakarta will do its best to accommodate any requests that are reasonable, it will not be willing to compromise on its cardinal principle of rejecting foreign intervention in domestic affairs.

"We do not want to be interfered with while we are trying to resolve the current security problems around the country. I believe that all foreign countries understand this principle and support our efforts," Alwi remarked.

He stressed that these "small problems" could be settled in the near future and would not damage ties.

When asked about Washington's remarks concerning Maluku, Alwi contended it did not mean that they wished to interfere but was aimed merely at encouraging Indonesia to solve the country's security problems in as short a time as possible.

The U.S. government respects and supports the ongoing process of democratization in Indonesia but is concerned that the poor security situation will hamper the process, he added. (dja)