Alwi senses U.S. uneasiness at RI internal conflicts
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)