Boyce to cultivate RI's support against terrorism

JAKARTA (JP): The United States ambassador-designate to Indonesia urged on Monday that Jakarta maintain its commitment to fight against international terrorism.

In his testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations committee in Washington, Ralph "Skip" Boyce underlined President Megawati Soekarnoputri's pledge during her meeting with President George W. Bush last week to counter international terrorism.

"As ambassador, I will make maintenance of Indonesia's support for the international coalition against terrorism my highest priority, along with a continuing commitment to the protection of American citizens and businesses," Boyce said.

He pledged support for Indonesia's efforts in fighting against piracy, money laundering, and the smuggling of people, small arms and drugs, according to a transcript of the senate hearing made available by the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta.

"The United States shares an interest in addressing these problems which interact to impede Indonesia's ability to build the institutions of democracy, rule of law and free market," the transcript stated.

Boyce will replace Ambassador Robert S. Gelbard, who is due to leave Indonesia next month after leading the U.S. mission here for the past two years.

Boyce's last position was as deputy assistant to the U.S. secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs. He is no stranger to Indonesian affairs, having previously served in the Indonesian mission as commercial attache and financial economist.

The testimony came only days after Megawati's successful visit to Washington, in which she and Bush issued a joint statement to denounce terrorism and make a clear distinction between religion and terrorism.

Megawati was one of the first leaders to visit Washington after the devastating terrorist attacks in the United States.

Her presence in Washington was widely billed as a visit by the leader of the world's most populous Muslim country. Her endorsement for the U.S. war on terrorism was seen as support by a sizable proportion of the world's Muslims.

Given his financial background, Boyce said he would have a strong interest in one of Jakarta's most pressing concerns: the urgent need for fundamental economic reform.

"Indonesia needs to get these reforms right if it is to win back investors' confidence," he said, adding that timely U.S. financial support would be crucial in the country.

He reiterated Washington's support for Indonesia's territorial integrity and offered to help Jakarta deal peacefully with separatist pressures.

While underlining the need for Washington to work constructively with the Indonesian Military (TNI), he defended congressional restrictions as a reminder to TNI leaders of the importance of respecting human rights. (emb)