Elections may improve RI-U.S. ties

Indonesian-U.S. relations are poor at the moment following the verbal sparring between U.S. Ambassador Gelbard and Indonesian officials and the shutting down of the U.S. Embassy's public services after receiving threats.

But Dewi Fortuna Anwar, research professor at the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) and associate director of the Habibie Center, sees opportunities for improved ties ahead.

Question: What impacts will the coming U.S. presidential elections have on the two countries' strained ties?

Answer: It provides a good momentum to strengthen bilateral ties because we know that with the election of a new president, all ambassadors will be replaced. I like Gelbard personally and we come into contact frequently, but I think he is too 'upfront' which does not fit in well here.

I have often suggested that he tread more carefully. Everyone knows what U.S. interests are and those wishes should be conveyed in ways that befit the countries in question. In China or Japan, U.S. ambassadors are usually more careful.

In the past, the U.S. always took care here because Indonesia was an important country in Asia. Now Indonesia is really down on its luck and it doesn't have a respected leadership. U.S. interests are still the same as they were -- namely to maintain its role on the international stage and leadership in the free market -- but they used to maintain these interests in ways that showed they cared about our history, our likes and dislikes.

So you're saying that domestic factors are to blame for the U.S.'s careless approach to Indonesia now?

Yes, more or less. Look at U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright who is so firm (on many issues) but is always careful when she deals with Japan, Britain or even North Korea.

Indonesia's economic dependence may have led Washington to think that we are more pliable to its directions. Indonesia used to be able to refuse aid when it was linked to political conditionalities, now this ability is fading.

What kind of ambassador do we want to replace Gelbard?

Whoever is better able to convey the message of U.S. interests while respecting Indonesian interests.

Actually, if we study recent developments, we can see how the two countries are becoming more convergent. Under the New Order, two interests of ours converged with those of the U.S. The first was geopolitical -- both countries wanted stability, no hegemonic powers in the region, and no communism.

Second, both countries wanted an open, market-oriented economy with free flow of investment.

We used to be divergent on two factors. First, Indonesia was at the time 'undemocratic.' Second, there was the U.S. policies on the Middle East.

Now, we have convergence on three out of the four factors. Indonesia today cares about democracy, human rights and we have released East Timor.

Washington should see that Indonesia is facing lots of difficulties in its political, economic and legal reforms, and that those are goals that cannot be achieved in a short time.

Which of the U.S. presidential candidates would benefit Indonesia more?

Republicans are traditionally more pragmatic because of their realistic global outlook and because of support from multinationals. That's why they do not tend to be overly 'doctrinaire' in their foreign policies. Democrats, on the other hand, tend to be more idealistic and are supported by minority groups.

It would be better for Asian countries, if the Republican candidate won the election.

Your final assessment of current strains in U.S.-Indonesia ties?

The major message is that Indonesia does not hate the U.S.. We are actually a very America-oriented society with the middle class and the younger people being fascinated by anything American, and with our elite being America-oriented in their economic, political, and cultural lives. Indonesia is no longer trapped in this polarization of 'Asian values versus Western values.' We now recognize the universality of certain values such as human rights.

In addition, Indonesian Muslims are pluralist and moderate and don't want to be fundamental in their opposition against the West. Our Muslims support the open economic system and there's no so-called clash of civilizations. If there are strains, they should be localized.

Washington does not have any reason to think that Indonesia is beating its war drums. But we do need to make clear that we do not like the U.S. policy on the Middle East because of its double standard. When Indonesia made mistakes, such as with the violence in Atambua, the U.S. protest was extraordinarily loud, but it remains silent on the massacre in Palestine. (Santi W.E. Soekanto)