Indonesia-U.S. ties
Indonesia-U.S. ties
Indonesia has taken a lot of criticism from its foreign
friends in recent years, not the least from the United States,
which is undoubtedly one of its most important trading partners.
Some criticism was valid and some was not, but it was accepted,
or at least heard, nevertheless.
But anyone familiar with Indonesia's foreign policy since the
republic's inception knows that Indonesia draws the line
somewhere, that is when friends start meddling in its domestic
affairs. This, along with mutual respect and reciprocal benefits,
is one of the most sacred principles guiding our international
relations, and one which we expect our friends will respect.
The U.S. Congress, not the administration of President Bill
Clinton, has crossed that line. This is the reason behind the
letter that President Soeharto wrote to Clinton recently. In the
letter, the content of which was disclosed by Minister of Foreign
Affairs Ali Alatas yesterday, Soeharto said Indonesia was
withdrawing its participation in the extended International
Military and Education Training (IMET) program, and canceling its
plan to purchase nine F-16 fighter planes.
Some Congress members recently attempted to link their
criticism of Indonesia to the IMET program and the F-16 deal.
While American politicians have every right to their criticism,
any attempt to attach strings to American assistance or sales to
Indonesia is a violation of the principle of non-interference in
the domestic affairs of another country.
Anyone with a basic understanding of American politics knows
that issues are raised and shelved in Congress based on how they
would affect the politicians' standing, and less on rational
principles. Foreign policy issues are particularly convenient
targets, because, while they could win more votes, they are
unlikely to cause them to lose votes.
Soeharto's decision reflects foresight, if not wisdom.
It is designed to preserve the good relations that have
developed between the two countries. Criticism from the other
side of the Pacific has become louder in recent years, but the
overall ties have blossomed. This is a sign that our relationship
is maturing and we are both able to look at problems that crop up
in their proper perspective and their right proportion.
The IMET program and F-16 sales had become irritants that had
the potential to disrupt relations between Indonesia and the
United States. By removing these irritants, it is hoped the
Clinton administration will no longer be saddled by these two
issues when dealing with Indonesia. They are certainly no longer
in the equation of the overall relations between the two
countries.
President Soeharto's decision still came as a major surprise
for it is unprecedented. One certainly cannot compare it to
president Sukarno's emotionally charged famous phrase "go to hell
with your aid" to the United States in the 1960s because the
circumstances are different. Nor can we compare it to the
Indonesian government's decision to reject further Dutch
assistance in 1992 because relations then were already strained.
Judging by the blossoming trade and investment, relations with
the United States are probably at their best now and there is no
reason why they should deteriorate with this latest turn of
events. If it is any indication, Indonesia's trade relations with
the Netherlands flourished after the irritant -- Dutch aid -- was
removed from the equation.
There will be a price to pay for this decision though.
Indonesia will continue to send its military officers for
training to the United States, but will pay its own way, and
Indonesia will have to look at other suppliers to beef up its Air
Force's strength. The United States too will have to find new
buyers for the F-16 planes. But this is a small price to pay, and
it will certainly be worth it in the long-term interest of
maintaining and strengthening good relations.