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.