Overseas lobbies are needed

It seems that the voices of criticism aimed at Indonesia are increasing in the United States Congress, with members, from House of Representatives Chairman Newt Gingrich to politicians such as Senator Pacheco joining in the chorus. American foreign policy is no longer an element of that country's "federal policy" only. Instead, each state has the autonomy to act on its own.

The good thing about this new phenomenon in the U.S. is that we must be ready from now on to anticipate political developments in each individual state. This ability to anticipate can be established by using local lobbies in the various important political institutions, including senators, House members and members of the executive, and, naturally, also the local and national press.

Our vanguard consists of our foreign ministry diplomats. However, the job of maintaining lobbies does not belong to diplomats only, but to all of us. For this to be effective, a strategy is needed, as are planning, funds and other means. We should not be lazy in executing this big undertaking.

-- Kompas, Jakarta