Powell's visit smooths edges on U.S.--RI ties

Powell's visit smooths edges on U.S.--RI ties

East-West Center, Honolulu, Hawaii

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell's visit to Jakarta, albeit a
one-day whirlwind, has brought the much-needed balm of
personal diplomacy to a delicate and, in recent months, edgy
relationship between the two governments, an East-West Center
specialist on Indonesia said.

"The visit comes after nine months of misread signals and
missed cues, underlining the importance of regular face-to-face,
high-level dialog between the United States and the world's
largest Muslim country," Richard Baker said.

A week after the Sept. 11 attacks, President Soekarnoputri
Megawati visited President George Bush in the White House and
publicly declared her condemnation of terrorism.

On her return to Jakarta, however, she faced mixed views
within her own government as well as strident anti-American
agitation from radical voices in the Islamic community.

When the United States attacked Afghanistan, Megawati sought
political shelter in a broad statement opposing the use of force
for any purpose in interstate relations.

Baker noted that this apparent shift led Bush to pass up an
opportunity, reportedly sought by Megawati, for a further meeting
during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering in
Shanghai in November.

Early this year U.S. news reports quoted unnamed officials
saying Indonesia might be the next target for U.S. counter-
terrorism action, predictably offending staunch Indonesian
nationalists. Disclaimers by senior U.S. officials such as Deputy
Defense Secretary and former U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Paul
Wolfowitz, just as predictably, could not undo the damage, Baker
said.

"Secretary Powell is wisely taking the time to meet with some
of Indonesia's top Islamic leaders, extending the discussion
directly into this major Indonesian community," Baker said.

"These meetings will not resolve all the differences but can
keep them from overshadowing the more important areas of
agreement and common interests."

The timing of Powell's visit is also auspicious, Baker noted.
He arrived directly from meetings with Association of Southeast
Asian Nations (ASEAN) counterparts in Brunei and the signing of a
U.S.-ASEAN anti-terrorism declaration.

Also this week the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee
approved anti-terrorism assistance and training for the
Indonesian military, lifting some of the restrictions imposed
against it due to human-rights concerns.

"Powell's meetings in Jakarta can help project a more accurate
picture of the relationship between the two governments, of U.S
support for Indonesia's territorial integrity, democratic
consolidation and economic recovery," Baker said.

"It can also demonstrate understanding of the country's
complicated internal politics, and the quiet but growing
cooperation between the two governments on terrorism and other
problems."

Baker added that differences remain in the relationship,
especially over the extent that Indonesia has brought
accountability to its security establishment. "But in the context
of the broader dialog and of new joint-efforts, the differences
and constraints on both sides can be put into perspective and be
more effectively managed."