RI-U.S. relations

A bright and successful U.S. ambassador once compared Indonesia with the Philippines. He said that the people of the Philippines asked for American intervention. Indonesia, on the other, hand totally rejected any foreign intervention.

That comment has once again come to mind. In the wake of the July 27 upheaval in Jakarta, some Americans have made critical remarks against the Indonesian government.

As a self-confident nation we can accept the reality that changes are taking place. Relations between nations, for example, have become much more interdependent and much more intensive. Economic and technological interdependence, for example, have their affect on relations in the field of security and politics. Every nation maintains it own identity and its national objectives, which are shaped by history. At the same time, their views, values and humanitarian responsibilities are assuming a more shared character.

Departing from this reality of interdependence and common accord, we are of the view that in every field all nations must progress side by side. Because of this, discretion and a proper approach are things that still have to be considered in the social exchange and in the conveyance of well-meant criticism among nations.

Those problems are likely to continue to affect Indonesian- American relations in the days that are to come.

-- Kompas, Jakarta