Susilo and U.S. ties

Susilo and U.S. ties

Though Indonesian lay opinion of the United States remains hostile, relations at government level are at their most stable after a dizzy run of four presidents following Soeharto's fall. This is evident in the good vibes President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is receiving on his Washington visit. The U.S. military's humanitarian contributions in Sumatra after the tsunami struck last year brought a definitive change in Jakarta's attitudes. But it has mainly been Susilo's attempts at accountable governance and professionalising of the military that have made Washington reassess an important relationship. This linkage is central to Southeast Asia's cohesiveness.

As the region's security depends on a coordinated approach against organised terror and better logistics and firepower in keeping the Malacca Strait safe for global commerce, U.S. willingness to resume full military collaboration with Indonesia is a necessary step.

Susilo received only an undertaking from his host, President George W. Bush, that full restoration and weapons sales will resume upon certain investigations being concluded. The U.S. can be less rigid here. A judicial accounting done to its satisfaction cannot be assured, partly for political reasons and partly cultural. If Jakarta is showing earnestness in purging the military of wrong-headed ideologies, the U.S. should be looking at the larger picture of strengthening Indonesian capability to advance the region's stability.

For all its energy wealth, Indonesia has become a net oil importer. A revitalised energy sector feeding on foreign money and technology is a large part of his programme to create jobs and raise incomes. It remains for his government to show U.S. congressional doubters and businessmen that legal safeguards and the anti-corruption drive are sufficiently conducive to foreign funds. On balance, his growing cosiness with the U.S. will come at some risk to his support base. But opposition can be muted if he gets his investment strategies right. It will benefit the U.S. to help this president achieve his social goals. -- The Straits Times, Singapore