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