Time to mend ties

Time to mend ties

Relations between Indonesia and the United States took an odd
turn (Wednesday). Jakarta demonstrators protested in favor of
reopening the U.S. embassy rather than closing it but this didn't
restore normal ties between old friends who aren't getting along
these days. Indications are that things will get worse for some
time.

This is regrettable, especially as they have no serious
disputes of substance. The U.S. has been Indonesia's best foreign
friend since President Suharto took over in the 1960s and began
trying to bring economic order to a distressed nation. Washington
may have stayed too close to the general in later, more corrupt
years, but it strongly supports Indonesia's current free market
and democratic policies.

Beyond that, the U.S. is the largest foreign investor in the
country, and plays a leading role in international agencies which
send vital aid. There also are important links in such areas as
education. Across the board, Jakarta needs the U.S. connection,
while America believes a stable, united and prospering Indonesia
meets its own security interests.

But frustrations interfere. Americans complain that Jakarta
moves too slowly on economic reform, fighting corruption and
resolving East Timor problems. Their ambassador, Robert Gelbard,
says so bluntly in a Javanese-dominated society given to
indirection and consensus. Muslim activists want the U.S. to get
tougher on Israel, and to stop "meddling" in Indonesian affairs.
Mr. Gelbard calls this "hysteria".

Whatever the causes, the disputes can bring only harm. Before
emotional bickering can turn into substantive arguments about
real things such as trade and investment the two sides must
find ways to restore the more cordial mood of the recent past.

-- The South China Morning Post, Hong Kong