Trade yes, aid no

Indonesia's decision to cancel its purchase of F-16 fighter aircraft from the U.S. is appropriate. The same goes for Jakarta's discontinuation of aid from Washington in the form of the Extended International Military Education and Training program (E-IMET). By taking these measures, the rocks that are in the way of maintaining smooth relations between Indonesia and the United States can be removed.

Perhaps Jakarta should also consider rejecting American military assistance, which at present amounts to about US$26 million a year. This aid can also be easily used by anti- Indonesia elements in the United States to becloud relations between the two countries. If necessary, it would also be advisable to consider rejecting American aid through the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI), whose amount is insignificant.

By adopting such an attitude, Indonesia would be spared from becoming the target of campaigns by anti-Indonesia elements who usually conduct their acts behind a screen of human rights concerns. All too often, this country has been the victim of assaults by ignorant people wishing to feel good, rather than do good.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta