Trade yes, aid no

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