U.S. envoys

Former U.S. ambassador Robert Gelbard was, I think, not too successful in diplomatic terms. He was too bold with his statements and often intervened openly in Indonesia's internal affairs. Perhaps he was one of those Americans who believed that the U.S. had to play the role of policeman of the world.

People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Amien Rais had nothing but harsh criticism for the U.S. envoy. Following the anti-U.S. demonstrations that were accompanied by burning of the U.S. flag and the effigy of President George Bush, the more vocal masses demanded that Indonesia declare Robert Gelbard "persona non-grata".

Some members of the House of Representatives even proposed the breaking-off of diplomatic ties with the U.S. In other major cities people called for a boycott of U.S.-made goods and U.S. interests. A KFC outlet in Yogyakarta had to be closed down due to what the Germans would call a hetze against everything that smelt American.

Surprisingly, nobody from so many extreme groups came forward with the "original" idea of replacing U.S. dollar banknotes with a more acceptable currency in religious terms and fixing its exchange rate against the Indonesian rupiah at the same time.

The new U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia, Ralph Boyce, is preparing himself to take over Gelbard's mission. He seems to be fearless of anti-U.S. sentiment and its consequences.

Judging from his appearance, Ralph Boyce looks more like a scientist than a government servant or diplomat. It appears that after recent experiences, silence in contemporary Indonesia is more golden. Provided you are not dumb, surely speaking the truth frankly in favor of or against an issue, so long as most Indonesians can bear to hear it, is still recommended for foreign diplomats?

GANDHI SUKARDI

Jakarta