U.S. envoys

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