U.S. to give $18m for 2004 vote

JAKARTA: The U.S. government will give US$18 million (Rp 148 billion) to help Indonesia carry out its 2004 national elections.

The U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Ralph L. Boyce said on Tuesday that the $18 million was part of U.S. government aid to Indonesia this year which totals $130 million. Most of the money is used to strengthen Indonesia's democracy, he added.

The funds will be used to finance the work of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), improvements with regional autonomy and the civic education, including the strengthening of the curriculum at Muslim institutions.

Other areas that will also be covered by the funds are overseas education provided to the bright Indonesians and the publication of books and other publications to foster democracy in Indonesia, Boyce said.

He stressed that the aid did not mean the U.S. government wanted something in return.

"We respect the Indonesian political system, and we don't want to impose our system on Indonesia," said Boyce. -- JP