USAID committed to democratization in RI: Envoy
USAID committed to democratization in RI: Envoy
Fabiola Desy Unidjaja
The Jakarta Post
Jakarta
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
renewed its commitment on Thursday to support the democratization
process in Indonesia, especially ahead of the 2004 elections.
The USAID assistant administrator of the Bureau for Asia and
the Near East, Wendy J. Chamberlin, said the democratization
process remained a priority for the agency
"It is quite natural that we work together in the area of
counterterrorism, but we are just as committed in strengthening
democracy in Indonesia," Chamberlin told The Jakarta Post here on
Thursday.
"The way for you to counter terrorism is by building a strong
and transparent government and democratic society," she said.
Several non-governmental organizations here had complained
about receiving less financial aid from USAID following the
terrorist attacks in New York and Washington on Sept. 11, 2001.
They accused the United States of paying too much attention to
the antiterrorism drive and forgetting about democracy in
Indonesia.
Chamberlin, however, refuted the claim, saying democracy had
taken root in Indonesia slowly.
Earlier this week, Chamberlin signed an assistance agreement
worth US$24 million for the 2004 elections, a slight decrease
from the $30 million for the 1999 elections.
The funds were part of $162 million provided yearly for
Indonesia, which, according to Chamberlin, was the largest amount
given to countries in Southeast Asia.
The aid will be used to support capacity building for
political parties, the General Elections Commission (KPU) and the
House of Representative.
USAID mission director in Indonesia William M. Frej said the
decreased assistance was due to the fact that Indonesia had shown
great improvement in dealing with elections.
"The real reason is the capacity of Indonesians has
dramatically increased; Indonesia is now capable of organizing a
free and fair election," Frej said.
"We continue to provide the support because it is a much
larger election and many persons will be involved in the
procedures," he remarked.
Frej noted that in 1999, the U.S. provided a larger amount
because the election was a substantial move for the country,
after the reform movement kicked off in 1998.
"Now, Indonesians firmly believe they have a stronger position
in moving along with the 2004 election," Frej stressed.
The agency will also focus on supporting independent
monitoring teams to ensure a free and fair election in 2004.
Frej said there would be thousands of Indonesians involved in
monitoring the elections.