Washington should mind its own business

A United States congressman delivered a strong message to Indonesia a few months ago. Now Indonesia has sent back an even stronger message to Washington by canceling an order for U.S. jets.

President Soeharto cited Congressman Patrick Kennedy's criticism of Jakarta's human rights record on East Timor when informing U.S. President Bill Clinton of the decision. He also turned down an offer of U.S. military training. No one disputes that Mr. Kennedy has every right to visit East Timor. He also has every right to criticize Indonesia's human rights record. But there is a difference between criticism and direct interference. When congressmen go into a country and start to encourage one political camp or another, that constitutes interference.

A lot of countries, including China and India, have accused Washington of interfering in their internal affairs. The leaders of these countries appreciate that the U.S. has a certain role to play in maintaining stability in this region. But this does not give Washington the right to tell other governments how to run their own countries and what values they should adopt or give emphasis to.

Meanwhile, the relationship between Washington and countries such as Indonesia has taken on a new look.

Third World nations no longer tremble when the United States threatens to use economic sanctions. Now the boot is on the other foot. Because of their growing economic strength, some of these countries can use economic weapons such as investment aid and trade against Washington. There are also many other sources for arms purchases available to them than there were during the Cold War era.

With this in mind, Mr. Soeharto has told Washington, in effect: We still want to maintain good relations with you. But please butt out of our internal affairs.

-- The Hong Kong Standard