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Indonesia-US ties to trod on, with or without Obama visit
President Barack Obama postponed his visit to Indonesia again as the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico became the worst environmental disaster in US history
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resident Barack Obama postponed his visit to Indonesia again as the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico became the worst environmental disaster in US history. Muslim scholar Azyumardi Azra of the Jakarta State Islamic University (UIN) and politician Bara Hasibuan of the National Mandate Party (PAN) gave their views on how much of an impact the postponement could have on bilateral relations and their opinions on the Israeli raid on a flotilla of ships carrying aid to the Gaza strip.
Azyumardi Azra: While the Obama visit is important, our relationship does not rely solely on
sentimental values. President Yu-dhoyono too studied in the US, so that also adds some sentimental value from this side. There are other factors that are more important, including our commonalities, in this relationship.
Indonesia’s growing economic strength leverages its position on the international level. As the world’s fourth-largest nation and the country with the largest Muslim population, Indonesia is obviously important to Washington, especially considering that the US wants to strengthen democracy in the Muslim world.
I have embarked on a personal mission to create a more conducive space for greater understanding between the people. You may recall the rising anti-American sentiments in the early part of the decade.
The UIN was the first to launch an American corner that allows students to learn more about the US. We need to learn from America. There is a hadits (saying) by the Prophet Muhammad that goes, “seek knowledge, even if you have to go to China”. Why can’t we learn from America?
The rise of transnational Islamic movement is behind the anti-American sentiments. This is why we have to be vigilant against those who will take advantage of the situation with regard to the recent flotilla tragedy for their political objectives.
Obama has been very critical of Israel and we know he had also demanded that Israel freeze the construction of new Jewish settlements in Jerusalem. So he has been tough on Israel and has gone the furthest compared to earlier American presidents. I don’t think he can be any stronger than that.
Bara Hasibuan: The relationship is currently on the right trajectory and Obama’s visit would have spurred that momentum … There is a strong desire on the part of both governments to take the relations to the next level.
President Obama recognizes the need for the United States to engage Asia, including Southeast Asia. He sent State Secretary Hillary Clinton to Jakarta in February 2009 on her first overseas mission and we have seen relations growing in intensity.
Obama hasn’t visited Indonesia, but I don’t think it’s going to have a negative effect. If and when he
does come to Indonesia, he will certainly help to raise Indonesia’s profile in the US, especially if he, as he has promised, comes with his daughters.
This is unprecedented for Indonesia. We will never have another American president who spent his childhood in Indonesia and speaks the language. There are historical and sentimental aspects to the relationship that give some advantages.
Our relationship with the US is increasingly being founded on mutual interests and shared values. Indonesia today is a different country, a vibrant democracy.
The appointment of Dino Pati Djalal (career diplomat and spokesman for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono) as ambassador is one way of keeping up the momentum. He is close to Yudhoyono, has stature, eloquent and speaks good English. We also need our champions in the Capitol Hill, those who will speak for Indonesia’s interests.
On the flotilla tragedy, Obama has gone as far as he could. You cannot expect the US to change its policy with regard to Israel overnight, just as they cannot expect us to change ours. But should our relations be bogged down by this single issue? I don’t think so.
