CODEL PAYNE MEETS INDONESIAN PRESIDENT YUDHOYONO

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 JAKARTA 001845 SIPDIS SIPDIS H FOR RICH E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV EAID KDEM ID SUBJECT: CODEL PAYNE MEETS INDONESIAN PRESIDENT YUDHOYONO REF: JAKARTA 1759 JAKARTA 00001845 001.2 OF 002 ¶1. SUMMARY: In a cordial 45 minute meeting on July 5, Congressman Donald Payne (D-NJ) and President Yudhoyono agreed on the need to build the capacity of the Indonesian Parliament. Congressmen Payne, David Dreier (R-CA) and James Moran (D-VA),who were in Jakarta for two days of meetings with the DPR under the aegis of the House Democracy Action Committee, praised the President for Indonesia's democratic progress and assured him of strong U.S. support. President SBY said his goal was to make Indonesia a model of Islam, democracy and modernity in harmony. Congressman Moran raised the need for accountability for past human rights abuses by security forces and Congressman Payne stressed the need for Jakarta to support the people of Papua. Congressman Drier praised Indonesia's support for UNSCR 1747 on Iran and urged continued support. President SBY described Indonesia's efforts to bring about Palestinian reconciliation and reiterated GOI support for a "two state" solution to the Israel-Palestinian dispute. SBY also praised Washington's decision to engage with Iran on Iraqi security. END SUMMARY. Yudhoyono vision -------------- ¶2. President Yudhoyono (SBY) described for the Congressmen the challenges that Indonesia faces during this period of transformation and reform. He is trying to make Indonesia a model for the world, demonstrating that Islam, democracy and modernity can live in harmony. Jakarta remains committed to resolving regional issues in Papua, Aceh and Ambon via democratic means. His biggest challenge is how to reduce poverty and create jobs. President SBY praised the U.S. as a "critical partner," noting the growing regional influence of China and India and thanked the Congressmen for American assistance in times of crisis and in normal times. Congressmen Stress Capacity Building -------------- ¶3. Congressman Payne praised Indonesia's democratic progress and pledged that we would remain a close bilateral partner. He described briefly the role of the House Democratic Action Committee (HDAC) in assisting the parliaments of emerging democracies and cited Indonesia's Parliament (DPR) as an ideal partner. Congressman Dreier recommended that additional staff and budget for DPR could help inform DPR members and improve the level of the debate in the DPR on Iran and other issues. Congressman Moran added that increased staffing in the President's office, including via a National Security Council, might be helpful. The President noted that "freedom is everywhere" in Indonesia now, but that capacity has not been able to keep up. SBY readily agreed that improved DPR training and staffing was necessary. Accountability and Papua -------------- ¶4. Congressman Moran praised President SBY as a reform leader and welcomed his commitment to lead Indonesia to a democratic and prosperous future. Acknowledging that democracy cannot happen overnight, the Congressman stressed the need for Indonesia to hold its security forces accountable for the human rights abuses of the past. SBY assured the Congressman that he remained committed to TNI reform as part of his overall reform agenda. In that regard, SBY stressed that Indonesia needed to do more to attract foreign direct investment. Congressman Dreier interjected that the WTO and conclusion of the Doha Round would help the economies of Indonesia and the developing world. Congressman Payne sought and received the President's assurance that he remained committed to improving the lives of the people of Papua. Iran and the Middle East -------------- Congressman Dreier praised Indonesia's vote in favor of UNSCR 1747 on Iran and requested continued support on subsequent resolutions. The President made no commitment, but described the difficult domestic context of the issue. He recounted how he was taking unwarranted criticism in the DPR for "caving in to U.S. pressure," over the vote. This was an example of how a better informed and more capable DPR would help raise the level of debate in Indonesia on crucial international issues. As the meeting was breaking up, SBY JAKARTA 00001845 002.2 OF 002 expressed concern about recent development in Gaza and urged Washington to do what we could to cool tensions. He reiterated GOI support for a "two state" solution. Congressman Payne welcomed that position and urged Indonesia as a moderate Islamic majority democracy to try to use its influence with the Palestinians. Finally, the President welcomed recent meetings between U.S. and Iranian officials on Iraqi security. HUME