LIAISON OFFICERS REACH ACROSS INDONESIA

UNCLAS JAKARTA 002947 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP/MTS AND EAP/PD SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV KPAO ECON CMGT APER ID SUBJECT: LIAISON OFFICERS REACH ACROSS INDONESIA ¶1. SUMMARY: Embassy Jakarta launched a liaison officer (LO) program to key strategic areas in Indonesia: Yogyakarta, Kalimantan, Semarang and Papua. Two person teams of entry level officers and officers with content area expertise were designated as the Embassy's primary representatives to these areas. After their initial visits in late September and early October 2007, LOs reported great local interest in developing stronger ties with the U.S. Embassy on numerous issues, including economic development, trade, environmental preservation, educational enrichment, mutual understanding, security and consular services. LOs said the program is developing their skill sets and allowing for a wider range of professional experience. End summary. INCREASING ACCESS AND UNDERSTANDING -------------- ¶2. The program envisions increasing local leaders' access to the Embassy and increasing the Embassy's capacity to carry out Mission objectives across Indonesia. The primary goals of the LO program are: to further the Embassy's knowledge of the target areas, develop a network of leaders and future leaders, increase public diplomacy outreach, coordinate other Embassy visits and provide professional development opportunities for the officers involved. These officers provide a valuable service to the Embassy in covering regions of the country that had previously been covered by the consulate in Surabaya (Yogyakarta and Semarang) or received less coverage due to distance (Kalimantan and Papua). ¶3. Currently, the entry level participants are all first tour consular officers and their partner LOs are more experienced officers from the public affairs, economic and political sections. Benefits to consular officers include greater opportunities for developing contacts, networking, public speaking, writing reporting cables, collaborating with other Embassy components and learning about resources and programs of public and private U.S. organizations. Greater familiarity with these regions will improve the quality of visa adjudication for residents of these areas and establish more regular contact with American citizens for consular services. Additionally, LOs from other sections use this program to build their expertise in designated regions and in content areas within their respective portfolios. ENVIRONMENT DOMINATES THE AGENDA IN KALIMANTAN -------------- - ¶4. Kalimantan LOs focused their initial trip on environmental issues in the northeast region of the island. Local government officials and NGO representatives introduced them to a number of the area's successful marine preservation projects that included conservation education, turtle nesting habitat conservation, aquaculture and ecotourism. Local environmental NGOs asked for assistance in finding and creating ties with U.S. NGOs that share common goals. LOs voiced support for local efforts to conserve natural resources at an event attended by approximately 35 NGO members, local officials and press. EDUCATION AND AID ARE TOP PRIORITIES IN YOGYAKARTA -------------- -------------- ¶5. Yogyakarta LOs reached out to universities and NGOs on educational issues and disaster relief. They met with a small group of university officials and student leaders at Sanata Dharma University and discussed a wide range of topics from U.S. student visas to American culture. They discussed possible areas of cooperation, including an exchange program with a U.S. university. LOs learned about the role of U.S. affiliated organizations in local relief efforts, including Rotary Club's reconstruction assistance to earthquake damaged areas. BUSINESS AND EDUCATION HIGH ON THE LIST IN SEMARANG -------------- -------------- ¶6. Semarang LOs concentrated their attention on the business and educational sectors. Local government and business leaders asked for assistance with developing their tourism industry and trade capacity, particularly in terms of food, furniture and textile exports. They, along with university representatives, asked about forming links with U.S. institutions, for example, through the Sister Cities program and university partnerships. LOs visited the American Corner at the Walisongo Semarang State Islamic University and met with English Club students regarding topics for future programs. LOs also toured the Tanjung Emas Port and viewed security upgrades made in response to U.S. Coast Guard inspections. PAPUA -------------- ¶7. In November 2007 LOs will accompany the Ambassador to visit Jayapura, Papua Province and the surrounding area, as well as tour the PT Freeport Indonesia gold and copper mine. U.S. EMBASSY OUTREACH IS ON THE RISE -------------- ¶8. LOs are following up on possible areas of cooperation between local officials and the Embassy or other U.S. institutions. They will maintain communication with their counterparts in the designated areas and plan regular visits every three to four months. Future trips will include significant public diplomacy outreach, including programs geared towards university students and consular issues. HUME