RESPONSE NEEDED: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AGREEMENT DRAFT

UNCLAS JAKARTA 001078 SIPDIS DEPT FOR OES PDAS RENO HARNISH AND EAP/MTS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MARR PGOV PREL TPHY ID SUBJECT: RESPONSE NEEDED: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AGREEMENT DRAFT REF: A. Jakarta 300 B. State 14561 ¶1. (U) This is an action request, please see paragraph 5. ¶2. (SBU) On February 20, 2009, Post passed the draft U.S.-Indonesia Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation to the Government of Indonesia (GOI),following up on Secretary Clinton's February 18 promise to Foreign Minister Wirayuda. The Indonesians demonstrated exceptional interest and commitment to completing this agreement by holding three consecutive weekly interagency meetings. The GOI provided formal comments on March 20, 2009, just four weeks after receiving the draft. Such speed is not customary. ¶3. (SBU) The U.S. side has now had three months to consider Indonesian comments-three times longer than the Indonesians used to provide their comments. Further delay by the U.S. side may inadvertently suggest to the Indonesians that the United States is not serious about the agreement. ¶4. (SBU) The window of opportunity for completing the Science and Technology Agreement may be rapidly closing. Minister of Research and Technology Kusmayanto Kadiman's staff told us that the Minister wants to complete this agreement as part of his legacy before he finishes his term in October. The GOI will slow down during Ramadan (August 20 through September 21),further reducing the time available to complete negotiations. Our supporters within Indonesian governmental institutions are prepared to move quickly and are anxious to expedite review but need our response. We do not want to see the Science and Technology Agreement become a lost opportunity. ¶5. (U) Action Request: Post requests Washington provide an immediate response to the GOI's comments on the draft Science and Technology Agreement. Post also requests that Washington send a team with negotiating authority to Indonesia to work through remaining concerns. Post appreciates Washington's support of science and technology engagement with Indonesia. HUME