Visit of U/S Burns and Three Aspects of a

UNCLAS JAKARTA 001971 SENSITIVE SIPDIS FROM AMB HUME TO U/S BURNS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL ECON ID SUBJECT: Visit of U/S Burns and Three Aspects of a Turning Point for Bilateral Relations SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED -- PLEASE HANDLE ACCORDINGLY ¶1. (SBU) Your visit will be only the second opportunity this year for high-level, in-depth discussion of the bilateral relationship. Since the Secretary's visit in February significant progress has been made in such fields as education, counter- terrorism, science and technology, and people-to- people exchanges. Our scene-setter describes that progress well. This message briefly describes three aspects of the relationship that provide the context for everything we do on specific issues. ¶2. (SBU) The relationship suffers from inadequate trust on both sides. The 1990s were a difficult period. The U.S. side terminated military cooperation because of human rights violations, which then got even worse in the tumult that accompanied the end of the Soeharto government and the independence of East Timor. The USG stood aside when Indonesia faced the Asian currency crisis in 1998. As Indonesian democracy took its first steps, we had adequate reasons to put little faith in the future here. As a consequence the security relationship suffered, business investment stalled, and people-to people ties dropped off. Although the relationship is now enjoying a springtime, there are still too few Americans stepping up their activities and too many Indonesians who wonder if the USG should be counted on as a long-term partner. Rebuilding trust is necessarily an effort that takes time. ¶3. (SBU) The second challenge is that both sides want to change the character of the relationship from patron (or donor) to client into a real partnership. But the bureaucratic habits on both sides resist change. We tend to ask how to judge or reward Indonesia, and often we design programs first and inform the Indonesians later. Indonesians may try to imagine how to work with us in Afghanistan or to collaborate on climate issues, but the long-standing bureaucratic habit is to wait to hear what programs we bring from Washington. However, to create a real partnership we need bilateral accomplishments rather than unilateral deliverables to characterize high- level visits. As with trust, changing this relationship into a partnership is a challenge for both sides. ¶4. (SBU) The third challenge is although we both know that the Cold War and the "unilateral moment" are past, neither side has a clear picture how the structures of international relations will evolve. Surely such change brings opportunity. For example, Indonesian membership in the G-20 provides an opportunity for Indonesia to distance itself from Non- Aligned, Third World posturing and to develop a habit of responsible, pragmatic leadership. SBY?s work on climate change and our strong cooperation on counter- terrorism are both good indications. We also have a bundle of initiatives in the fields of education, health, and science and technology that aim to foster a culture of intellectual rigor, openness to sharing knowledge, and cooperation. Such a culture could displace the nationalistic and ill-informed responses that limit Indonesia's appeal as a partner. Working together can have a real impact on how Indonesia defines its role in the 21st century. ¶5. (SBU) Your staff and Embassy Jakarta have put together a good program for your visit; the Indonesians are looking forward to your discussions; and, there are good odds this becomes an important milestone in bilateral relations. HUME