INDONESIAN VIEWS ON ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 JAKARTA 000010

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EAP, EAP/MTS, EAP/MLS, EAP/RSP
NSC FOR J.BADER AND D.WALTON

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/06/2020
TAGS: PREL XB ID
SUBJECT: INDONESIAN VIEWS ON ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL
ARCHITECTURE

REF: A. 09 JAKARTA 2071

B. 09 JAKARTA 1685

Classified By: Ambassador Cameron R. Hume, reasons 1.4 (b+d).


1. (C) SUMMARY: Indonesia has long played a key role in the
development of Asia-Pacific regional institutions and will
remain an important partner for the United States as these
institutions evolve. While they do not seek to balance China
in a zero-sum manner, Indonesian leaders do worry that
China's rise could disrupt balanced relationships in Asia.
Given the fluidity and change in the region, Indonesian
officials caution against creating institutions that might
become quickly outdated. Indonesia favors a flexible and
pragmatic approach that favors open and inclusive regional
structures. Given its membership in the G-20, Indonesia also
looks to play a global as well as a regional role. END
SUMMARY.

A KEY REGIONAL PARTNER


2. (C) Indonesia has long advocated the creation of open and
inclusive Asia-Pacific institutions that are favorable to U.

S. interests as well as its own. Indonesia was one of the
founding members of APEC and GOI officials have regularly
supported strengthening that key trans-Pacific institution.
In the lead-up to the 2005 East Asia Summit, Indonesia
pressed for inclusion of countries beyond east Asia,
particularly the United States, India, Australia and New
Zealand. Indonesian officials have regularly told us that
they want the United States to be an active participant in
institutions in the Asia-Pacific region.


3. (C) Concern over China's potential to dominate the region
influences Indonesia's approach (Ref B). Indonesian leaders
welcome a productive relationship with Beijing, particularly
on the economic front. However, they worry that China's rise
could too easily upset the regional order. They do not see
U.S. and Chinese involvement in regional institutions as a
zero-sum game. However, senior GOI officials frequently tell
their American interlocutors that a strong U.S. presence is
essential to maintain "balanced relationships" in the region.


A NOTE OF CAUTION


4. (C) Senior Indonesian officials counsel against
committing too firmly to any fixed regional institutions lest
the fluidity of the region quickly render it obsolete (Ref
B). GOI officials continue to study Japan's proposed East
Asia Community and Australia's idea for an Asia-Pacific
Community. However, they remain unconvinced that either of
these proposals will serve the region well in the long-term.
GOI officials are clear in their wariness toward narrowly
"Asian only" structures.

WORKING WITH WHAT EXISTS


5. (C) Indonesian officials continue to underscore the
importance of working with ASEAN. As ASEAN's largest member,
Indonesia is increasingly stepping up to lead that
organization. Indonesia pressed for inclusion of language
enshrining human rights and democracy in the ASEAN Charter
and is a key advocate for these values as the Charter's
implementation moves forward. Indonesian officials also
believe that the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) remains a key
venue for discussion of Asian strategic issues.


6. (C) While they value ASEAN, Indonesian officials are
realistic about its limitations. They are increasingly
frustrated with ASEAN's consensus-based decision making.
This, many Indonesians feel, constrains Jakarta's ability to
shape the organization. That said, Indonesia has welcomed
the United States' accession to the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and
Cooperation and regularly deepening American involvement with
ASEAN.


7. (C) Indonesia also looks to institutions beyond the
Asia-Pacific region, particularly the G-20. Membership in
that select group has given Indonesia heightened confidence
to play a leadership role on a global as well as a regional
stage. President Yudhoyono's commitments to limit
Indonesia's greenhouse gas emissions represents one example
of his interest to lead developing countries on climate
change. Indonesian officials also hope that the G-20 may

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become the key venue for addressing global issues beyond the
economic realm.

ULTIMATELY PRAGMATIC


8. (C) Indonesian leaders are ultimately pragmatic about
regional and global institutions. They will continue to work
within ASEAN to promote regional economic integration and
press for democratic reform in Burma. They will remain
skeptical of any new regional intuitions unless these can
provide tangible benefits. They will increasingly use the
G-20 as a venue to exercise leadership beyond Asia. In both
Asia-Pacific and global institutions, Indonesians welcome
strong U.S. participation. Given that, and our increasing
commonality of interests with the world's third largest
democracy, United States-Indonesia cooperation on regional
issues will be of continuing value.

HUME