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fluidity and change in the region, Indonesian officials caution against creating institutions that might become quickly outdated.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 JAKARTA 00000010 002 OF 002 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