GOI CAUTIOUS ON US PARTICIPATION IN EAST ASIA

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 JAKARTA 000200 SIPDIS NSC PASS TO DES WALTON E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/15/2020 TAGS: PREL PGOV PINR AMGT ASEAN XC ID SUBJECT: GOI CAUTIOUS ON US PARTICIPATION IN EAST ASIA SUMMIT JAKARTA 00000200 001.2 OF 002 Classified By: Political/Economic Counselor Peter Haas for reasons 1.4( b&d) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: In a February 12 meeting with EAP DAS Scot Marciel, Indonesian Foreign Ministry (KEMLU) Secretary General Imron Cotan conveyed the Indonesian government's (GOI) hesitancy to endorse U.S. participation in the East Asia Summit (EAS) at this time, because of the likelihood that this would lead to interest by other parties such as Russia, and based on the GOI's conviction that EAS should be cultivated in its current configuration before any expansion. Cotan welcomed in principle U.S. interest as an endorsement of EAS viability as a regional organization, and committed to discuss U.S. participation with other ASEAN members. Cotan expressed support for a U.S. Permanent Mission to ASEAN in Jakarta and said that KEMLU would work to help facilitate privileges and immunities for the Mission. End summary. EAST ASIA SUMMIT -------------- ¶2. (C) In a friendly one-hour meeting with KEMLU Secretary General Imron Cotan, Indonesia's Ambassador-Designate to Beijing, EAP Deputy Assistant Secretary Scot Marciel said the U.S. wished to solicit quietly and informally the views of our friends in the region regarding possible U.S. participation in the East Asia Summit (EAS). Cotan responded that Indonesia had anticipated U.S. interest and that KEMLU was discussing the subject of expanding participation in EAS beyond its current "ASEAN 6" (China, Japan, ROK, India, Australia, New Zealand) configuration. Cotan averred that the "general feeling" was that the current configuration of EAS should be stabilized before opening up to new participants. There was no need for others to "join", according to Cotan, since EAS was not an organization per se, but rather a "mechanism" for regional leaders to address certain issues "without strings". ¶3. (C) DAS Marciel noted that other ASEAN member-governments with whom he had consulted responded positively to U.S. interest. Cotan emphasized that the GOI had not taken a definitive position on U.S. participation and would consult with friends in the region. He pointed out that U.S. participation would affect other countries' desire to participate, noting specifically that Russia had accused Indonesia of preventing it from becoming engaged in EAS. ¶4. (C) Citing the Secretary's January 12 speech at the East-West Center, DAS Marciel explained that U.S. interest in exploring engagement with EAS was based on our desire as a Pacific nation to be part of the discussion on regional architecture. Cotan said that he viewed increased U.S. interest as a positive development and an endorsement of EAS as a "serious partner". Even if the U.S. did not become a participant in the EAS in the near term, he suggested, it might be possible as a start for the U.S. to engage as an observer or invited guest. Cotan committed to consider U.S. expressions of interest seriously and make a policy recommendation accordingly. US MISSION TO ASEAN -------------- ¶5. (C) Cotan said increased U.S. attention to ASEAN was welcome and that KEMLU was "elated" about the U.S. intent to open a standalone Permanent Mission to ASEAN and send an JAKARTA 00000200 002.2 OF 002 Ambassador. In reply to DAS Marciel's request for KEMLU assistance in granting privileges and immunities for the new Mission, Cotan said that in general the Mission could expect to enjoy the same privileges and immunities as the U.S. Embassy to Indonesia, and that KEMLU would try to push for a resolution as quickly as possible. ¶6. (U) This message was sent by the Resident Representative of the Ambassador for ASEAN Affairs. DAS Marciel did not have the opportunity to clear this cable. HUME