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Indonesian anger builds against US

Source
New York Times - October 31, 2000

Calvin Sims, Jakarta – Relations between the United States and Indonesia have deteriorated rapidly after a series of high-profile disputes between the American ambassador and officials and lawmakers, who have accused the US of meddling.

Apparently as a result, protests and threats against American citizens, companies and operations are on the rise in this country, which has the world's fourth-largest population and the largest Muslim population.

Fearing what it called a credible threat of attack, the US embassy in Jakarta has closed its doors for the foreseeable future. Ambassador Robert Gelbard is under heavy guard after death threats and calls by Indonesian lawmakers for his removal.

For many Indonesians, the rupture in the traditionally friendly relations can be traced to Mr Gelbard who, since assuming his post last year, has been an outspoken critic of corruption and what he sees as the government's slow economic and social reform.

A spokesman said the embassy was "deeply disappointed by the actions of senior Indonesian Government officials, who seem determined to create a rift in an otherwise historically strong bilateral relationship".

Indonesia is heavily dependent on the US for aid, trade and investment. The US provided about $US130 million in aid for fiscal 2000, and in the first half of this year it surpassed Japan as the leading market for Indonesia's non-oil exports. American mining, energy, and apparel companies have huge investments here.

About 8000 Americans live in Indonesia. Now the State Department has advised them to keep a low profile. The US embassy said that its consular and visa services, which were hastily closed last week, would not reopen as scheduled yesterday.

In recent weeks, the embassy has been the scene of angry protest. On Sunday, about 100 young men from radical Muslim groups stalked through the major hotels of Solo, in central Java, searching for Americans. Yatno, an employee of the Novotel Solo Hotel, said the young men, dressed in white robes, demanded to see a guest list. When the manager refused, the group distributed leaflets demanding that all Americans leave Indonesia within 48 hours and warning hotels not to accept Americans as guests.

Kalono, leader of the Lazkar Jundullah, one of the radical Muslim groups, told the Detikcom local news service that his organisation had evidence that Americans had been instigating religious and separatist violence and unrest.

"We will conduct sweeps through the hotels at least once a week," Kalono was quoted as saying. "If we find any Americans, we take firm action against them." The group also demanded that Mr Gelbard be replaced as ambassador. Mr Gelbard has criticised Indonesia for failing to bring its military under greater civilian control and disarm militia gangs.

Last week, Foreign Minister Alwi Shihab said he had summoned Mr Gelbard to clarify reports that the ambassador had tried to influence the appointment of a new army chief, a charge the embassy denied.

"He should learn about the psychology of Indonesians," Mr Shihab said. "Though he might have good intentions, if he doesn't understand the culture, it could be misinterpreted." While Indonesians have been quick to denounce Mr Gelbard, few have been willing to criticise their own colleagues, who in recent weeks have made seemingly groundless accusations against the US.

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