Abdul Khalik, Jakarta – The United States deems supporting democratization in Indonesia a priority, and whoever wins the American presidency will consider the Southeast Asian country an important partner, a US congressman says.
"There is no difference between the American political parties and presidential candidates on the importance of this Indonesian relationship," David Price, who heads a six-member US Congress delegation here, told reporters after a meeting with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the Presidential Office on Tuesday.
Price said both US Republicans and Democrats as well as their presidential candidates realized the importance of the US supporting democracy in Indonesia and committing to a solid partnership.
The six Congressmen are grouped under the House Democracy Assistance Commission (HDAC). They are visiting Indonesia to foster partnership with Indonesian House of Representatives members in line with the HDAC goal of empowering lawmakers in selected partner countries.
Earlier in the day, they met with the House's leading figures and signed an agreement on the continuation of the partnership.
"We know very well that while democracy requires free and fair elections, what happens between elections is equally important. And we're committed to the development of strong and responsive legislative institutions to link government to the people, and make sure that government is responsive to all the people's needs," Price said.
During the meeting, Yudhoyono expressed his commitment to democratization and vowed to enhance democratic partnership with the US.
"Indonesia has transformed itself into one of the world's biggest democracies in the last several years, and achieved a point of no return in the process," Yudhoyono said through his spokesman Dino Patti Djalal.
Price, however, said Indonesia was still dealing with obstacles to achieving full democracy, with the questions of civilian control over the military and human rights violations lingering on.
"We know that those problems are still being addressed. But there's no question that the progress toward democracy and realization of human rights are indeed irreversible. But the work of democracy is never done, and we know that in our country, believe me. And we're committed to walking this path with you," he said.
Price said President Yudhoyono had no doubt Indonesian progress toward democracy would continue.
The Congressmen and the President also discussed international issues, including problems in Myanmar, Lebanon and Darfur.
"The President conveyed his view that Indonesia supported Myanmar's plans for referendum and general election as long as the process is transparent and inclusive for groups outside the government," Dino said.
Price described his dialogue with Yudhoyono on Myanmar as "productive", stressing the country's need for a specific approach to overcome its problems.
HDAC is a bipartisan commission of the US House of Representatives. It campaigns for responsive and effective government and strengthening democratic institutions in emerging democracies.