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U.S. Warns of Instability if Indonesia Turmoil Continues
WASHINGTON, July 18 (News Agencies) - The U.S. government warned
Wednesday of dire consequences if ethnic and political turmoil overwhelms Indonesia, as President Abdurrahman Wahid battled to hang on to power in Jakarta.
"Instability in the world's fourth most populous nation would threaten not only Indonesia's immediate neighbors, but also our strategic and regional interests," said Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Ralph Boyce.
"Fragmentation of the Indonesian state would, of course, be a disaster for regional stability," Boyce told members of the East Asia and the Pacific subcommittee of the House International Relations Committee.
But despite his warnings, Boyce admitted that Washington could do little to ensure the survival of the Muslim country's fledgling democracy.
"We must recognize that our ability, or that of any outside actor, to influence events in Indonesia is limited," said Boyce, who nevertheless added that despite problems, the country's democracy and society was making some progress.
Much of the political upheaval in the country, Boyce said represented the natural growing pains of a democracy.
"While it sometimes seems in chaos, Indonesia is truly in transition. Though the obstacles are formidable, democracy is beginning to take root," he said.
Boyce said the U.S. government would carefully "modulate" contact with Indonesia's armed forces, but would not ignore human rights abuses carried out by the military.
The United States has made a resumption of military aid to Jakarta dependent on the prosecution of members of the military and militias for violence, which erupted in East Timor following a vote for independence in 1999.
The only part of the embargo that has so far been lifted is that covering spare parts for C-130 Hercules aircraft used to combat humanitarian emergencies.
Wahid has repeatedly threatened to declare a state of emergency allowing him to dissolve parliament and stave off a likely impeachment vote.
Parliament is set to start a special session on August 1 to demand Wahid account for his rule following two censure motions over his alleged involvement in two financial scandals, and for inept rule.
He has denied any wrongdoing.
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