CLOSER RI –US BILATERAL RELATIONSHIP

Since the early stage of our nationhood the United States of America had played a very critical role in supporting the independence struggle for survival of the Republic of Indonesia. Through the support of the United States, in 1949 finally the then Dutch colonial power recognized the new independent Republic of Indonesia and on December 29, 1949 the United States officially recognized the independence of Indonesia.

Since then the ties between the people of the two countries have remained strong. The United States has been an indispensable partner in Indonesia’s economic recovery efforts as well as in the ongoing democratization and political reforms in Indonesia since 1998. Indonesia as a democratic and pluralistic country, and at the same time has the largest Moslem population in the world, ---has the same objective with the United States and other pluralistic societies to promote tolerance, harmony and moderation among its people and human kind in general. Cooperation between relevant security agencies in Indonesia and the US has made major contribution to Indonesia’s success in crushing the terrorist network within its territory. The US is also assisting Indonesia to enhance its capacity to deal with other kind of transnational threats including on maritime security. As members of the UN Security Council, Indonesia and the US are also working closely to address various global issues such as on nuclear non proliferation measures, middle-east conflict as well as on other threats to international peace.

In the past few years there have been significant increased on visits and exchanges between officials, parliamentarians, businesses as well as the general public. In November 2006, President Bush visited Indonesia and held talk with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. At this meeting the two leaders issued the Joint Statement Between Indonesia and the United States which announced series of initiatives that will further strengthen the ties between our two countries. This enhanced level of interaction among various elements of the two societies is indeed another crucial factor contributing to a strong foundation for the bilateral relations.