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The U.S. President Barack Obama has discussed moves towards greater military cooperation with Indonesia during the ASEAN summit in Bali. Mr Obama is the first American president to attend and he has already had private discussions with the Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. President Obama says they have agreed to put more than half a billion dollars towards increasing sustainable development, health care and other services in Indonesia. He says the U.S. will also provide more support and training for the Indonesian military. "It helps Indonesia play an active role in promoting security in the region," he said. It is a move that is likely to annoy China, which has been critical of plans to temporarily base 2500 U.S. troops in Australia over five years. [1] The plan has been criticised by China, and caused friction at a meeting of South-East Asian leaders in Bali. Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said he had received assurances from both the U.S. and Australia that the move would not threaten his nation's integrity or sovereignty. "On the establishment of that military base, it's not expected to change anything. or disturb Australia's neighbours," he told reporters on Saturday evening. "He gave me his guarantee," Dr Yudhoyono said, in reference to talks he held with U.S. President Barack Obama on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit on Saturday. "So too did Julia Gillard," he said. [2]
Having missed out on the opportunity to
don the Hawaiian shirt - the attire of Obama's birthplace itself - Barack Obama is apparently relishing the chance to don the tradition Indonesian shirt while meeting with the Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the ASEAN summit. Now, we all know that President Obama spent some of his childhood in Indonesia and undoubtedly has many fine memories of his early years in the Indonesian Islands, where he may have wore some traditional clothing. Attending the gala dinner on November 18 during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and East Asia Summit in Nusa Dua in Indonesia's resort island of Bali, Barack chose a colorful green, black, red, white and orange shirt, while his Indonesian counterpart, Susilo, wore a deep red, black and white one. [3] BALI, Indonesia--Apparently disturbed by a looming crisis in Manila, President Aquino skipped Friday afternoon's bilateral meeting with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, and Friday night's gala dinner hosted by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Asia-Pacific leaders, including U.S. President Barack Obama, showed up in their Balinese attire for the gala dinner hosted by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at around 8 p.m. at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, and Mr. Aquino wasn't one among them. [4] Indonesia and the United States have agreed on a US$600 million cooperation project under a so-called "Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact" in support of environmentally friendly and sustainable development in the former. Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and U.S. President Barack Obama announced the agreement in a joint statement to the press following their bilateral meeting at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC) here on Friday. [5] Having missed out on the opportunity to
BALI, Indonesia, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama and his Indonesian counterpart Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono agreed Friday to further strengthen their comprehensive partnership after holding talks here. [6] Ahead of his visit to Bali, members of Congress are calling upon U.S. President Barack Obama to make West Papua one of his top priorities during his upcoming talks with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. On Oct. 19, 2011, Indonesian security forces opened fire on unarmed West Papuans who had gathered at the third Papuan People's Congress to peacefully air their political aspirations. At least three indigenous Papuans were killed, dozens injured, and many pistol whipped and beaten with rattan canes. [7] The government's national human rights commission found strong evidence of excessive acts that led to rights violations. Human Rights Watch and other rights groups have called on U.S. President Barack Obama to address the issue when he met Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Bali during an East Asia Summit. [8] U.S. President Barack Obama met with Indonesian leader Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono for private discussions ahead of the ASEAN summit in Bali. [1]
Bali/Geneva- The United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, will tomorrow officially recognise the appointment of the Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, as the first UNISDR global champion of disaster risk reduction at the 19th ASEAN summit in Bali as the region copes with the impact of record floods. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is the first person to be designated a global champion by the UN office for disaster risk reduction, UNISDR, and is being recognised for making disaster risk reduction a national priority following the Asian tsunami which hit the country on December 26, 2004, just two months after he took office. UNISDR Chief, Margareta Wahlstrom, commented: "Within weeks of taking office, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was confronted with one of the worst disasters in his country's history. He rose to the occasion and set about transforming risk management in Indonesia through a series of far-reaching measures which will be an enduring part of his political legacy. "Against the backdrop of the loss of lives and livelihoods which we have seen across the region this year as a result of floods and earthquakes, Indonesia is an example of how to align disaster management with other development priorities in order to strengthen the resilience of communities and individuals. [9] BALI, Indonesia, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- The United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday officially recognised the appointment of the Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono as the first global champion of disaster risk reduction on the sidelines of a bilateral meeting between UN and Indonesia, reports Xinhua news agency. The President is the first person to be designated a global champion by the UN office for disaster management, UNISDR, for making disaster risk reduction a national priority following the Asian tsunami that hit the country on Dec 26, 2004, just two months after he took office. Margareta Wahlstrom, the UNISDR Chief, said earlier, "Within weeks of taking office, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was confronted with one of the worst disasters in his country's history. He rose to the occasion and set about transforming risk management in Indonesia through a series of far-reaching measures which will be an enduring part of his political legacy." As part of his new role as Global Champion, the President will continue to advocate and promote the importance of disaster risk reduction, particularly in the areas of school and hospital safety. [10]
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was the first head of State to convert the international blueprint for disaster risk reduction, the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015: Building the Resilience of Nations and Communities in Disasters into a national plan following which Indonesia adopted a new Disaster Risk Reduction law in 2007. As part of his new role as Global Champion, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will continue to advocate and promote the importance of disaster risk reduction particularly in the areas of school and hospital safety. [9]
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on behalf of Indonesian people received "Global Champion of Disaster Risk Reduction" award from the United Nations on Saturday. "On behalf of Indonesian people, I am very honored to receive this award," President Yudhoyono said when the award was presented to him by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon in a ceremony at Bali International Convention Center (BICC) in Nusa Dua, Bali. [11] UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon officially recognized the appointment, made by the UN office for disaster risk reduction, UNISDR, on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Saturday morning. The UNISDR said on its website, unisdr.org, that Yudhoyono was being recognized for making disaster risk reduction a national priority following the Asian tsunami, which hit the country on Dec. 26, 2004, just two months after he took office. "Within weeks of taking office, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was confronted with one of the worst disasters in his country's history. He rose to the occasion and set about transforming risk management in Indonesia through a series of far-reaching measures, which will be an enduring part of his political legacy," UNISDR Chief Margareta Wahlstrom commented on the website. "Against the backdrop of the loss of lives and livelihoods, which we have seen across the region this year as a result of floods and earthquakes, Indonesia is an example of how to align disaster management with other development priorities in order to strengthen the resilience of communities and individuals. [12]
Prime Minister Julia Gillard has pointed to the growing strategic significance of Australia's relationship with Indonesia as she prepares for a meeting with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Bali. She has also conceded that the relationship has also faced some significant tests since Dr Yudhoyono's celebrated visit to Australia in March 2010. It was during that visit that Dr Yudhoyono delivered his landmark address to the federal parliament, and that Australia and Indonesia agreed on annual talks between the leaders of both countries, the first of which will take place on Sunday. "Having this first leaders' level summit is a sign of the growing strategic partnership between our two countries," Ms Gillard said on Saturday in Bali ahead of a series of bilateral meetings and plenary sessions at the East Asia Summit (EAS). [13] Julia Gillard will meet President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono today for the first annual bilateral meeting agreed to last year when the Indonesian leader visited Australia. The Prime Minister says Australia's relationship with Indonesia is of growing strategic significance, although she concedes the ties have faced significant tests in the past 12 months, including Australia's ban on cattle exports to Indonesia this year. [14]
From Ajay Kaul Bali, Nov 18 (PTI) Leaders of East Asian nations and those of their dialogue partners turned up at a customary summit dinner in colourful local dresses, with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh wearing an ethnic maroon shirt, marking a break from his usual kurta-pajama and band-gala suit look. The leaders assembled for the gala dinner hosted for them by Indonesia President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, exchanged pleasantries and also posed for pictures. [15] One week after opting not to wear a Hawaiian shirt in Hawaii, President Obama decided it might be nice to wear an Indonesian shirt in Indonesia. Our Commander in Chief traveled to Bali, where he visited Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. The trip marks a return to the island nation where Obama spent a portion of his youth. [16]
The 19 th ASEAN Summit concluded successfully with active participation and support of member countries and its partners, affirmed Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. In his closing speech, the Indonesian President, who is ASEAN Chair 2011, said results of the 19 th ASEAN Summit and related summits, as well as of the year of ASEAN Chair by Indonesia contributed to tightening solidarity, friendship and cooperation in ASEAN and between ASEAN and its partners. Those achievements were important steps in the progress to build an ASEAN Community of solidarity and strength by 2015 with an increasingly active and effective involvement of the people in striving for common targets to turn Southeast Asia into a region of security, peace, harmonisation and prosperity. President Susilo Bambang Yuhoyono stressed that ASEAN position and role has been rising both in the region and in the settlement of regional and global issues. [17] Having missed out on the opportunity to don the Hawaiian shirt - the attire of Obama's birthplace itself - Barack Obama is apparently relishing the chance to don the traditional Indonesian shirt while meeting with the Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the ASEAN Summit. [18] Indonesia's First Lady Ani Yudhoyono smiled broadly as she hugged U.S. President Barack Obama for a friendly cheek-to-cheek kiss while President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono looked on just minutes after both leaders met to discuss issues, including the proposed U.S. military base in Darwin, tensions in the South China Sea and unrest in Papua. [19] Perceptions of U.S. aggressiveness by building a de facto base in Darwin, Australia, 820-kilometers from Indonesian territory, has sent worries that it would provoke negative reactions from China, which is still engaged in territorial disputes with four ASEAN nations. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said on Friday that "outside forces" had no excuse for becoming involved in a complex dispute over the South China Sea, offering a veiled warning to the U.S. and others not to intrude in such sensitive issues. During his meeting with Yudhoyono, Obama assured the Indonesian President that the move was harmless to Indonesia, while expressing U.S. support to the country's territorial integrity, including in Papua, despite reports of human rights abuses in the province. [19] Mr Obama also raised with Dr Yudhoyono the vexed issue of the restive region of West Papua, where there have been killings of independence activists in recent months and persistent allegations of human rights abuses by security forces. Dr Yudhoyono said he told the U.S. leader that Indonesian forces were conducting legitimate operations against an ''insurgency'' and that Indonesian forces came under attack from separatists. ''If there are members who have violated the laws, gross violations of human rights, then they will go before the law,'' he said. ''I told him personally, there is no impunity, no immunity.'' The Indonesian leader added that Mr Obama told him ''explicitly'' that he respected Indonesia's sovereignty over the territory, which was incorporated into Indonesia after a highly contested referendum in 1969 when 1025 hand-picked West Papuan delegates unanimously endorsed integration. [20]
Several have already been released. "Processes are already under way so this has already been started but I will be saying to President Yudhoyono that we do want to work co-operatively with Indonesian authorities including Indonesian police to do what we can to speed up the determination of people's ages," Ms Gillard said. For Australia's part, Ms Gillard said she would raise the issue of Papua, about which rights groups have voiced concerns as recently as last week in relation to human rights abuses on the part of the Indonesian military. "There is a need to continue to address human rights questions in the area and president Yudhoyono has been very clear about his intentions that any questions of human rights abuses are investigated. [13] Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono defended on Saturday the actions of its military in remote Papua province following accusations of human rights abuses and the recent killing of three people. [21]
Ms Gillard, who is in Bali for the East Asia Summit, will meet the Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, today and the issue is expected to be discussed after Indonesian officials called for the quick release of minors who remain in detention in Australia. This follows recent revelations in The Sun-Herald that dozens of Indonesian teenagers who say they were duped into acting as cooks and crew on asylum-seeker boats have been jailed in maximum-security adult prisons. [22] The Prime Minister is to hold talks with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono today, and the issue is expected to be discussed after Indonesian officials called for the quick release of minors who remain in detention in Australia. Heading off a potentially damaging row, Ms Gillard said yesterday: ''I do have concerns that this is taking too long. [23]
INDONESIA'S President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono quizzed Julia Gillard and Barack Obama over the new American ''base'' in northern Australia but was assured that it posed no threat to Indonesia's territorial integrity. [20]
Indonesian military commander Agus Suhartono had also raised concerns that the training arrangement could result in Indonesia being dragged into a dispute involving the South China Sea. Dr Yudhoyono said he had asked Mr Obama and Ms Gillard about their policy towards Indonesia in light of the new military arrangements and was happy to be told Australia and the U.S. supported Indonesia's territorial integrity. [20] The United States and Australia have moved to defuse tensions caused by plans to establish a new military base in the Northern Territory, telling the Indonesian president the move should not be seen as a threat. Under the plan, announced in Canberra on Wednesday, the U.S. will increase its air presence in the region and eventually station up to 2500 marines in the Northern Territory, just 800km from Indonesia. [2]
President Obama also reiterated the United States' support for Indonesia's national unity and territorial integrity. President Obama congratulated Indonesia on its chairmanship of ASEAN and the East Asia Summit (EAS); its efforts to promote regional security, nonproliferation, and disarmament; and commitment to making democracy and human rights platforms for ASEAN's development. [24] President Yudhoyono also expressed Indonesia`s wish to become a U.S. strategic partner in building democratic cooperation which pays respect for human rights. President Obama said his visit to Bali for the 6th East Asia Summit was a concrete example of the U.S. focus on the Asia-Pacific region to get better involved in the regional organization. He shared Yudhoyono`s view that relations between the two countries had been improving since the signing of the comprehensive partnership agreement. He said the signing of a commercial agreement between Boeing and Lion Air at Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bali earlier in the day was an example of the ever increasingly closer cooperation between the two nations in the economic field. [5] President Obama expressed U.S. support for Indonesia's APEC Chairmanship in 2013. President Yudhoyono welcomed President Obama's creation of the Open Government Partnership to improve government transparency, and the two leaders committed to rapidly implementing their national action plans. President Obama thanked Indonesia for its leadership on the steering committee of the Open Government Partnership. The two presidents reaffirmed the importance of the G20 as the premier international economic forum, and discussed their efforts to promote economic recovery and create jobs by implementing the Cannes Summit commitments, and call on all G20 members to make progress on achieving G20 goals. The two presidents reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the U.S.-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership as a dynamic and enduring partnership that contributes to the security and prosperity of both countries. [24] President Yudhoyono appreciates President Obama's approval of the extension of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) facility to Indonesia on October 21, 2011. The two presidents reaffirmed their commitment to expanding commercial ties, noting that the newly-launched Commercial Dialogue will further expand trade opportunities and job creation. The two presidents welcomed the significant expansion of bilateral trade and investment, benefitting both countries' economies. The two presidents welcomed the construction of Indonesia's Santi Dharma Peacekeeping Center, with U.S. support, as an important step forward in fulfilling Indonesia's ambitious goals for increasing its peacekeeping contributions around the world. The two presidents celebrated the ongoing success of Peace Corps in Indonesia and reaffirmed their support for the program's expansion on a gradual basis. [24]
Under the framework of our bilateral Science and Technology Agreement, President Obama and President Yudhoyono decided to convene a new senior-level science and technology dialogue in the coming year and to strengthen joint research, education, and exchange opportunities. The two presidents reaffirmed their commitment to work together in the area of public health to meet Millennium Development Goals to reduce deaths of young children and women in childbirth and to stem the spread of infectious diseases, especially tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and avian influenza. The two presidents reaffirmed the importance of EAS and reaffirmed their commitment to working together - including through international fora - to promote peace and prosperity in both countries, the region, and the world. They expressed their commitment to work together with ASEAN and other regional partners to address key challenges in the region, including maritime security, disaster preparedness and relief, and nonproliferation. [24]
After receiving the award from the UN chief, President Yudhoyono asserted that Indonesia would continually strive to minimize the impact of any disaster. The president expressed hope that Indonesia would continue to do its best and to develop cooperation with the United Nations. In the ceremony, attended by among others Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Djoko Suyanto, Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfare Agung Laksono, and Coordinating Minister for Economy Hatta Rajasa, Ban Ki-Moon said President Yudhoyono deserved the Global Champion of Disaster Risk Reduction award because of his outstanding leadership. Regionally, Indonesia has spearheaded various initiatives for disaster preparedness, such as joint regional exercises and adopting early warning system. [25] President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has been honored as the UN's first Global Champion of Disaster Risk Reduction for making disaster mitigation a top priority during his two terms in office. [12] Mr. Yudhoyono was the first head of State to convert the international blueprint for disaster risk reduction, known as the Hyogo Framework, into a national plan following which Indonesia adopted a disaster risk reduction law in 2007. As part of his new role as Global Champion, Mr. Yudhoyono will continue to advocate and promote the importance of disaster risk reduction particularly in school and hospital safety, according to UNISDR. [26] Mr. Yudhoyono is the first person to be designated as a global champion by the UN International Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) and was recognized for making disaster risk reduction a national priority following the catastrophic Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004. [26]
The Indonesian head of state said the Global Champion of Disaster Risk Reduction award was as a recognition of the determination and hard work of all Indonesians in responding to the challenges of natural disasters. [25]
"Disaster response, post-disaster recovery and disaster risk reduction are now given equal importance and the country is much better prepared for small and major disasters," Wahlstrom added. The President, meanwhile, said after receiving the award from Ban Ki-moon that he dedicated it to the people of Indonesia, especially those who had worked hard to help rescue efforts and rebuild areas destroyed by disasters. [12]
Bali (Indonesia), Nov.19 (ANI): At the gala dinner held here last night, ASEAN leaders donned colourful Indonesian shirts and traditional attire.U.S. President Barack Obama wore a colourful green shirt which a pattern of black and red panel running horizontally. [18] President Barack Obama stands with China's Premier Wen Jiabao, center, as they wait to take a family photo at the East Asia Summit Gala dinner in Nusa Dua, on the island of Bali, Indonesia, Friday, Nov. 18, 2011. [27] President Barack Obama joined in the photo. This is the first year that the U.S. and Russia were invited to join the summit meeting held in Bali, Indonesia. [27]
Human rights organisations want U.S. President Barack Obama to address abuses in Papua during his visit to Indonesia, activists say. [28] The two presidents reaffirmed the deepening engagement between the two countries on regional and global issues since establishing the U.S.-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership in November 2010. President Obama expressed the United States' admiration for Indonesia's democratic transformation, and the two presidents reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen democracy and human rights in their own societies. [24]
President Obama did the right thing NOT to force aloha shirt attire down the throats of the leaders at APEC. As the host of APEC, he gave them the option to wear it. That is absolutely the right thing to do. Now, as guest at ASEAN, he chose to participate and join the rest of the leaders and wear the traditional Javanese shirts. What is wrong with that? Why can't Hawaii, actually Tori Richards Inc., just accept that not all world leaders want to be seen wearing an aloha shirt while on official business? Stop being so manini and let's focus on the important stuff such as the policies or agreements that came out of the summits. [27] On Sunday in Hawaii, President Obama and other leaders declined to wear a custom Tori Richard designed aloha shirt for the annual APEC photo, which usually involves an outfit reflecting the region. [29] Some two hours or more. If they were late to WORK they could have been FIRED. The fact that President Obama REFUSED to wear an aloha shirt which is a SYMBOL of what local people often wear shows DISRESPECT TO LOCAL PEOPLE who HELPED HOST APEC ELITISTS after President Obama INVITED them to come to Hawai'i. [27] Ironically the Hawaiian Wanna Be, President Obama, purports to be "from Hawai'i" yet refused to wear an aloha shirt which is common with LOCAL people. What a slap to the face for the 70% of those who voted for him in Hawai'i. [27]
Okay for ALL YOU HAWAII people who elected Obama, aren't you proud of how he represents our great state and nation? He has lowered our standing as a world leader to the point where he can't even get people to wear our Aloha shirt. How sad is that? Clinton was able to get leaders to wear jackets, ASEAN was able to get leaders to wear their traditional shirt, but NOT Obama. [27]
President Obama donned an Indonesian-style shirt at an Asia-Pacific Conference, days after he and other world leaders rejected aloha shirts in Hawaii. [29] Apparently, President Obama believes that aloha shirts interfere with work efforts while ikats do not. He lived in Indonesia for a few years when he was young and perhaps feels at home in this type of attire. [29] RW, you make sense. Too bad 90% of the people who post here are going to criticize everything President Obama does, just because he's the president and not McCail/Palin. They don't care about "making sense"that's why a non-issue like wearing an aloha shirt for a picture is such a big deal for them. [27]
Posing for photos at the Association of Southeast Asian nations or ASEAN meeting in Bali, President Obama and 17 other world leaders wore a traditional ikat, a common form of business attire in the region. "I think those are beautiful shirts, absolutely elegant ikat and a wonderful design. and they looked great on them," said fashion write Paula Rath. [29] Obama, who is struggling at home to provide jobs for Americans, added there would be many more business and economic deals to be made within the region in the future. "This is an example of how we are going to achieve the long-term goal that I set of doubling U.S. exports over the next several years," he said. As China raises its stature in the region, the U.S. president appealed to ASEAN nations, especially Indonesia, for cooperation in America's security agenda in balancing the rising influence of China. [19] ASEAN leaders also stressed the fully implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity, which is important in the process to build a consolidated ASEAN Community by 2015, considering it a leading priority in the cooperation within ASEAN and between ASEAN and its partners. Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung asked ASEAN to continue boosting cooperation and proper investment in such fields as narrowing the gap of development, promoting security, energy, and food security as well as boosting cooperation to effectively deal with emerging challenges, namely climate change, maritime security, environment, the sustainable use of water sources of rivers, especially the Mekong river to contributing to sustainable and uniform development in the region. PM Dung stressed that ASEAN needs to uphold its pro-active role in building cooperation frameworks and standards of conducts in the region for peace and building trust and development cooperation, and continue bringing into play the role and value of existing forums and mechanisms for peace and security in the region. On this occasion, the Indonesian President transferred the ASEAN Chair 2012 to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, who affirmed Cambodia will do its utmost to fulfill the role of ASEAN Chair and expressed his wish to receive support and assistance from other ASEAN members and partners in 2012. [17]
Six were detained and are now in custody, including Forkorus Yaboisembut, the newly elected president of the Republic Federal State of West Papua. He joins Filep Karma, an Amnesty International prisoner of conscience who is now serving a 15-year jail term for raising a flag in 2004. Key leaders in the U.S. Congress are calling for their release and asking that Indonesia be held accountable before further U.S. funds are expended in training Indonesian security forces. [7] Since West Papua was handed over to Indonesia by an "Act of No Choice" in 1969, West Papuans have suffered blatant human rights abuses including extrajudicial executions, imprisonment, environmental degradation, natural resource exploitation and commercial dominance of immigrant communities. The U.S. Department of State acknowledges these facts and further states that Indonesian "security force members murdered, tortured, raped, beaten and arbitrarily detained civilians and members of separatist movements in Papua". [7]
To date, Yudhoyono has been unwilling or unable to take meaningful action to bring Indonesian security forces under control. Either way, his inaction is no longer acceptable. While we have publicly stated that we do not support independence because it is contrary to the official position of the U.S. government, which needs Indonesia as a counterbalance to China, and also because Yudhoyono promised in 2005 that he would implement special autonomy, which at the time West Papuans supported, the U.S. can no longer turn a blind eye to slow motion genocide. In his statement before the UN against apartheid, Nelson Mandela said, "It will forever remain an accusation and challenge to all men and women of conscience that it took so long as it has before all of us stood up to say enough is enough." The same can be said of West Papua. [7]
President Yudhoyono said the Indonesia-US relations had been improving since the two nations signed a comprehensive partnership agreement a few years ago. In the political, legal and security fields both nations had been engaged in various activities such as dialogs, military education and training including the U.S. grant of F-16s to Indonesia, he said. Both nations also had signed a trade and investment agreement to increase investment and trade ties between the two nations, he said. [5] "Indonesia is thankful to the U.S. for the Millennium Comprehensive Partnership worth US$600 million to support environmentally friendly development," President Yudhoyono said. [5]
''I will be saying to President Yudhoyono that we do want to work co-operatively with Indonesian authorities, including Indonesian police, to do what we can to speed the determination of people's ages.'' Under the new arrangements, the process for obtaining documents such as birth certificates, school records and the like will be accelerated and streamlined. A spokesman for Dr Yudhoyono said yesterday that Indonesia wanted its minors returned as soon as possible. ''It's not in the interest of these minors to be put in custody with adults,'' spokesman, Teuku Faizasyah said. ''We want them having a different treatment.'' [23] For the occasion, Obama chose to wear a traditional Indonesian tunic in green, adorned with a red, blue and black print. President Yudhoyono dressed accordingly in one of his own Indonesian tunics though we hear he just calls them "shirts." [16]
President Obama had raised the U.S. presence in Australia during talks yesterday and said it would not unsettle the region, Dr Yudhoyono said. [20] "During the meeting, President Obama explained that it was a normal bilateral agreement, and by no means had other intentions," Presidential spokesman Teuku Faizasyah said. "He also assured us that the U.S. respects Indonesia's territorial integrity." [19] President Obama welcomed Indonesia's leadership of the Bali Democracy Forum as part of Indonesia's democracy promotion efforts. [24] From Indonesia, President Obama talks about his administration's work opening up markets to support thousands of American jobs and keep us on track to double American exports by 2014. [24] In Indonesia, President Obama was able to announce business deals with countries in the Pacific that will help support 127,000 American jobs. [24]
New York magazine wrote "Whoever said President Obama can't work a print is wrong. Fashion experts say it's not too late for Obama to make amends with aloha wear and maybe the first lady too. "Certainly if he comes back at Christmas I hope that we will see him in aloha prints and also see Michelle in some of our beautiful Hawaii dresses," Rath says. [29] In other words President Obama and other APEC elitists do not respect the local people in Hawai'i which is a slap to the face for all those hard-working local people who were stuck in traffic for one to three hours sometimes more due to APEC coming to Hawai'i after President Obama invited them to come to Hawai'i. [27] At the APEC meeting in Honolulu, President Obama broke with the tradition of APEC leaders posing for photos in costumes from the host country. [27]
Inside, others in the room nervously checked doors and windows. Overall, the nation of 240 million has made great strides since Suharto's day, with a vibrant free press, a much improved human rights record and direct elections of its leaders. For Mr. Obama, who arrives Thursday for the East Asia Summit, the country he once called home is also potentially a counterweight to China's growing military and economic influence in the Asia-Pacific region. [30] Apparently members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are not as uptight. Leaders of the 18 countries at the East Asia Summit following the ASEAN meeting posed for their family photo in Javanese traditional garb -- colorful ikat fabrics -- provided by Indonesia, this year's host country. [27]
Ms Gillard spoke to Burma's ruler, Than Shwe, at a leaders' banquet in Bali on Friday and later said the country had made the best progress towards democracy in 20 years but much more needed to be done. She said Australia might boycott the 2014 summit. [22]
"We very much welcome the progress Indonesia is making in that area." The comments came on the sidelines of the EAS and on the back of the ASEAN Summit, both of which have been dominated by a diplomatic arm wrestle between the U.S. and China, fuelled by an increasingly tense dispute over the resource-rich South China Sea. Ms Gillard on Saturday downplayed the significance of the stand-off between the two superpowers and its implications for Australia's relationship with both countries. "It is possible and we will continue to have our alliance with the United States and our friendship with China. I believe that is what will be on display here and beyond, that we will be working with both the United States and China," she said. [13] President Yudhoyono welcomed the United States' inclusion in the EAS, noting it was the first time a U.S. president participated in the Summit. [24] Obama arrived in Bali on Thursday night to attend the East Asia Summit (EAS) scheduled for Saturday, the first time a U.S. president to participate in the summit. [6] Dr Yudhoyono wrapped up the East Asia Summit last night and hailed the talks - which for the first time included the U.S. and Russia along with regional giants China, India, and Japan - for tackling sensitive issues. He told reporters last night that a joint Australia-Indonesia plan presented to the gathering for improving disaster readiness in the region had called for rapid deployment of emergency workers to save lives. Asked if this would include a role for the 2500 U.S. marines to be eventually stationed near Darwin, he said he would welcome the idea. [20]
Indonesian military commander Admiral Agus Suhartono warned the increased U.S. military presence, which is seen as a hedge against the growing influence of China in the Asia-Pacific region, could draw Indonesia into the dispute. "We haven't learned clearly what this deal is, but we have been studying the plan and analysing any potential impacts on Indonesia as well as on the South-East Asian region," he said. [2] Obama, who earlier in the day had presided over discussions facilitating a US$20 billion-plus deal for the purchase of 230 Boeing airplanes by Indonesia's Lion Air carrier, said what brought the U.S. to the region was the trade, investment and commercial opportunities that exist in the Asia- Pacific region. "For the last several days I have been talking about how we have to make sure that we have a presence in this region, and that it can result directly in jobs at home. What we see here -- a multibillion-dollar deal between Lion Air -- one of the fastest-growing airlines, not only in the region, but in the world -- and Boeing, is going to result in over 100,000 jobs back in the United States of America over a long period of time," he said. [19]
Your are exactly right aukai808! That is the same thing I was thinking when all the complaining started about the Aloha shirts. The United States is a melting pot of cultures, so it's difficult to choose what really represents the U.S. And if people want to be so technical, then the APEC leaders should have worn Native American attire, because they are the true founders of our country. I don't understand why everyone is still complaining about the APEC traffic as well! With or without APEC, we still have traffic people!!!! There are some who are still late to work just by being on Honolulu's congested roads on a normal day every single day they go to work. [27] I think people in Hawaii are really missing the point. In the past APEC leaders have posed in costumes of the host COUNTRY. Japan has hosted, the Philippines has hosted, South Korea has hosted, and this year, the United States hosted. [27]
The prior time APEC was hosted in the U.S., the leaders wore regional attire. The whole tradition started with President Clinton giving the leaders leather bomber jackets (I think they were in Seattle) in honor of the city's aviation tradition. They did not wear suits at any other APEC venue except Japan last year. [27]
Singh was wearing a maroon ethnic designed shirt, and U.S. President Barack Obama turned up in a green shirt while Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao came wearing red, the colour of Communist China. [15] The president didn't give the leaders the option, this is why the president of Chile asked Obama why they were not wearing the shirts. [27] There had been some speculation that aloha shirts would be scrapped to avoid the appearance of world leaders acting frivolously during a time of economic austerity. Asked at a press conference about the decision, Obama said Sunday that leaders were given a aloha shirt, "and if they wanted to wear the shirt, I promise you it would've been fine. [27] It amazes me that our President can wear the Indonesian ikat, but he cannot wear an Aloha shirt. [27] It was not appropriate to wear Aloha shirt and lei in Hawaii last week, it is appropriate to wear Indonesian ikat in similar gathering 5 days later. [27]
This is proof positive that the President really hates aloha wear. He'll dress up and bow in muslim clothes, ikats and other attire but never in an aloha shirt. [27]
Instead of aloha shirts, the 21 APEC leaders all took to the photo platform in dark suits with individual tie selections, save for one: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who wore a white blazer over a reddish blouse. [27] Prime Minister Gillard also sought out Dr Yudhoyono to discuss the role of the American troops ahead of a formal meeting today. ''I'm happy they explained it to me personally,'' the Indonesian leader said. ''On the establishment of that military base, it is not expected to change anything, it is not expected to distract or disturb neighbours she gave her guarantee.'' [20] THE Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, vowed to accelerate the processing of Indonesian children arrested for crewing people-smuggling boats, amid growing anger in Indonesia about the treatment of its juveniles. [22]
"But overall the relationship is a strong one and we are going to keep building on that strength for the future." Despite the positive outlook, the prime minister said there had also been some issues the two leaders had needed to work through over the past 12 months, including the ban on cattle exports to Indonesia, and more recently, issues related to the incarceration of minors from both countries. [13]
The UN-Indonesia meeting is part of the ongoing 19th Asean Summit and related Summits on Nov 17-19 in which leaders from Indonesia and UN exchanged views on fostering relations, strengthening the resilience of communities and individuals in face of disasters, as well as enhancing cooperation in disaster prevention and mitigation. [10] At the global level, through the United Nations, Indonesia has fostered greater coordination and cooperation in disaster management. [25]
According to the president, Indonesia was the most vulnerable country to natural disasters, and therefore coping with disasters has become deeply implanted in the national mindset. [25] Truly and absolutely hilarious. The president sure looks unhappy in this photo. I guess it is o.k. for him to wear Indonesia national garb but not Hawaii's. [27]
The two presidents welcomed the outcome of the Indonesia-U.S. Security Dialogue (IUSSD) in Jakarta on September 22-23, 2011 and announced the planned transfer and upgrade of 24 Excess Defense Article F-16s to the Indonesian Air Force. The two presidents celebrated the success of the U.S.-Indonesia Higher Education Summit, October 31, 2011 in Washington, D.C. The two presidents also reaffirmed their support for increased education opportunities that will benefit students from both nations and enhance people-to-people ties, and welcomed continued progress in the U.S.-Indonesia Higher Education Partnership. [24] The two presidents reaffirmed the need for decisive action to achieve sustainable global food security. The two presidents set a goal of substantially increasing bilateral trade in food, fisheries, and sustainably managed forestry products, which will expand employment opportunities for both nations. [24]
Obama praised Indonesia during a press conference: "I thank Indonesia for promoting democracy, human rights, security and peace." [19] Abuses continue, however, in areas including Papua, where the government has struggled to put down a low-level insurgency that has claimed tens of thousands of lives, most at the hands of the military, according to civil rights workers. "It's Indonesia's dirty little secret that they still put people like Filep Karma behind bars," said Elaine Pearson of the New York-based Human Rights Watch. [30]
Now with Obama visiting, Indonesia says Papua is not on the agenda, but many people believe it is an issue that cannot be avoided. [28]
"When our soldiers are doing self-defense then it can't be categorised as violating human rights." Yudhoyono said Papua was not specifically discussed during his meeting with Obama in Bali. [8] The meeting with Dr Yudhoyono comes as a 14-year-old Australian boy, arrested in Bali on October 4 for alleged possession of a small amount of marijuana, faces a possible three-month jail term. He will be sentenced on Friday. "That matter is due to return to court on the 25th of November so it's not in the interests of this young boy for me to make any commentary of the legal case itself and I won't," Ms Gillard told reporters in Bali. [13]
"There is no intention to disturb anybody with 2500 U.S. soldiers in Australia." The Australian prime minister is expected to discuss the matter again with Dr Yudhoyono when she meets him for bilateral talks in Bali on Sunday. [2] "Having America, the United States, strongly engaged in our region is a force for stability and is supported by Australia." It is clear the plan has caused friction, with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak sayimg he did not back any development that would undermine regional security. [2]
President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton were also treated to traditional Balinese dancing during the gala dinner. [3] Maybe that "slap" you talk about would resonate more if the comment came from someone who actually voted for President Obama. [27]
The colourful gathering marked a revival of the tradition of heads of states at the Asian summit wearing traditional shirts made of tenun ikat, a traditional fabric woven from dyed threads. Singh's maroon shirt that did not gel too well with his blue turban, was an unusual change for the leader who is always seen at such gatherings in his trademark 'band-gala suits'. Obama, who looked relaxed and jovial in his green went up to Gursharan Kaur, hours after he had met Singh, and exchanged pleasantries with her. He was also seen talking to Wen. [15] Obama came out in a long-sleeve green shirt with orange, blue and red trim in a traditional pattern. Obama's mother, Stanley Ann Dunham, did her University of Hawaii Ph.D. research on traditional crafts in Indonesia, including ikat fabrics. She also worked with women in Indonesia helping them set up small businesses involving traditional crafts like weaving and dying. [27] Perhaps I missed the coverage, but why I not heard or read praise of the fine job security did while APEC was ongoing? You can be sure that if a horrible incident had occurred, people would be criticizing Obama's choice to meet in Hawaii because of the lack of serious security, or the poor police force, or the inept communication between security forces. [27] Freeport of USA which hire police and army for protection and security and then the Papuan people want to get Independent from Republic of Indonesia. [28] "I'm very honored by the award. I receive it on behalf of the people of Indonesia," he said during the awarding ceremony at Bali Nusa Dua International Convention Center. [12]
Adding heat to an issue that is straining relations between the two countries, Indonesia's child protection authority yesterday demanded the Australian government abandon the technique. Heading off a potentially damaging row, Ms Gillard said yesterday: ''I do have concerns that this is taking too long.'' Under new arrangements, the process for obtaining documents such as birth certificates, school records and the like will be accelerated. A spokesman for Dr Yudhoyono yesterday said Indonesia wanted its minors returned as soon as possible. ''It's not in the interest of these minors to be put in custody with adults,'' the spokesman, Teuku Faizasyah, said. ''We want them having a different treatment.'' [22] To address issues of racism in Indonesia, we ask the African nations to request a General Assembly review of the 1969 Act if Yudhoyono fails to immediately implement special autonomy and also release the political prisoners now being detained. [7]
Ms Gillard was also set to join Dr Yudhoyono later in the day in presenting a joint-paper promoting co-operative disaster management between nations across the region. [13]
The comments from Dr Yudhoyono also come after a top Indonesian military chief warned the Australian and U.S. plan could fuel tensions regarding an ongoing maritime dispute over the South China Sea. [2] Yudhoyono thanked the U.S. for helping Indonesia, including providing $600 million to help achieve the country's millennium development goals. [19] Indonesia's government says a compromise has nearly been reached between a striking workers union and the management of the Papua operations of U.S. gold and copper mining giant Freeport McMoran. [31] When U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressed concern about abuses in Papua last week, the Indonesian government responded with irritation. [28] U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also wore traditional Indonesian attire while attending the gala dinner in flattering colors maroon, pink and cream, paired with a black top underneath and accessorized with a red traditional sash. [3]
While critics say up to 100 juveniles remain in jail, Ms Gillard said there were now only 17 cases where age was in dispute, and 77 Indonesian minors had been sent home since 2008. She stressed that the policy had always been to send Indonesian children home, but problems arose because many of those arrested did not have documents and their age could not be verified. ''They have an incentive to make a claim that they are a minor, because they will be returned to Indonesia,'' she said. ''That can be a complex task for the police.'' [23] Julia Gillard is keen to address the problem of minors in jail. JULIA Gillard yesterday vowed to speed up the processing of Indonesian children arrested for crewing people-smuggling boats amid growing anger in Indonesia about the treatment of its juveniles. She said she would not order federal police to abandon a controversial technique used to determine their ages. [23]
Indonesia has historically been highly sensitive to outside interference, and some Indonesian nationalists hold lingering suspicion about Australia after it led the peacekeeping mission to East Timor. [20]
The two presidents welcomed the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Fulbright in Indonesia and the 20th anniversary of the American-Indonesian Exchange Foundation (AMINEF). The two presidents noted their growing cooperation to address climate change and environmental challenges. [24] Under the framework of bilateral Science and Technology Agreement, the two presidents decided to convene a new senior- level science and technology dialogue in the coming year and to strengthen joint research, education, and exchange opportunities. They also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen international peace and cooperation in light of the ongoing global economic conditions, political transitions, and other transnational challenges. [6]
Yudhoyono's naming as the first champion of the award had actually been announced in May, with the initial award ceremony scheduled for May 10 in Geneva. Due to his tight schedule, however, the President hadn't been able to attend, Antara news agency reported. [12] The 5:30 p.m. bilateral meeting, which was requested by the UN chief, took place at around the same time news broke that an arrest warrant had been issued against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Manila. Del Rosario thanked the UN chief over the body's various programs for different sectors in the Philippines, while Ban Ki-moon lauded the Philippines for its ratification of the Rome Statute, among others. [4] The two presidents applauded the results of the second Comprehensive Partnership Joint Commission meeting that took place in Bali in July 2011 and emphasized the need to further deepen cooperation under the U.S.-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership's Plan of Action. [24] None of the leaders in Bali were accused of getting less done. The president even got props for his selection. [29]
"Baik," Obama replied while entering the dining hall at the East Asian Summit (EAS) in Bali on Friday. [19] Aloha shirts were out at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit family photo in Hawaii. [27] Indonesia is a nation, and the risk of being swarmed by certain political factions, Hawaii is not. [27] PreventionWeb welcomes submissions from the disaster risk reduction community. [9]
Last year, the Obama administration ended restrictions last year on working with an Indonesian special-forces unit accused of some of the worst atrocities during East Timor's independence struggle in the 1990s. [30] Mama Yosepha, an activist for the Amungme and Kamoro indigenous peoples living in the concession areas of Freeport-McMoRan, has been tortured and imprisoned numerous times. On one occasion she was locked knee-deep in human waste for a week without food and drink by Indonesian soldiers employed as security officers by Freeport-McMoRan. [28] West Papuans have no historical or cultural ties to the Malay people of Java, Sumatra and Bali. It was only forced colonization by the Dutch government that brought West Papuans and Indonesians together. [7]
SOURCES
1. ABC Radio Australia News:Stories:US and Indonesia agree to closer military ties
2. SBY reassured on Aust-US base plan
3. Obama and Clinton don traditional Indonesian garments! - Atlanta Fashion | Examiner.com
4. President Aquino skips meet with UN chief, gala dinner | Inquirer Global Nation
5. RI, US agree on $600 mln cooperation project | The Jakarta Post
6. U.S., Indonesia to further comprehensive partnership -- Shanghai Daily | 上海日报 -- English Window to China New
7. To Indonesia: Step up and end systematic abuses in West Papua | The Jakarta Post
8. Indonesian president defends military in Papua | Reuters
9. UN Secretary-General honours Indonesian President as first global champion of disaster risk reduction - News - Professional Resources - PreventionWeb.net
10. Susilo honoured as first global champion of disaster risk reduction | My Sinchew
11. President Yudhoyono receives UN award | The Jakarta Post
12. SBY named UN's first global champion of disaster risk reduction | The Jakarta Post
13. Indonesia ties good despite being tested
14. Sky News: Gillard to meet Indon President
15. Leaders turn up in colours at gala dinner in Indonesia, IBN Live News
16. President Obama Indonesia Trip | Styleite
17. ASEAN Summit concludes - Politics - TuoiTreNews
18. Obama, Hillary, Manmohan Singh in dressy attire at ASEAN gala dinner
19. US shows it means business | The Jakarta Post
20. Yudhoyono quizzes Gillard on US marines
21. Indonesian president defends military in Papua | Business Recorder
22. Deal to free jailed children | smh.com.au
23. PM resists call to dump X-ray test
24. Joint Statement by President SusiloI Bambang Yudhoyono of The Republic of Indonesia and President Barack Obama of The United States of America | The White House
25. President Yudhoyono receives UN award
26. UN designates Indonesian President champion of disaster risk reduction
27. Aloha shirts were out at APEC, but ikat is in at ASEAN - Hawaii News - Honolulu Star-Advertiser
28. HRW: Obama should address Papua abuses - YouTube
29. Obama passes on aloha shirt, dons Indonesian ikat | KHON2 Hawaii's News Leader
30. Despite political reform, Indonesia abuses persist - Washington Times
31. Jakarta says resolution to Freeport industrial dispute in Papua is nearing
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