VZCZCXYZ0000
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHJA #0135 0271016
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 271016Z JAN 09
FM AMEMBASSY JAKARTA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1315
INFO RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC

UNCLAS JAKARTA 000135 
 
SIPDIS 
SENSITIVE 
 
DEPT FOR EAP/MTS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL PGOV ID
 
SUBJECT: Yudhoyono Advisor -- the Time is Now for a Strategic 
Partnership 
 
¶1. (SBU) The time is now to build a U.S.-Indonesian strategic 
partnership according to President Yudhoyono's key economic advisor. 
 Chatib Basri, who served as SBY's sherpa to the November 2008 G20 
Summit in Washington, said there is new-found enthusiasm throughout 
the Indonesian government to work with the United States.  In the 
past, many Indonesians sought to distance themselves from the U.S. 
Now, given President Obama's tremendous popularity in Indonesia, 
government officials are looking at ways to associate with the U.S. 
 
 
¶2. (SBU) Basri emphasized that Indonesia is ready be a partner, not 
just an aid recipient.  President Yudhoyono is seeking ways to 
increase Indonesia's international standing through his leadership 
role on climate change and participation in the G20 process to 
address the global financial crisis.  Basri acknowledged that 
Indonesia does not yet have the self-confidence to play an 
international role commensurate with its population.  But, he added, 
working in partnership with the U.S. on global issues would help 
Indonesia develop the confidence it needs. 
 
HUME