During the visit, Assistant Secretary Campbell met with Foreign Minister Natalegawa and other Indonesian government representatives. He also took time to hold roundtable discussions with international and local press, according to the US embassy here in its official website on Wednesday.
The media raised several issues with the Assistant Secretary, some of which included the upcoming East Asia Summit, the grant of U.S. F-16s to Indonesia, the situation in Papua, and U.S. relations with Burma.
Previewing President Obama`s upcoming visit next month to attend the East Asia Summit, Assistant Secretary Campbell told members of the press, "It`s a very consequential period for American diplomacy in Asia. The President is very much looking forward to coming back to Indonesia." The Assistant Secretary explained one of the key U.S. goals in Southeast Asia is to support a `strong and integrated ASEAN,` adding, `ASEAN has any even bigger role to play in the future.`
When asked about the grant of 24 U.S. F-16s to Indonesia, the Assistant Secretary called the Indonesian government`s decision to approve the grant one that was `very effective.` He explained, "It`s both cost effective and very prudent on the defense side. These planes will be upgraded, bringing them up to a very high standard. Indonesia will have 24 planes with very high capability."
On the situation in Papua, Assistant Secretary Campbell explained, "The U.S. position is based on a series of very clear and strong principles. We are committed to the territorial integrity of Indonesia. We think that is the basis on which Indonesia has made enormous progress for decades. We believe a strong autonomy for Papua is important and critical." He added, "We believe when there are allegations of incidents that they should be investigated thoroughly and, if wrongdoing is found, justice is delivered and served."
(Uu.A014)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
