-----Original Message-----
From: De Momod [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2010 6:53 AM
Jakarta, Indonesia
November 10, 2010
As Prepared for Delivery—
Thank you for this wonderful welcome. Thank you to the people of Jakarta. And
thank you to the people of Indonesia.
I am so glad that I made it to Indonesia, and that Michelle was able to join
me. We had a couple of false starts this year, but I was determined to visit a
country that has meant so much to me. Unfortunately, it’s a fairly quick visit,
but I look forward to coming back a year from now, when Indonesia hosts the
East Asia Summit.
Before I go any further, I want to say that our thoughts and prayers are with
all of those Indonesians affected by the recent tsunami and volcanic eruptions
– particularly those who have lost loved ones, and those who have been
displaced. As always, the United States stands with Indonesia in responding to
this natural disaster, and we are pleased to be able to help as needed. As
neighbors help neighbors and families take in the displaced, I know that the
strength and resilience of the Indonesian people will pull you through once
more.
Let me begin with a simple statement: Indonesia is a part of me. I first came
to this country when my mother married an Indonesian man named Lolo Soetoro. As
a young boy, I was coming to a different world. But the people of Indonesia
quickly made me feel at home.
Jakarta looked very different in those days. The city was filled with buildings
that were no more than a few stories tall. The Hotel Indonesia was one of the
few high rises, and there was just one brand new shopping center
called Sarinah. Betchaks outnumbered automobiles in those days, and the highway
quickly gave way to unpaved roads and kampongs.
We moved to Menteng Dalam, where we lived in a small house with a mango tree
out front. I learned to love Indonesia while flying kites, running along paddy
fields, catching dragonflies, and buying satay and baso from the street
vendors. Most of all, I remember the people – the old men and women who
welcomed us with smiles; the children who made a foreigner feel like a
neighbor; and the teachers who helped me learn about the wider world.
Because Indonesia is made up of thousands of islands, hundreds of languages,
and people from scores of regions and ethnic groups, my times here helped me
appreciate the common humanity of all people. And while my stepfather, like
most Indonesians, was raised a Muslim, he firmly believed that all religions
were worthy of respect. In this way, he reflected the spirit of religious
tolerance that is enshrined in Indonesia’s Constitution, and that remains one
of this country’s defining and inspiring characteristics.
I stayed here for four years – a time that helped shape my childhood; a time
that saw the birth of my wonderful sister, Maya; and a time that made such an
impression on my mother that she kept returning to Indonesia over the next
twenty years to live, work and travel – pursuing her passion of promoting
opportunity in Indonesia’s villages, particularly for women and girls. For her
entire life, my mother held this place and its people close to her heart.
So much has changed in the four decades since I boarded a plane to move back to
Hawaii. If you asked me – or any of my schoolmates who knew me back then – I
don’t think any of us could have anticipated that I would one day come back to
Jakarta as President of the United States. And few could have anticipated the
remarkable story of Indonesia over these last four decades.
The Jakarta that I once knew has grown to a teeming city of nearly ten
million, with skyscrapers that dwarf the Hotel Indonesia, and thriving centers
of culture and commerce. While my Indonesian friends and I used to run in
fields with water buffalo and goats, a new generation of Indonesians is among
the most wired in the world – connected through cell phones and social
networks. And while Indonesia as a young nation focused inward, a growing
Indonesia now plays a key role in the Asia Pacific and the global economy.
This change extends to politics. When my step-father was a boy, he watched his
own father and older brother leave home to fight and die in the struggle for
Indonesian independence. I’m happy to be here on Heroes Day to honor the memory
of so many Indonesians who have sacrificed on behalf of this great country.
When I moved to Jakarta, it was 1967, a time that followed great suffering and
conflict in parts of this country. Even though my step-father had served in the
Army, the violence and killing during that time of political upheaval was
largely unknown to me because it was unspoken by my Indonesian family and
friends. In my household, like so many others across Indonesia, it was an
invisible presence. Indonesians had their independence, but fear was not far
away.
In the years since then, Indonesia has charted its own course through an
extraordinary democratic transformation – from the rule of an iron fist to the
rule of the people. In recent years, the world has watched with hope and
admiration, as Indonesians embraced the peaceful transfer of power and the
direct election of leaders. And just as your democracy is symbolized by your
elected President and legislature, your democracy is sustained and fortified by
its checks and balances: a dynamic civil society; political parties and unions;
a vibrant media and engaged citizens who have ensured that – in Indonesia --
there will be no turning back.
But even as this land of my youth has changed in so many ways, those things
that I learned to love about Indonesia – that spirit of tolerance that is
written into your Constitution; symbolized in your mosques and churches and
temples; and embodied in your people – still lives on. Bhinneka Tunggal Ika
– unity in diversity. This is the foundation of Indonesia’s example to the
world, and this is why Indonesia will play such an important role in the
21st century.
So today, I return to Indonesia as a friend, but also as a President who seeks
a deep and enduring partnership between our two countries. Because as vast and
diverse countries; as neighbors on either side of the Pacific; and above all as
democracies – the United States and Indonesia are bound together by shared
interests and shared values.
Yesterday, President Yudhoyono and I announced a new, Comprehensive Partnership
between the United States and Indonesia. We are increasing ties between our
governments in many different areas, and – just as importantly – we are
increasing ties among our people. This is a partnership of equals, grounded in
mutual interests and mutual respect.
With the rest of my time today, I’d like to talk about why the story I just
told – the story of Indonesia since the days when I lived here – is so
important to the United States, and to the world. I will focus on three areas
that are closely related, and fundamental to human progress – development,
democracy, and religion.
First, the friendship between the United States and Indonesia can advance our
mutual interest in development.
When I moved to Indonesia, it would have been hard to imagine a future in
which the prosperity of families in Chicago and Jakarta would be connected. But
our economies are now global, and Indonesians have experienced both the promise
and perils of globalization: from the shock of the Asian financial crisis in
the 1990s to the millions lifted out of poverty. What that means – and what we
learned in the recent economic crisis – is that we have a stake in each other’s
success.
America has a stake in an Indonesia that is growing, with prosperity that is
broadly shared among the Indonesian people – because a rising middle class here
means new markets for our goods, just as America is a market for yours. And so
we are investing more in Indonesia, our exports have grown by nearly 50
percent, and we are opening doors for Americans and Indonesians to do business
with one another.
America has a stake in an Indonesia that plays its rightful role in shaping the
global economy. Gone are the days when seven or eight countries could come
together to determine the direction of global markets. That is why the G-20 is
now the center of international economic cooperation, so that emerging
economies like Indonesia have a greater voice and bear greater responsibility.
And through its leadership of the G-20’s anti-corruption group, Indonesia
should lead on the world stage and by example in embracing transparency and
accountability.
America has a stake in an Indonesia that pursues sustainable development,
because the way we grow will determine the quality of our lives and the health
of our planet. That is why we are developing clean energy technologies that can
power industry and preserve Indonesia’s precious natural resources – and
America welcomes your country’s strong leadership in the global effort to
combat climate change.
Above all, America has a stake in the success of the Indonesian people.
Underneath the headlines of the day, we must build bridges between our peoples,
because our future security and prosperity is shared. That is exactly what we
are doing – by increased collaboration among our scientists and researchers,
and by working together to foster entrepreneurship. And I am especially pleased
that we have committed to double the number of American and Indonesian students
studying in our respective countries – we want more Indonesian students in our
schools, and more American students to come study in this country, so that we
can forge new ties that last well into this young century.
These are the issues that really matter in our daily lives. Development, after
all, is not simply about growth rates and numbers on a balance sheet. It’s
about whether a child can learn the skills they need to make it in a changing
world. It’s about whether a good idea is allowed to grow into a business, and
not be suffocated by corruption. It’s about whether those forces that have
transformed the Jakarta that I once knew –technology and trade and the flow of
people and goods – translate into a better life for human beings, a life marked
by dignity and opportunity.
This kind of development is inseparable from the role of democracy.
Today, we sometimes hear that democracy stands in the way of economic
progress. This is not a new argument. Particularly in times of change and
economic uncertainty, some will say that it is easier to take a shortcut to
development by trading away the rights of human beings for the power of the
state. But that is not what I saw on my trip to India, and that is not what I
see in Indonesia. Your achievements demonstrate that democracy and development
reinforce one another.
Like any democracy, you have known setbacks along the way. America is no
different. Our own Constitution spoke of the effort to forge a “more perfect
union,” and that is a journey we have travelled ever since, enduring Civil War
and struggles to extend rights to all of our citizens. But it is precisely this
effort that has allowed us to become stronger and more prosperous, while also
becoming a more just and free society.
Like other countries that emerged from colonial rule in the last century,
Indonesia struggled and sacrificed for the right to determine your destiny.
That is what Heroes Day is all about – an Indonesia that belongs to
Indonesians. But you also ultimately decided that freedom cannot mean replacing
the strong hand of a colonizer with a strongman of your own.
Of course, democracy is messy. Not everyone likes the results of every
election. You go through ups and downs. But the journey is worthwhile, and it
goes beyond casting a ballot. It takes strong institutions to check the
concentration of power. It takes open markets that allow individuals to thrive.
It takes a free press and an independent justice system to root out abuse and
excess, and to insist upon accountability. It takes open society and active
citizens to reject inequality and injustice.
These are the forces that will propel Indonesia forward. And it will require a
refusal to tolerate the corruption that stands in the way of opportunity; a
commitment to transparency that gives every Indonesian a stake in their
government; and a belief that the freedom that Indonesians have fought for is
what holds this great nation together.
That is the message of the Indonesians who have advanced this democratic story
– from those who fought in the Battle of Surabaya 55 years ago today; to the
students who marched peacefully for democracy in the 1990s, to leaders who have
embraced the peaceful transition of power in this young century. Because
ultimately, it will be the rights of citizens that will stitch together this
remarkable Nusantara that stretches from Sabang to Merauke – an insistence that
every child born in this country should be treated equally, whether they come
from Java or Aceh; Bali or Papua.
That effort extends to the example that Indonesia sets abroad. Indonesia took
the initiative to establish the Bali Democracy Forum, an open forum for
countries to share their experiences and best practices in fostering democracy.
Indonesia has also been at the forefront of pushing for more attention to human
rights within ASEAN. The nations of Southeast Asia must have the right to
determine their own destiny, and the United States will strongly support that
right. But the people of Southeast Asia must have the right to determine their
own destiny as well. That is why we condemned elections in Burma that were
neither free nor fair. That is why we are supporting your vibrant civil society
in working with counterparts across this region. Because there is no reason why
respect for human rights should stop at the border of any country.
Hand in hand, that is what development and democracy are about – the notion
that certain values are universal. Prosperity without freedom is just another
form of poverty. Because there are aspirations that human beings share – the
liberty of knowing that your leader is accountable to you, and that you won’t
be locked up for disagreeing with them; the opportunity to get an education and
to work with dignity; the freedom to practice your faith without fear or
restriction.
Religion is the final topic that I want to address today, and – like democracy
and development – it is fundamental to the Indonesian story.
Like the other Asian nations that I am visiting on this trip, Indonesia is
steeped in spirituality – a place where people worship God in many different
ways. Along with this rich diversity, it is also home to the world’s largest
Muslim population – a truth that I came to know as a boy when I heard the call
to prayer across Jakarta.
Just as individuals are not defined solely by their faith, Indonesia is defined
by more than its Muslim population. But we also know that relations between the
United States and Muslim communities have frayed over many years. As President,
I have made it a priority to begin to repair these relations. As a part of that
effort, I went to Cairo last June, and called for a new beginning between the
United States and Muslims around the world – one that creates a path for us
to move beyond our differences.
I said then, and I will repeat now, that no single speech can eradicate years
of mistrust. But I believed then, and I believe today, that we have a choice.
We can choose to be defined by our differences, and give in to a future of
suspicion and mistrust. Or we can choose to do the hard work of forging common
ground, and commit ourselves to the steady pursuit of progress. And I can
promise you – no matter what setbacks may come, the United States is committed
to human progress. That is who we are. That is what we have done. That is what
we will do.
We know well the issues that have caused tensions for many years – issues that
I addressed in Cairo. In the 17 months that have passed we have made some
progress, but much more work remains to be done.
Innocent civilians in America, Indonesia, and across the world are still
targeted by violent extremists. I have made it clear that America is not, and
never will be, at war with Islam. Instead, all of us must defeat al Qaeda and
its affiliates, who have no claim to be leaders of any religion – certainly
not a great, world religion like Islam. But those who want to build must not
cede ground to terrorists who seek to destroy. This is not a task for America
alone. Indeed, here in Indonesia, you have made progress in rooting out
terrorists and combating violent extremism.
In Afghanistan, we continue to work with a coalition of nations to build the
capacity of the Afghan government to secure its future. Our shared interest is
in building peace in a war-torn land – a peace that provides no safe-haven for
violent extremists, and that provides hope for the Afghan people.
Meanwhile, we have made progress on one of our core commitments - our effort to
end the war in Iraq. 100,000 American troops have left Iraq. Iraqis have taken
full responsibility for their security. And we will continue to support Iraq as
it forms an inclusive government and we bring all of our troops home.
In the Middle East, we have faced false starts and setbacks, but we have been
persistent in our pursuit of peace. Israelis and Palestinians restarted direct
talks, but enormous obstacles remain. There should be no illusions that peace
and security will come easy. But let there be no doubt: we will spare no effort
in working for the outcome that is just, and that is in the interest of all the
parties involved: two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in
peace and security.
The stakes are high in resolving these issues, and the others I have spoken
about today. For our world has grown smaller and while those forces that
connect us have unleashed opportunity, they also empower those who seek to
derail progress. One bomb in a marketplace can obliterate the bustle of daily
commerce. One whispered rumor can obscure the truth, and set off violence
between communities that once lived in peace. In an age of rapid change and
colliding cultures, what we share as human beings can be lost.
But I believe that the history of both America and Indonesia gives us hope.
It’s
a story written into our national mottos. E pluribus unum – out of many,
one. Bhinneka Tunggal Ika – unity in diversity. We are two nations, which have
travelled different paths. Yet our nations show that hundreds of millions who
hold different beliefs can be united in freedom under one flag. And we are now
building on that shared humanity – through the young people who will study in
each other’s schools; through the entrepreneurs forging ties that can lead to
prosperity; and through our embrace of fundamental democratic values and human
aspirations..
Earlier today, I visited the Istiqlal mosque – a place of worship that was
still under construction when I lived in Jakarta. I admired its soaring
minaret, imposing dome, and welcoming space. But its name and history also
speak to what makes Indonesia great. Istiqlal means independence, and its
construction was in part a testament to the nation’s struggle for freedom.
Moreover, this house of worship for many thousands of Muslims was designed by a
Christian architect.
Such is Indonesia’s spirit. Such is the message of Indonesia’s inclusive
philosophy, Pancasila. Across an archipelago that contains some of God’s most
beautiful creations, islands rising above an ocean named for peace, people
choose to worship God as they please. Islam flourishes, but so do other faiths.
Development is strengthened by an emerging democracy. Ancient traditions
endure, even as a rising power is on the move.
That is not to say that Indonesia is without imperfections. No country is. But
here can be found the ability to bridge divides of race and region and religion
– that ability to see yourself in all individuals. As a child of a different
race coming from a distant country, I found this spirit in the greeting that I
received upon moving here: Selamat Datang. As a Christian visiting a mosque on
this visit, I found it in the words of a leader who was asked about my visit
and said, “Muslims are also allowed in churches. We are all God’s followers.”
That spark of the divine lies within each of us. We cannot give in to doubt or
cynicism or despair. The stories of Indonesia and America tell us that history
is on the side of human progress; that unity is more powerful than division;
and that the people of this world can live together in peace. May our two
nations work together, with faith and determination, to share these truths with
all mankind.
_,___
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