Indonesia and Obama: thinking past the honeymoon period
Author: Alexandra Retno Wulan, CSIS, Jakarta
As the first African-American to hold the office, the inauguration of President Barack Hussein Obama is a historic moment, and the beginning of a new era for the United States.
His personal background has tied a linkage between President Obama and the world outside of the United States of America. He has raised the hopes of millions at home and abroad, including many Indonesians.
People around the globe expect that Obama will bring significant changes to the US and the rest of the world. Many Indonesians are even more optimistic that Obama will strengthen Indonesia-US bilateral relations, as he spent four years of his childhood in Indonesia.
What, exactly, does Barack Obama intend for the Indonesia-US relationship? Based on President Obama’s inaugural speech, which highlights some of his policy goals, we can expect the following.