[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 51 (Friday, March 23, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE INDONESIAN GOVERNMENT TO THE UNITED 
                                 STATES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAN BURTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 22, 2007

  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, since the United States 
embarked on a mission to rid the world of terrorism, many of our 
friends around the world have distanced themselves from America, hoping 
that will shield them from the wrath the terrorists will one day bring 
to their countries. Indonesia has done the opposite: the government of 
the country home to the world's largest population of Muslims has 
instead forged stronger ties with the United States.
  Recognizing Indonesia's importance on the global stage, its 
government--first under Megawati Soekarnoputri, and since then, under 
the leadership of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono--has worked closely with the 
United States to fight terrorism, and the spread of radical Islamism. 
This alliance has come at no small cost to the Indonesians, as 
terrorists have repeatedly punished Indonesia by targeting hotels, 
nightclubs and other tourist attractions with deadly acts of terrorism. 
Nevertheless, the government of Indonesia has not wavered in its 
commitment, and has proven itself to be a great friend to the United 
States.
  As Indonesia has supported the United States in our Global War 
against Terrorism, it is important that the United States continues to 
support Indonesia by recognizing its sovereignty, and that it doesn't 
intervene into Indonesia's internal matters. The government of 
Indonesia has proven itself to be more than sufficiently mature and 
responsible to handle its own internal issues, which relate only to 
Indonesians, and the United States should respect its abilities. The 
government of Indonesia has shown America that respect, and I believe 
we owe it to them to do the same.

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