09 September 2009

State Department’s Karl Stoltz Discusses U.S.-Indonesia Relations

CO.NX webchat transcript, September 2

Karl Stoltz, director of public diplomacy for the State Department’s Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, answered questions in a September 2 CO.NX webchat on relations between the United States and Indonesia. The discussion covered various issues, including President Obama, visas and education.

Following is the transcript:

(begin transcript)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of International Information Programs
CO.NX Program Transcript

CO.NX Chat: Indonesian and American Relations

Guest: Karl Stoltz
Date:  September 2, 2009
Time:  8 a.m. EDT (1200 GMT)

CO.NX Moderator (Tim): U.S. State Department official Karl Stoltz will join CO.NX on September 2 to take your questions on issues related to Indonesian and American relations. The event will take place at 19:00 Jakarta time (1200GMT - 8:00am Washington, DC time) Read the transcript from Mr. Stoltz’s May discussion with Indonesians on CO.NX @ http://www.america.gov/st/webchat-english/2009/May/20090506172356xjsnommis0.4852978.html

carolina.r.b: I’m currently based in Casablanca Morocco, and I was planning to attend the Sept 2 webchat, unfortunately I confused myself with the time difference:-/

CO.NX Moderator (Mark): Hello! You can always leave your questions here in the chat room and check the transcript later.

Dheyna Hasiholan 2: thanks for the invitation

Maskal Novessro: Hello there?

CO.NX Moderator (Tim): Hi Maskal. Welcome to the chat.

Tjahjokartiko Gondokusumo: Greetings, I am a cooperative planner for public and private partnerships. I love the idea of combined heat and power (CHP) systems. I work hard alone (really hard) with Directorate General of Electricity and Energy Utilization (DGEEU). There has been a great white paper namely Power Sector Restructuring Policy of 1998: Cooperative CHP places socially between Public Electricity and Private Industry. I know what is wrong with CHP. So, CHP can be the most pressing problem in the world today (selectively pasted from Google):1) The Bali Road Map includes the Bali Action Plan, which charts the course for a new negotiating ... UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer: - “This is a real breakthrough, ... UN and UN related News and Blogs reporting from COP 13 http://unfccc.int/meetings/cop_13/items/4049.php The keywords are coop, cooperation and cooperatives. Now, the problem becomes global as the following agenda:2) 2009 is a crucial year in the international effort to address climate change, ... Nations Climate Change

Karl Stoltz: Selamat siang and selamat malam to everyone participating in this Webchat. I am Karl Stoltz, Director of the Office of Public Diplomacy in the East Asian-Pacific Bureau of the US State Department. I’m delighted to have a chance to participate once again in a live webchat with Indonesians. I look forward to your questions and see I already have a lot waiting for me!

Tjahjokartiko Gondokusumo: That is all of my question on cooperatives to share. Yours, TJ

Karl Stoltz: Let me start with Tjahjokartiko Gondokusomo’s questions -- you have identified one of the most important areas for increased U.S.-Indonesian cooperation. Climate change is one of the most important issues everyone on the planet faces today, and we must act collectively and globally if we are to reverse the dangerous current trends. And we must act right away. The Bali Forum was an important breakthrough, and we expect the December COP-15 Conference in Copenhagen to be equally important. But Indonesia -- with its vast and vital tropical rainforests and other natural resources -- and the United States -- with its scientific and technical expertise and high demand for energy and large market -- must be a key part of any solution. Let’s work together to solve this problem soon!

Tjahjokartiko Gondokusumo: Hello, here is TJ

SteveWon: 2nd step: to can have good relationship with Islam and China

Karl Stoltz: Let me answer Steve Won now. Yes, it is important to have good relations with all the countries you mentioned -- Indonesia, Korea, China and with the Islamic world in general. President Obama has outlined his intentions to pursue all of goals and more. We have spent too long focused on differences and not enough time finding things we have in common. This year is a great time to turn that around.

CO.NX Moderator (Tim): Send in your questions any time during the chat.

Dheyna Hasiholan 2: firstly ... what is the meaning of Moslem Indonesian to government of USA?

Karl Stoltz: I’d like to answer Dheyna Hasiholan’s questions next. Many people in the USA do not know enough about Indonesia, but the US Government is very aware of the country and its incredible transformation in the past 10 years into one of Asia’s most democratic and unified nations. After all, our President knows Indonesia very well! And with an even closer partnership in the future, we hope more Americans will come to know and appreciate the value of an enhanced relationship with the world’s largest Muslim nation and the world’s third largest democracy (we are second; India is first).

James Penha 2: I am an American living in Indonesia and wondering why Indonesians visiting the United States are typically taken off the Immigration line and interviewed in what is referred to as ‘‘Seconday’’. I understand that this Secondary screening, instituted the year after 9/11 is supposed to be a security enhancement, but, based on my observation and my experience traveling to the States with Indonesian friends, some nationalities, like Indonesians, are screened through Secondary no matter how many times they have visited the U.S. Although Secondary has become a lot more efficient since it first started, it is still a gross imposition when applied not to individuals but to just about all visitors from Indonesia.

Karl Stoltz: The next question comes from James Penha. It is a very good question about security screening when entering the US. It is hard to give an easy answer, James, because the situation varies with each individual and each airport or entry point. As you noted, things are getting better and smoother than they were right after September 11, and I hope they will continue to improve. I’ve been taken into Secondary myself several times, so I know how it feels. And if a US State Department official can be subject to this extra screening, too, I hope people will understand that it is not an issue of religious or ethnic discrimination against Indonesians or anyone else. But I agree we need to make it better.

Dheyna Hasiholan 2: I do have a few questions

Tjahjokartiko Gondokusumo: Greetings,I like President Obama as well as Prof. Martha Minow.[DOC] PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS: ACCOUNTING FOR THE NEW RELIGION. Privatization initiatives stimulate new knowledge and infrastructure by public and private partnerships can use market mechanisms while pursuing. The big question is, how we can work together to define Public and Private Partnerships??

Karl Stoltz: Hi, TJ. I’ll answer your latest question. Public and Private Partnerships are very important so we can work together in many areas. We hope to inspire a lot of them as part of the ongoing discussion between our governments. But they will have to be of interest to the private partners and companies asked to put up the money for the partnerships to be effective, and they will have to include investment from both sides.

CO.NX Moderator (Tim): Here is the transcript from Mr. Stoltz’s May discussion on Indonesian and American relations on CO.NX @ http://www.america.gov/st/webchat-english/2009/May/20090506172356xjsnommis0.4852978.html

andhyan afyantara: I have sent the message to Mr. President , in the basic need USA and Indonesia be one in the level to solve the global problem , in the principal to save the only one living planet , the earth , and for the future to build the world a new, freedom of war and make the peace for ever, Indonesia and America must be One in the problem solving for the global condition, because the extreme condition and the same historical as each pole in the side by side to synergy the global activity for ever, the famous history who well known. How the west was won, and Indonesia have also the famous History the Eastern Garden who write down by the last Governor general Dtanford Jefferson Raffles, who in Dutch time give useful invention for the future Indonesia to be the Freedom Country with the 17,000 Island , in the 1/5 Link of Equatorial Zona.by now already have population near the same population with the United State of America,. 250 million people, a strong relationship between two country with the multi etnis in side t

Karl Stoltz: Next I’d like to answer Andhyan Afyantara. I agree with you that America and Indonesia have similar populations, multiple ethnic groups and a lot more in common, and by working together we can do a lot to foster peace and development. And we have a great opportunity in the near future to move our dialogue forward to a new level. Columbus and the other early Western explorers who found the continents of North and South America were trying to find new sea routes to Indonesia, so our histories have been tied together for over 500 years. And for the past 60 years, since the US was one of the first nations to push for Indonesia’s independence, our ties have grown even closer. Now is the time to take them to the next level!

g: I just want to ask, is the dvlottery 2010 has been closed for registration?

Karl Stoltz: Dear G: I am not sure about the deadline for the 2010 DV lottery but you can go to the US Embassy in Jakarta’s website to find out more.

CO.NX Moderator (Tim): Keep the questions coming in.

markus jenni: is there any relationship between Indonesia and USA regarding with a legal job instead H2B?

Karl Stoltz: The next question is from Markus Jenni. The rules for H2B and jobs in the US apply to non-citizens from every country; there is no special rule for Indonesians.

CO.NX Moderator (Tim): Hi Markus. The online entry registration period for Diversity Visa Lottery 2010 is now over and all submission processing has stopped. You can find out more at http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1322.html.

treespotter: I’m not sure what the proc is to ask question. I’m an Indonesian blogger, and I’m curious about Education policy. I’ve heard from somewhere that Education will take a higher priority in engagement with Indonesian gov’t. I’m curious if there’s any specific about the programs that you can share?

Karl Stoltz: Dear Treespotter: A great question! I can’t share many specifics about enhanced educational partnership yet since we do not know what exact forms it will take, but we’re working hard to expand opportunities for students in both countries to study in the other’s homeland. We’re also trying to offer more opportunities to learn English and prepare for study at US universities, and trying to encourage new partnerships between US and Indonesian schools. The best place to get more information about all these things, and about scholarships and other ways to study in the US, is at the American-Indonesian Education Foundation (AMINEF) in Jakarta. Their website is, I think, www.aminefor.id. Thanks! [American Indonesian Exchange Foundation]

CO.NX Moderator (Tim): What global issues are most important to Indonesia?

CO.NX Moderator (Tim): Question from Januar in Facebook: My daughter had studied in University of Dallas, Irving TX 75062-4736 and Dec 4th is her Graduation Day. Have the US Embassy the easist way, if we request to get visa for the event? Thanks.

Karl Stoltz: Dear Januar in facebook: Congratulations to your daughter for graduating from the University of Dallas! You will have to talk to the Consular Section of the Embassy for details about getting a visa to her graduation. AMINEF may also be able to help you with any general questions.

treespotter: education system - not strictly a global issue, but with the sad state of Indonesian education system, it creates a whole lot of problems, social, economic, environmental, as well as the recent radicalizations

treespotter: Indonesia being where it is, and I think it’s a real global issue

aria: Hi Karl, is the current bomb attack in Jakarta hotels has any impact to Pres. Obama’s plan to visit Indonesia?

Karl Stoltz: Hi, Aria. I hope you’re enjoying your evening. The White House has not yet confirmed President Obama’s travel plans this year beyond APEC, but the recent bomb attacks are not a significant factor in planning, since the government responded very quickly to handle them and pursue those responsible, and the US Government did not impose a new travel advisory.

Tjahjokartiko Gondokusumo: Tadi sore ada gempa diJawa

Karl Stoltz: TJ yang berhormat: Yes, I heard about the major gempa bumi di Jawa. I hope there were no serious casualties to people living close to it, or any aftereffects.

Tjahjokartiko Gondokusumo: wow,....it’s a strategic issue (difficult),right?

Karl Stoltz: TJ: Yes, strategic issues are always more difficult, but finding solutions to them are the best way to make positive change.

treespotter: just a follow up, the US gov’t focus seems to be on higher education?

Karl Stoltz: Dear Treespotter: I like your pen name! Yes, higher education is one of the major focuses of the discussions, but there are many other components to it as well. But both sides agree that we need to do more to help people understand one another and enhance educational ties.

CO.NX Moderator (Tim): Here’s a young President Obama in school in Indonesia.

Tjahjokartiko Gondokusumo: Hello Pak Karl, senang sekali rasanya untuk komunikasi ttg ‘‘comprehensive partnership’’

Karl Stoltz: terima kasih. Saya juga senang sekali ttg itu.

aria: Obama looks cute on the pic :)

THE GREENMAN: what do you think of carbon credit farming as a means of creating an economic engine to support rural farming and agro forestry projects?

Karl Stoltz: Dear Greenman: I think you have a great idea, which solves multiple problems at the same time: developing agro forest projects, protecting the environment, and supporting rural farmers. We are trying to foster more ties between US scientists and institutes like ITB in Bogor to explore these areas for potential partnership.

carolina.r.b: I’m wondering if there’ll be more webchats regarding Indonesian-American relations.

Karl Stoltz: Dear Carolina: I hope there will be more webchats. If a lot of Indonesians participate, I think there will be. Who would you like to communicate with in the U.S. about Indonesian-American relations?

christianto 2: I think the most important thing in Indonesian-American relationship is how to build the relationship and repair the wrong think about Indonesian and American and also a real action between two countries to build the microeconomy, education, and healthcare for the poor and also environmental program and also the corruption in Indonesia. Thank you very much

Karl Stoltz: Dear Christianto: I agree we you that the greatest challenge is to build a stronger relationship and correct mutual misperceptions. You mentioned many areas where we need to do more, but if we can start by making sure Indonesians understand America better and vice versa, many of those other problems will be easier to address together.

SteveWon: 1st step: to have good relationship with indonesia and to get support from korea. coz korea can influence indonesia

Karl Stoltz: I hope everyone can see the school photo of President Obama taken in Jakarta. He’s a bit older now!

suzy: nice

treespotter: I was thinking that there are a lot of areas of education that requires fixing, Higher Education probably the least urgent and immediate, and yet this is an area where US Gov’t will focus? I’m sorry, i wasn’t clear on the answer... (going back to reread once again)

Karl Stoltz: Dear Treespotter: the US already makes a very large investment in basic education in Indonesia through a variety of USAID programs. There are urgent needs everywhere, but both governments have identified higher education as a priority, too, because with closer educational ties, closer cooperation and problem-solving in science and technology, the environment, business and many other areas also becomes easier. And since both America’s and Indonesia’s Presidents spent time as a student in the other President’s country, we think it is a great time to encourage the future Presidents of America and Indonesia to do the same!

treespotter: I was wondering if there’s any specific programs where the US gov’t engages ID counterpart to help in improving the Indonesian education system?

Karl Stoltz: Treespotter: Yes, there are many areas where the US cooperates with the Indonesian government in this area. The Embassy website can provide links to more information.

treespotter: thanks Karl :)

Daniel Giovanni: Hello Pak Karl! How’s US Gov response on Indonesian Police achievement on capturing the bombing suspect on by one? Do you guys see it as a long way to go, or we’re almost done with it? (since it was global issue, not only for Indonesia)

Karl Stoltz: Hi Daniel. Terrorism is indeed a global problem and we are a long way from eliminating its threat everywhere. But the Indonesian Police have done a very impressive job in the past decade in addressing the problem. It is not gone, and some of the worst terrorists remain on the loose, but working together with other countries and pursuing these criminals relentlessly is vital to achieving the sort of results Indonesia has seen since the worst years of 2002 and 2003.

treespotter: how old was he in that pic?

CO.NX Moderator (Tim): Maybe 6 or 7 years old?

treespotter: ah. ok. of course, he had first hand experience with it :D

Tjahjokartiko Gondokusumo: Yes, the chhool at Menteng dalem near my high shool Kanisius

andhyan afyantara: thank you for these possibility to me , directly give the whole Picture of , Global problem ,solving, the last I give all my Honorary to the United State Of America , also will celebrate the Independent day,.

Karl Stoltz: Dear Andhyan: You have outlined a number of issues and priorities for us to work on. Health care, environment, controlling the nuclear threat, encouraging sustainable development and more international investment and trade... These are all high priorities of the Obama Administration and areas where the US and Indonesia can find more areas of common interest and partnership. Thank you!

Daniel Giovanni: Just asking for intermezzo: Have you ever spotted Mr President speaking Indonesian with families/staffs on White House?

Karl Stoltz: Dear Daniel: When the President visited the State Department in January, he spoke Bahasa Indoensia briefly with a State Department officer who had previously worked in Indonesia. I am not sure how much he remembers, but probably more than people realize!

treespotter: I’m curious if President Obama maintains any contact of his childhood buddy still now that he’s in the white house?

Karl Stoltz: probably best to ask his childhood buddies in Indonesia....

treespotter: yeah, funny that. everyone seems to remember going to school with the future President of the United States :D

aria: Just wondering, why higher education becomes the priority? I organize self-funding library in the remote island where kids have no access to formal education, and we can see that perception about islam. terrorism and ‘western enemies’ grow as early as they learn to read. Why don’t your govt also pay attention to this early education stage?

Karl Stoltz: Dear Aria: We’d like to pay attention to both. And I agree that libraries and supporting basic education are very important ways to ensure that people do not get inaccurate information that leads them to false perceptions as they grow up. But one way we can help both is by offering more opportunities for teachers, librarians and educators in Indonesia to enhance their own skills and thereby improve early education for all. We have to address both.

Tjahjokartiko Gondokusumo: Yes I am former USAID student. My university was NJIT. My thesis is Critical Analysis on Cogeneration Policy....that is why I an very eager to promote The Power Sector Restructuring Policy of 1998.

Karl Stoltz: Thanks, TJ. Congratulations on your successful education, and good luck with your efforts!

treespotter: yes... basic education!!! Libraries, internet access, public learning facilities...

Daniel Giovanni: I remember those conversations. A State Department officer greet: Selamat siang Bapak. Then Pres. Obama answers: Terima kasih. Apa kabar. :) I wonder if he could deliver a speech in Indonesia in his future trip here.

Grzegorz Szymanski: and about USAID, I heard that there is no main chief of this organization; are there any plans to change it?

Karl Stoltz: Dear Grzegorz: Yes, there are plans to appoint a new head of USAID very soon. The first nominee did not stay in the nomination process, but Secretary Clinton and President Obama are very focused on bringing forward another nomination soon.

CO.NX Moderator (Tim): Here’s the article about Obama speaking Indonesian at the State Department: http://www.usembassyjakarta.org/press_rel/January09/obama_sp_indonesian.html

Tjahjokartiko Gondokusumo: Now I am thinking on developing E Planning Process for Public and Private Partnerships for the improvement on Java Bali system/s and worldwide.

CO.NX Moderator (Tim): Here’s the video: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/22/obamas-impresses-state-de_n_160186.html

Tjahjokartiko Gondokusumo: I may say that the boundaries of global issues for Indonesia are: The bottom is national education sistem and the top is international standards (IEC-ITU-ISO). The left is Public Policy and the right is IPRs...so the real issues how to fil the gap with new infrastructure...I just have discussed the gap with my society in Trisakti University today as Indonesian control systems.

Karl Stoltz: It is almost time for me to go, since I have a full workday ahead of me, but I’d be happy to answer a few last questions. And I also want to wish everyone celebrating Ramadan in Indonesia this year a peaceful and prosperous year. Maaf lahir-bathin, and selamat hari raya idul fitri! I hope all those traveling at this busy time of the year travel safely and have a time of peace with their families!

treespotter: thanks a bunch Karl! very nice chat

Karl Stoltz: Likewise. Have a great evening!

aria: Thanks Karl, see you!

Karl Stoltz: Thanks, Aria, see you soon!

treespotter: do you guys do this often? (webchats)?

Karl Stoltz: OK, everyone, I have to go now. I hope we can do webchats more often. We have a lot to talk about these days, and I hope we will have even more to discuss in the future! Sampai ketemu lagi, Karl

Daniel Giovanni: Thanks for your time Pak Karl! Looking forward for the upcoming chat. Have a nice day, it’s around 8/9am there, rite?

(end transcript)