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When first invited to present my thoughts on Indonesian-US relations since 1C70, [ was unsure how to approach this complex and important topic, especially in such a brief presentation. I was also intimidated hy the high quality of the audience and panelists of scholars, diplomats and other long-time experts on this subject I had no academic theory prepared for identifying and explaining some essential characteristics briefly on the subject of Indonesia-US relations. Unlike my distinguished pan el ials and guests, I had no direct and unique know I edge of Ihis subject based on many years of policy making. ] have no lessons gained from such labors lo share with you. Instead, I will raise some obvious and general questions with you that might serve lo help me lo understand- more as a layperson than a scholarly expert- what our experience in Indonesian-U.S. relations has been in recent decades. Where have we been? What major forces have driven our relations? Where arc we now? |
