Sensational Obama's Short Visit to Jakarta

Wow! Obama's short visit to Jakarta, Indonesia, in November 9th-10th 2010 was somewhat confusing. It supposed to be political, instead it was more into emotional. The world (Republican community excluded) surely happy to have the US led by this charming man who spent 4 years in his childhood living in Menteng Dalam, Jakarta. Besides the fact that the guy is eloquent, Obama's has this rock star's vibrant that made people love him. Post his speech in the University of Indonesia, Indonesia twitter and facebook citizens talks about how mesmerizing he was when he address his inspirational speech. During the entire activities, the media concurrently report the updates. Even the state dinner at the state palace was broadcast live! I personally don't know which one who made the news, is it Obama or is it the US president.

Shortly, the visit was emotional. I personally think this visit could somewhat lead astray people on the substantial matter, which is the comprehensive partnership. Even one of national television suddenly came up with a 'dumb' headline: Kedatangan Obama: Untuk Indonesia atau Untuk Amerika? (Obama's visit: is it for Indonesia or for the US?). Of course its for the US you moron! He's the President of United State for God Sake!

Anyway, the comprehensive partnership is the main concern. Indonesia and US is taking its relationship to a broader coverage: Economic and Investment, Education and Culture, Politics and Security. Well, that's a strategic articles above the papers. Let’s think about the tactics and implementation. Take this Obama's sentence seriously Indonesians! Don't just awed, but think about it!

"A relationship that based on mutual interest and mutual respect".
How we can make this Comprehensive Partnership goes along with that sentence? That's what Indonesians must think on what to do, take part, and take the benefit mutually.
As same as Time Magazine[1], I personally observe that Obama address his visit to accentuate on reaching out the Moslems world and business. Indonesia is the third world largest democratic country, the world largest Moslems population, the leader and the biggest country in South East Asia, the emerging power and economy in the Asia Pacific, and simultaneously the emerging market in the world.

More Market for US Products
Indonesia's economy is more resilient when the global economy downturn occurs. Instead of falling, Indonesia heading for growth along with China and India. The US economy battered to the ground. The unemployed numbers increasing, US citizen's buying ability impotent, and simultaneously imports and national production activities keep on going. US bombarded with products but the market is not happening. The US market was doomed. In that kind of situation, one of US economic interest is to market their products. Obama's short visit is more consider as to broaden the market for US products rather than to invest. Different from Austrian President Heinz Fisher who came under the spotlight at the same period with Obama to Indonesia, he showed Austria’s serious intentions to invest in Indonesia by brought its 50 businessmen to the country and signed three business MOU[2]. That's a crucial big differences of seriousness between Austria and US. Indonesia should also have the opportunity to broaden its market in the US in this matter.

Strengthen Ties with the Moslems World
Obama raised in culturally and religiously diverse country. I think that's one factors that made him respectful to religious differences especially to the Moslems. Different from the former President of the United States, Obama is very welcome by the Moslem community in Indonesia. His visit to Istiqlal Mosque symbolize that the US respect Islam and praise Indonesia as a model where Islam, other religions, modernity, democracy are living coexist. Obviously this aspect cannot only be symbolized without the real manifestation of ties. People to people relationship must be enhanced especially between US citizen and Moslem community. Education is one of that ways to facilitate the contact. The idea to double the number of student from Indonesia to study in the US and vice versa is brilliant. Interaction will emerges understanding. Certainly the Moslem community must take this invitation.

“Pulang Kampung nih!”
There are many factors that made Obama seems so close to Indonesians, one of them is his Bahasa. The subtitle above was one of interesting choice of phrases by Obama. I hope he really considered his less than 24 hours visit to Jakarta as ‘Pulang Kampung’ (come back home). His ‘Baso’, ‘Nasi Goreng’, ‘Emping’, and ‘Krupuk’ touch many hearts. It brought the sense that this US President is the boy living next door and reflect his sentence that says, “Indonesia bagian dari diri saya” (Indonesia is a part of me). In short I personally hope this comprehensive partnership will perform well and everybody who wants to take part got his interest fulfilled. Of course it should be based on mutual interest and mutual respect between the two countries.

[1] http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2030553,00.html
[2] http://bisniskeuangan.kompas.com/read/2010/11/10/15594448/Perdagangan.AS-RI.Tak.Cerminkan.Potensi-3#