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Indonesia - U.S. Ties "Strong and Growing,"

Countries cooperating on maritime security, counterterrorism efforts

The United States and Indonesia, two of the world's largest democracies, are working together closely on regional and global issues including maritime security and counterterrorism efforts, according to a State Department fact sheet issued March 10.

"Our relationship is built on the shared values of democracy, pluralism, tolerance, and respect for human rights. Indonesia is a large and important country that plays a leading role in Southeast Asia," the fact sheet says.

U.S. assistance is helping Indonesia to rebuild areas affected by the December 2004 earthquake and tsunami, prevent and control avian influenza (bird flu) and support peace in Indonesia's Aceh province, according to the fact sheet. The United States has also provided the country aid in the areas of education, health and water, democracy, economic development and the environment.

For more on U.S. policies, see East Asia and the Pacific.

Following is the text of the fact sheet:

U.S. Department of State
Fact Sheet
Washington, DC
March 10, 2006

The United States and Indonesia: A Strong and Growing Partnership

"The partnership between our two peoples is strong and is growing stronger. In all that lies ahead, in the defense of freedom, in the advance of tolerance and democracy, Indonesia will have a firm ally in the American Government. And you'll have the friendship and the respect of the American people." - President George W. Bush

Assistance to Indonesia

(Fiscal Year 06)

Education: $31.9 million

Health & Water: $33.3 million

Democracy: $36.3 million

Economic Growth: $21.9 million

Environment: $6.9 million

Other Assistance

Tsunami reconstruction: $400 million

Avian Influenza: $11 million

Peace in Aceh: $11 million

The United States and Indonesia, two of the world's largest democracies, are working together closely on regional and global issues. Our relationship is built on the shared values of democracy, pluralism, tolerance, and respect for human rights. Indonesia is a large and important country that plays a leading role in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia's Importance

Indonesia is the largest country in Southeast Asia; its population of 240 million is greater than all other Southeast Asian countries combined.

Indonesia is the world's largest majority-Muslim country.

Indonesia sits alongside the straits of Malacca, one of the world's most important shipping lanes.

Indonesia's Democracy

Indonesia achieved a major milestone in its ongoing democratic transition by successfully holding its first-ever direct Presidential election in 2004. With 155 million registered voters and more than 575,000 polling stations, the election was the largest single-day election in the world.

Indonesia's Diversity

Indonesia has more than 300 ethnic groups spread over more than 17,000 islands.

Although more than 80% of Indonesians are Muslim, there are large numbers of Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians as well.

Building a Stronger Indonesia

The U.S. response to the December 2004 earthquake and tsunami, which killed more than 100,000 Indonesians, included emergency food assistance, relief supplies, temporary shelter, water, and sanitation for those affected. Ongoing programs are helping the region to "build back better."

The U.S. supports Indonesia's efforts to build lasting peace in Aceh after decades of conflict.

U.S. assistance is helping Indonesia reform its armed forces and improve its maritime security and disaster-response capabilities.

Over half of all Indonesians live on less than two dollars a day and lack adequate health services, food, and sanitation. The U.S. Government is working with the Government of Indonesia to improve these conditions.

The U.S. Government is helping Indonesian government and civic organizations build effective and accountable local governance, to address conflict and encourage pluralism, and to consolidate the democratic reform agenda.

The $157 million Indonesia Education Initiative, announced by President Bush in 2003, is a cornerstone of the U.S. Government assistance program in Indonesia for 2004-2009. The program reflects a joint Indonesia-U.S commitment to revitalize education for the next generation of Indonesia's leaders.