Westerners often have very definite beliefs in the 'proper' values that nations should possess. Dictatorship, genocide, and repression are terms anathema to the values of most Westerners in Indonesia. They are to most Indonesians also. However, the perception of events is different to differing cultures. East Timor may be seen as an occupied territory to many Westerners, however, it is the 27th province of Indonesia to most Indonesians.
Culture is environmental in nature coming partially from the way one was taught to view things.
Two different cultures can easily look at the same situation and interpret it in vastly differing manners. The volatility of this last situation stems from the tendency of Westerners to voice their heartfelt beliefs in 'what is right' and with the Indonesians growing tendency to express their own beliefs. These can easily come in conflict with one another. To the expatriate, an argument may be a passing thing, like a friendly debate perhaps. However, to an Indonesian employee, a heated argument usually has long lasting negative effects on the work relationship.