7.

INDONESIA BETWEEN FRIENDS AND FOES (Abridged)

Asia in a New Phase of the Cold War

Although nowadays less tension is felt in the international
situation, essentially there is no change in the conflict
between East and West. As for us there is no doubt any
more in our stand in relation to the ideologies in the con-
flicts, and based upon this reality it is not difficult for
us to decide upon our attitude.

For us in Indonesia a "stock-taking" of the present situation is
necessary. It is important to make an evaluation of the situation which has
arisen, and to analyze carefully the conflict between East and West.

To analyze and observe it objectively it is important to realize the
position and purpose of America in this cold war. It has never been possible for
us to understand America's real position because Communists in Indonesia purposely
put America in a bad light. They also have been equally successful to influence
part of our nationalists. The result is that America is often thought of as a
colonialistic and imperialistic country.

False reality.

It is necessary now to correct our view of America. As we remember from
the Bandung Conference sharp criticism has been raised about the new kind of
colonialism which is practiced by the Soviet Union. The Asian countries were con-
cerned about the danger of Communism. They were aware of the fact that their
freedom is preserved by America's power and military might. Beside its dis-
engagement program America has taken firm actions to change war economy into peace
economy. It was during this period that Kim Il Sung from North Korea attacked
South Korea, supported by Communist China Thousands of American soldiers lost
their lives in this combat. One can question where this aggression could ever be
stopped, had not America intervened at the proper time.

8.

Massive retaliation

The calming of the international situation nowadays is not because Soviet leaders are more moderate than was Stalin, but because America has shown its superiority in its armaments. America's government has done away with its containment theory as an absolute theory to deal with Communist aggression. Instead, a new attitude, "a massive and instant retaliation at any time and place of our own choosing" as expressed by John F. Dulles, has developed. Communist leaders in China and Soviet Russia realize that these words were spoken sincerely. America's new attitude is not because the government now in power is more aggressive than the Democratic Party. There are Americans like Senator Joe McCarthy, Knowland, and Arthur Radford who would be willing to start a war at the slightest provocation, but Eisenhower's power is evident from his readiness to control these extreme elements without weakening the country's determination to fight Russia or Communist China if necessary. In the meantime America continues its disengagements program in order to limit the possibility of a conflict. Several troops from islands around Formosa are called back. But at the same time America's defense system in Okinawa and other strategic places are strengthened.

As said in previous articles, the U.S. is ready to face an emergency situation. In every building in America a shelter has been built with complete instructions as to what has to be done in case of an air attack. Everywhere one sees posters to encourage the youth to serve in the armed forces. Among the Americans themselves nothing special is noticeable as a result of this situation. People continue their daily life calmly. This shows their confidence in their government and the country's strength.

From the above it is clear that we, though not directly, are interested in America's strength because it gives us a breathing spell to enhance our own strength to face the danger which confronts us. Let us make use of this opportunity by distinguishing friends and foes in the political conflicts in our own country. We have

9.

to build up an army which is capable of maintaining peace and order and to defend our archipelago. We have to be skillful in utilizing the time factor which now is still in our favor, thanks to the strength of the U.S. Apart from this it is not sensible to place our security in the hands of others while we like to moralize on the problem of war and peace in the world. This attitude is not realistic at all. We love a good reputation, every action is judged from the viewpoint of prestige. Even cars which have to be used by our representatives are judged from this viewpoint. Other countries' opinion, however, does not depend on the Cadillacs or the Packards used by our representatives, but on our achievements as a nation. Honesty forces us to say that there is almost nothing we really have achieved. Much effort is used for negative actions.

Indonesia ranks third in the world according to its natural resources, and sixth according to its population. As a nation we have the potentiality to find ourselves a place among the other powerful nations. However, we still do not know how to utilize these potentialities. The result is that other countries are not even aware of our existence. Therefore, an orientation of our own internal situation and also of the international situation is necessary. We have to make an evaluation of the whole situation, objectively and based on reality. Because of our confusing foreign policy we are in conflict with the whole world, both East and West. We must be more positive in assessing our position, with due regard for democratic ideas as a guiding principle in our national existence.

**_Where we stand._** From the above it becomes clear where we have to stand in order to defend our country and safeguard its security. Western ideology of democracy becomes a determining factor to decide upon our attitude in the cold war. For us Western ideology is equivalent to the ideology which is practiced in America. This does not mean, however, that we must enter America's military organisation in Asia. Our military power will not bring any change in the balance which is already founded. Furthermore, it is doubtful whether America has any intention to attract Indonesia into the Western military organisation. What America likes to see is not a pro-American attitude, but mainly a pro-Indonesian attitude, meanwhile being conscious of the dangers which could attack Indonesia's safety.