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

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’s Democracy

Indonesia achieved a major milestone in its ongoing democratic transition by successfully holding its first ever direct Presidential elections 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 percent of Indonesians are Muslim, there are large numbers of Hindu, Buddhists, and Christians as well.

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.

Building a Stronger Region

• We support Indonesia’s leading role in ASEAN, which provides a framework for regional cooperation on political, economic, and social issues.
• The U.S. and Indonesia cooperate in the fight against terrorism and in promoting maritime security. 

Assistance to Indonesia
(FY06)
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

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, and water and sanitation for those affected. Ongoing programs are helping the region to "build back better."
• We support 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.
• 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 cornerstone of the U.S. government assistance program in Indonesia is the President’s $157 million Education Initiative.

Building a Stronger Partnership

• Secretary Rice visited Indonesia in March 2006 to highlight Indonesia’s democratic success and our growing partnership.
• During her visit, the Secretary was also able to announce – as part of the President’s Education Initiative – a program to develop an Indonesian version of the popular children’s television program Sesame Street.