As The Dust Settles, A Shifting Scope Emerges

By Isabel Henderson
The Peanut Gallery
on National Security Council:

After the tragic volcanic explosion in Sumatra this Thursday, the United States’ response to the event will be closely discussed and analyzed as it moves to aid the Indonesian government. In addition to its economic and environmental impact, the scope of the disaster has shifted the political focus in regards to United States-Indonesian relations.

The National Security Council, as the major government body for foreign policy, will consider both previous and recent events regarding its relationship to Indonesia in determining its response to the event. While not a major component of international political focus, the NSC’s response remains nonetheless a part of the conversation. The breadth of the United States’ donation of aid, in the form of material as well as troop support, will be carefully considered.

The NSC may opt to offer support to the Indonesian government for the sake of international relations between the two countries. The Council may also move to influence other countries to assist this beleaguered island nation.

Arguments may arise within the Council regarding the depth to which the NSC involves itself in the affairs in Jakarta.
A reasonable budget will most likely be discussed in order to limit complaints of unnecessary government spending in aid to Indonesia.

Indonesia presents a major value to the United States in terms of its strategic location, especially from a naval and military standpoint. The United States also holds several economic interests in the region, and wishes to preserve these interests through a concise and successful military and economic effort.

The United States maintains no formal security treaties with Indonesia, but in recent years has become more involved in their national security due to terrorism. The role of the United States and Indonesian relations regarding terrorism also Indonesia has proven very valuable in establishing peace the region.

Recently, the United States has increased its aid towards Indonesia, and sought to reform its military relations. This renewed declaration of support certainly applies in the case of a natural disaster, as seen in the tsunami of 2005. The U.S. has traditionally maintained a role as a leader of reform and support in Indonesia in areas such as education, the military, and economy. The U.S. will seek to maintain these efforts in the face of the disaster in Jakarta.