Peace Corps to Return to Indonesia

Jakarta – U.S. President Barack Obama and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono have announced their intent to re-establish a Peace Corps program in Indonesia following their November 15 bilateral discussions at the APEC conference in Singapore. Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams issued the following statement after the announcement. "We are honored that Indonesia will host the next generation of Peace Corps volunteers inspired by President Kennedy's legacy of service. " (complete text)

Remarks by President Obama and President Yudhoyono of Indonesia After Bilateral Meeting

Singapore – On November 15, 2009, President Barack Obama and President Yudhoyono of Indonesia delivered remarks after a bilateral meeting at the APEC conference in Singapore. President Obama said: " Indonesia is not only regionally important, but as a member of the G20, as one of the world's largest democracies, as one of the world's largest Islamic nations, it has enormous influence and really is, I think, a potential model for the kind of development strategies, democracy strategies" (complete text)

U.S. Embassy Launches Democracy Video Challenge for Indonesia

Jakarta – For the second year in a row, U.S. Embassy Jakarta invites aspiring Indonesian filmmakers to compete in the Democracy Video Challenge (DVC), a worldwide short video competition celebrating democracy. Participants enter by submitting a short video completing the statement “Democracy is…” The DVC is open to Indonesians 18 or older, and videos submitted can be any style: fictional or documentary, animated or live action, and must three minutes or less in duration. The submission deadline is January 31, 2010. (complete text)

Remarks of President Barack Obama at Suntory Hall Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo - On November 14, 2009, President Barack Obama delivered remarks at the Suntory Hall Tokyo, Japan. The President said: "In the half century since, that alliance has endured as a foundation of our security and prosperity. It has helped us become the world’s two largest economies, with Japan emerging as America’s second-largest trading partner outside of North America. It has evolved as Japan has played a larger role on the world stage, and made important contributions to stability around the world" (complete text)