U.S. Embassy Jakarta, Indonesia
   


PUBLIC AFFAIRS SECTION

U.S. EMBASSY
PRESS RELEASE

February 20, 2009 

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Visits Indonesia

 

Jakarta, February 20 – U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited  Indonesia on February 18 and 19 during her first official overseas trip, demonstrating a clear U.S. interest in developing the already strong relationship with Indonesia into a long-term partnership based on shared values.  Her first trip to the country since she visited as First Lady in 1994, Secretary Clinton exchanged views with both senior government officials, a cross-section of civil society representatives, and ordinary Indonesians.   

Secretary Clinton met with both President Yudhoyono and Foreign Minister Wirajuda, and discussed the two countries’ intentions to develop a “comprehensive partnership,” highlighting the fact that the global economic crisis and other challenges create an opportunity for deeper cooperation and the promotion of shared interests bilaterally, regionally and globally. She also visited ASEAN Secretary-General Surin at the regional organization’s headquarters and underscored U.S. commitment to the region and appreciation of Indonesia’s leadership role in ASEAN.

In addition, Secretary Clinton reached out to regular Indonesian citizens, appearing on the popular “Dahsyat” show and discussed everything from U.S. policy towards the Middle East to her preferences in music.  She also exchanged views with seven Indonesian reporters who covered the recent Presidential elections in the U.S.  She said after a hard-fought election in any democracy, the candidates have a responsibility to pull together and work for the betterment of the nation.  Finally, she emphasized the need for more cooperation in higher education and for more exchange programs.

Her schedule included a walk around Jakarta’s North Petojo neighborhood, where she talked with local residents about their efforts to maintain a healthy environment.  She saw firsthand how USAID and community partnerships collaborate on a number of environmental and child health programs to provide safe drinking water and community-based waste management.


Secretary Clinton waving to the press with students from the Besuki Elementary School
Children’s Choir upon her arrival at Halim Airport.
 


Secretary Clinton having a discussion with Lily Munir (right) at the Civil Society Dinner
at the National Archives Building.
Clinton met with 60 guests from religious organizations, NGOs, media organizations,
and with Jakarta city officials such as Governor Fauzi Bowo.
 


Secretary Clinton shaking hands with a guest at the Civil Society Dinner.
Clinton’s visit connected with people from all walks of life in Indonesia.
 


Secretary Clinton walks through Petojo Utara inspecting USAID funded projects
in the neighborhood.  USAID collaborated with several partners to provide maternal
and child health services, safe drink water and sanitation,
and HIV/AIDS testing and counseling.
 


Secretary Clinton meets with staff from the Safe Water System (Aman Tirta)
which provides healthy drinking water for Petojo Utara residents. 


View our Photo Gallery. Read transcripts of her remarks at: The Foreign Ministry, at ASEAN, at The National Archive, and with Indonesian journalists.


Hillary Clinton on Dahsyat
Watch it on YouTube:
Part 1 | Part 2

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