Condi in Jakarta

US Secretary of State Condoleeeza Rice is in Jakarta at the moment, meeting with Indonesian government members. The US wants countries close to China to be strong and prosperous, limiting China’s influence.

Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim country, so keeping a lid on fundamentalism is very important here. Add to that Indonesia has access to raw materials such as oil and is partly responsilbe for the Straits of Malacca, and you have a handy little buddy.

Condi will be giving a speech on how much the 2 countries have in common and will be visiting a Muslim school. She will be asking SBY to have a chat with the Palestinians and urge them to quiet down. British Prime Minister Tony Blair will visit Indonesia on March 29-30. I’m sure we’ll be saying ‘Here’s Johnny’ soon after that.