Relations between Indonesia and the United States took an odd turn yesterday - Jakarta demonstrators protested in favour of reopening the US embassy rather than closing it - but this didn't restore normal ties between old friends who aren't getting along these days. Indications are that things will get worse for some time.
This is regrettable, especially as they have no serious disputes of substance. The US has been Indonesia's best foreign friend since President Suharto took over in the 1960s and began trying to bring economic order to a distressed nation. Washington may have stayed too close to the general in later, more corrupt years, but it strongly supports Indonesia's current free market and democratic policies.
Beyond that, the US is the largest foreign investor in the country, and plays a leading role in international agencies which send vital aid. There also are important links in such areas as education. Across the board, Jakarta needs the US connection, while America believes a stable, united and prospering Indonesia meets its own security interests.
But frustrations interfere. Americans complain that Jakarta moves too slowly on economic reform, fighting corruption and resolving East Timor problems. Their ambassador, Robert Gelbard, says so bluntly in a Javanese-dominated society given to indirection and consensus. Muslim activists want the US to get tougher on Israel, and to stop 'meddling' in Indonesian affairs. Mr Gelbard calls this 'hysteria'.
Whatever the causes, the disputes can bring only harm. Before emotional bickering can turn into substantive arguments about real things - such as trade and investment - the two sides must find ways to restore the more cordial mood of the recent past.
