Indonesia as a model for others

Obama's visit to Indonesia created much publicity in Australia, especially his praises of the country as a model for diversity. Obama cannot help himself; like George W Bush, he expects others to view the world through the same eye glasses as the Americans.

The fact is, which may not be obvious to him, most Asians are unlikely to view Indonesia as a model for emulation. After all, its long history of institutionalised discrimination against its own ethnic Chinese had only recently been lifted, and it is unable to shake the entrenched corruption in its society.

Such an open endorsement by the US President will only reinforce the suspicion by many that his visit is only for winning support through their fear of China, and has little to do with principles.