From Indonesia, President Obama talks about his administration's work opening up markets to support thousands of American jobs and keep us on track to double American exports by 2014.
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November 18, 2011 | 2:43 | Public Domain
Boeing and Lion Air sign a multi-billion dollar agreement deal that will create 100,000 U.S. jobs.
Grand Hyatt
Bali, Indonesia
9:20 A.M. WITA
THE PRESIDENT: Well, I just want to make a brief statement. This is a remarkable example of the trade investment and commercial opportunities that exist in the Asia Pacific region.
For the last several days I’ve been talking about how we have to make sure that we’ve got a presence in this region, that it can result directly in jobs at home. And what we see here -- a multibillion-dollar deal between Lion Air -- one of the fastest-growing airlines not just in the region, but in the world -- and Boeing is going to result in over 100,000 jobs back in the United States of America, over a long period of time.
This represents the largest deal, if I’m not mistaken, that Boeing has ever done. We are looking at over 200 planes that are going to be sold. And the U.S. administration and the Ex-Im Bank, in particular, were critical in facilitating this deal. And I want to thank all of the administration officials who were dogged in trying to get this completed. This is an example of how we are going to achieve the long-term goal that I set of doubling U.S. exports over the next several years.
And so I want to, first of all, congratulate Lion Air for their incredible success. I want to congratulate Boeing for making outstanding planes, including the one that I fly on. (Laughter.) And this is an example of a win-win situation where the people of the region are going to be able to benefit from an outstanding airline. And our workers back home are going to be able to have job security and be able to produce an outstanding product made in America.
So congratulations, gentlemen. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
END
9:23 A.M. WITA
President Barack Obama poses for a photo with other leaders at the start of the US - ASEAN summit at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center in Nusa Dua, Bali, Nov. 18, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
President Obama is in Indonesia for the East Asia Summit. He's the first American president to attend the conference.
There, he's held bilateral meetings with the leaders of India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
He's announced that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will visit Burma to discuss that country's efforts to institute important, democratic reforms.
But much of his work was focused on helping to open up markets to American exports. On this trip, the President was able to announce business deals worth at least $25 billion between American companies and countries in the region.
Those transactions will help to support around 127,000 American jobs.
November 18, 2011 | 3:42 | Public Domain
President Obama discusses the deepening relationship between the United States and Indonesia.
Bali Convention Center
Bali, Indonesia
6:53 P.M. WITA
PRESIDENT OBAMA: Selamat malam. Terima kasih, President Yudhoyono. Thank you so much for welcoming us here today. Thank you for your tremendous leadership, and that of Indonesia, as you host both ASEAN and the East Asia Summit. And this speaks to your commitment to the region, as well as Indonesia's role as an important leader.
Let me say the obvious: It is wonderful to be back in Bali. This is the first time I've been here in 18 years. I have to say, 18 years ago, this entire development did not exist. So it's a sign of the remarkable development that has taken place here. It is always a pleasure to be here, and to have the opportunity to exchange views with my friend, President Yudhoyono.
I'm pleased to be here as the first U.S. President to attend the East Asia Summit. This is another example of how the United States is refocusing on the Asia Pacific, and engaging more deeply in regional organizations, so we can meet our common challenges together.
Our meeting just now focused on the growing relationship between our two nations. When I was here last year, we agreed to forge a comprehensive partnership across a whole range of areas, and today we reviewed the progress that we're making.
On the economic front, we welcome the completion of a deal that I witnessed this morning -- the decision of Indonesia's Lion Air to purchase up to 230 Boeing aircraft, worth at least $20 billion and possibly much, much more. This is one of the largest commercial transactions ever between our two countries, and it's a sign of just how much potential our relationship has.
Today, we're also signing, as President Yudhoyono mentioned, a Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact that will provide $600 million to support environmentally sustainable economic development, public health, and improved public services in Indonesia.
With regard to security, we agreed to a number of steps that will expand our cooperation, including training and support to help the Indonesian military as it modernizes. And I’d note that this kind of defense cooperation not only helps build Indonesia’s capacity to ensure its own security, it helps Indonesia play an active role in promoting security in the region.
Finally, I conveyed to President Yudhoyono our appreciation of Indonesia’s regional leadership, which has helped us to achieve real progress on issues like disaster relief, maritime security, and nonproliferation. And I thanked him for Indonesia’s efforts to promote democracy and human rights, and advance security and peace.
So, as I said, I wanted to thank President Yudhoyono for welcoming me back to Indonesia again. I know we’re all very grateful for his leadership and for the hospitality of the Indonesian people and the people of Bali, as they host these two important summits. And just as we deepen the partnership between our two nations, I am looking forward to the progress that we can make as a region towards greater security and prosperity for all of us.
So, President Yudhoyono, thank you very much.
PRESIDENT YUDHOYONO: Terima kasih. Thank you.
PRESIDENT OBAMA: Terima kasih. (Applause.)
END
6:53 P.M. WITA
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
Close cooperation in education is a fundamental element of the Comprehensive Partnership. In June 2010, U.S. President Barack Obama and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono announced a Higher Education Partnership in which the United States and Indonesia will commit to help build capacity to provide world-class university educations and to help double the number of American and Indonesian students who study in each other’s country. A key element of the strategic approach is a whole of government effort to facilitate self-sustaining partnerships among U.S. and Indonesian institutions, foundations, corporations, universities, and individuals. Recognizing that science and technology are engines of future growth and prosperity, special emphasis is being given to bilateral cooperation in these areas.
Higher Education
The United States will commit more than $165 million over five years to support the Higher Education Partnership. To help jointly achieve the shared goals in higher education:
• The Department of State is expanding support for the binational Fulbright Program, making it one of the largest in the world. The Fulbright Indonesia Research, Science and Technology program (FIRST), a five-year, $15 million initiative provides scholarships for Indonesians to study and conduct research in the United States in priority science and technology fields and for Americans to study, teach and conduct research in Indonesia in similar areas. The Department of State’s Community College Initiative provides $2.5 million per year for scholarships for approximately 50 Indonesian students per year to study in the in one-year certificate programs and to bring approximately 18 faculty and educational administrators for professional development at U.S. community colleges.
• The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is creating partnerships, developing capacity, and expanding education opportunities. The creation of University Partnerships between U.S. and Indonesian institutions improves research and lecturing, while also promoting faculty and student exchanges. The Higher Education Leadership, Management and Policy (HELM) Program supports Indonesian universities by building their capacity in organizational management, budget and financing, quality assurance and local outreach. The scholarship program PRESTASI sends Indonesian professionals to degree programs and training in Indonesia, the United States or third countries. The Development Credit Authority guarantees student loans for Indonesian students to attend universities in the United States and Indonesia.
• U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan hosted Minister of Education and Culture Mohammad Nuh and more than 100 higher education leaders from both counties on October 31, 2011 in Washington, D.C. for the first U.S.-Indonesia Higher Education Summit.
• Our two governments will celebrate 2012 as the Year of Fulbright 60/20 celebrating the 60th anniversary of Fulbright in Indonesia and the 20th anniversary of the American-Indonesian Exchange Foundation (AMINEF), the binational commission that administers the Fulbright Program in Indonesia.
Study in the U.S.
• The United States’ top priority in Indonesia is encouraging Indonesian students to study in the United States. The Department of State has increased funding to $4.5 million annually for English-language training, student advising services, and other exchanges.
• The United States Mission in Indonesia welcomes student visa applications. In FY 2011, student visas applications increased to their highest figure within 10 years, and ninety-five percent of student visa applicants were approved.
• The United States is increasing the profile of U.S. higher education institutions through education outreach to Indonesians. Under Secretary Francisco J. Sanchez led the U.S. Department of Commerce’s largest-ever education mission to Indonesia in 2011, in partnership with the Putera Sampoerna Foundation. Fifty-six U.S. higher education institutions participated in the mission, attracting thousands of prospective Indonesian students and their families. The Fulbright Commission’s EducationUSA Fair brought an additional 45 universities to Indonesia to recruit students. The two education fairs attracted more than 20,000 people.
• The U.S. Department of Commerce is developing partnerships to encourage more Indonesians to study in the United States. Assistant Secretary of Commerce Suresh Kumar signed a memorandum with Putera Sampoerna Foundation’s ACCESS Education Beyond to promote cooperation between U.S. and Indonesian universities, and to connect U.S. higher education institutions with Indonesian students and education institutions.
Basic Education
• USAID seeks to improve the quality of school management, governance, and teacher professional development within the Indonesian public school system. By providing support in the areas of school budgeting and planning; creation of materials and tools to facilitate learning in reading, math and science; and dissemination of student-centered teaching methodologies, USAID will have an impact on the overall quality of secular and Islamic primary schools in selected provinces and districts. The ultimate goal is to improve student performance and outcomes. Activities are also underway to increase access to quality education for students with disabilities.
Library Partnerships and Collaboration
• The Library of Congress is developing the American Institute for Indonesian Studies (AIFIS) with a consortium of universities, including Cornell, Yale, Princeton, Hawaii, Michigan, Wisconsin, UC Berkeley, and UCLA, to further develop Indonesian studies and links between Indonesian and U.S. scholars. The Library of Congress is also assisting the House Democracy Partnership with Indonesian parliament staff improvement.
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
In November 2011, Presidents Obama and Yudhoyono reaffirmed their support for the U.S.-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership, a long term commitment to elevate bilateral relations by intensifying consultations and developing habits of cooperation on key bilateral, regional, and global issues. First proposed by President Yudhoyono in November 2008, the two presidents officially launched the Comprehensive Partnership in November 2010 during President Obama’s historic visit to Jakarta.
Cooperation under the Comprehensive Partnership is outlined in a Plan of Action consisting of three pillars: political and security; economic and development; and socio-cultural, education, science, and technology cooperation. Six working groups have been tasked with coordinating strategies and highlighting policy initiatives and priorities under the Plan of Action. These groups focus on energy, security, trade and investment, democracy and civil society, education, and climate and environment.
The U.S. Secretary of State and the Indonesian Foreign Minister co-chair a Joint Commission to ensure continued momentum to sustain the Partnership. Secretary Clinton and Foreign Minister Natalegawa held the inaugural session in Washington, D.C. in September 2010; the second session was convened in Bali on July 24, 2011. The next meeting will be held in 2012.
Senior-level dialogue is a key element of the Partnership, including a strategic dialogue Launched by Deputy Secretary Burns, in his previous capacity as Under Secretary, and Director General Marsudi in July 2010. Since the launch of the Comprehensive Partnership the United States and Indonesia have established high-level dialogues on commercial ties, energy policy, health, and trade and investment. Additional high-level dialogues will be added as the two countries further develop the Comprehensive Partnership.
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
The acquisition and regeneration of Excess Defense Articles (EDA) F-16s provides Indonesia with a much needed capability to protect its sovereign airspace and represents the largest transfer of defense articles in the history of the U.S.-Indonesia bilateral relationship – a signal of the growing commitment to regional security under the bilateral Comprehensive Partnership.
The Government of Indonesia has chosen to improve its internal air defense capability through the upgrade and regeneration of Excess Defense Articles (EDA) USAF F-16 Block 25 aircraft provided to the Government of Indonesia via a grant approved in August 2011. Indonesia currently has a fleet of 10 F-16 A/B Block 15 aircraft. The acquisition and regeneration of 24 F-16 C/D aircraft via EDA allows the Government of Indonesia to significantly bolster air defense capacity without compromising the defense budget and other national priorities.
The Government of Indonesia requested a total of 30 aircraft, with 24 F-16 Block 25 aircraft for regeneration, and four F-16 Block 25 and two F-16 Block 15 aircraft for use as spare parts. Included in the grant was a request for 28 Pratt and Whitney engines. Indonesia has allocated funding for the regeneration of the 24 F-16s and overhaul of 28 engines.
The Department of Defense is currently working with the Indonesian Ministry of Defense to develop a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for the regeneration of 24 F-16 Block 25 aircraft while awaiting completion of the final required Congressional Notification. The Congressional Notification is expected to be complete and the LOA ready to be signed in early 2012. The United States Government is working to begin delivery of aircraft by July 2014, as requested by the Government of Indonesia.
At the conclusion of the regeneration Indonesia will possess a fleet of 24 F-16 aircraft updated with the most advanced Modular Mission Computer (MMC) produced by Raytheon. The aircraft will also have vastly improved radar, avionics, and the capability to carry and field more advanced weaponry and sensors. Additionally, a minimum of thirty pilots will receive F-16 differences training in the United States, and mobile training teams from the United States will train Indonesian aircraft maintainers.
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
1. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and President Barack Obama met in Bali on November 18, 2011. The two presidents reaffirmed the deepening engagement between the two countries on regional and global issues since establishing the U.S.-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership in November 2010.
2. President Obama expressed the United States’ admiration for Indonesia’s democratic transformation, and the two presidents reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen democracy and human rights in their own societies. President Obama welcomed Indonesia's leadership of the Bali Democracy Forum as part of Indonesia’s democracy promotion efforts. President Obama also reiterated the United States’ support for Indonesia’s national unity and territorial integrity.
3. President Obama congratulated Indonesia on its chairmanship of ASEAN and the East Asia Summit (EAS); its efforts to promote regional security, nonproliferation, and disarmament; and commitment to making democracy and human rights platforms for ASEAN's development.
4. President Yudhoyono welcomed the United States’ inclusion in the EAS, noting it was the first time a U.S. president participated in the Summit. The leaders affirmed the EAS as the region’s premier forum for leaders to discuss strategic political and security issues.
5. The two presidents applauded the results of the second Comprehensive Partnership Joint Commission meeting that took place in Bali in July 2011 and emphasized the need to further deepen cooperation under the U.S.-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership’s Plan of Action. The two leaders looked forward to the next session of the Joint Commission meeting in 2012.
6. The two presidents announced a $600 million Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact to support environmentally-sustainable economic development through clean energy projects and sustainable landscapes projects, community-based nutrition programs, and procurement modernization.
7. The two presidents welcomed the outcome of the Indonesia-U.S. Security Dialogue (IUSSD) in Jakarta on September 22-23, 2011 and announced the planned transfer and upgrade of 24 Excess Defense Article F-16s to the Indonesian Air Force.
8. The two presidents celebrated the success of the U.S.-Indonesia Higher Education Summit, October 31, 2011 in Washington, D.C. The two presidents also reaffirmed their support for increased education opportunities that will benefit students from both nations and enhance people-to-people ties, and welcomed continued progress in the U.S.-Indonesia Higher Education Partnership. The two presidents welcomed the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Fulbright in Indonesia and the 20th anniversary of the American-Indonesian Exchange Foundation (AMINEF).
9. The two presidents noted their growing cooperation to address climate change and environmental challenges. The two presidents welcomed the signing of a second Tropical Forest Conservation Act debt-for-nature swap, as well as progress by the Indonesia Climate Change Center on science-based policy recommendations for peat lands, as milestones in bilateral efforts on conservation, biodiversity and climate change. They also agreed to work together, including through the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate and other international fora, to achieve a successful outcome at the upcoming climate change negotiations in Durban, South Africa.
10. The two presidents also noted the expanded cooperation on clean and renewable energy under the auspices of the U.S.-Indonesia Energy Policy Dialogue.
11. The two presidents reaffirmed the need for decisive action to achieve sustainable global food security. The two presidents set a goal of substantially increasing bilateral trade in food, fisheries, and sustainably managed forestry products, which will expand employment opportunities for both nations. The two presidents welcomed the development of the Advanced Science Center for Agriculture and Food Security and committed to bilateral efforts to increase agricultural productivity and sustainable fisheries.
12. President Yudhoyono appreciates President Obama's approval of the extension of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) facility to Indonesia on October 21, 2011. The two presidents reaffirmed their commitment to expanding commercial ties, noting that the newly-launched Commercial Dialogue will further expand trade opportunities and job creation. The two presidents welcomed the significant expansion of bilateral trade and investment, benefitting both countries’ economies.
13. The two presidents welcomed the construction of Indonesia’s Santi Dharma Peacekeeping Center, with U.S. support, as an important step forward in fulfilling Indonesia’s ambitious goals for increasing its peacekeeping contributions around the world.
14. The two presidents celebrated the ongoing success of Peace Corps in Indonesia and reaffirmed their support for the program's expansion on a gradual basis.
15. Under the framework of our bilateral Science and Technology Agreement, President Obama and President Yudhoyono decided to convene a new senior-level science and technology dialogue in the coming year and to strengthen joint research, education, and exchange opportunities.
16. The two presidents reaffirmed their commitment to work together in the area of public health to meet Millennium Development Goals to reduce deaths of young children and women in childbirth and to stem the spread of infectious diseases, especially tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and avian influenza.
17. The two presidents reaffirmed the importance of EAS and reaffirmed their commitment to working together – including through international fora – to promote peace and prosperity in both countries, the region, and the world. They expressed their commitment to work together with ASEAN and other regional partners to address key challenges in the region, including maritime security, disaster preparedness and relief, and nonproliferation.
18. President Yudhoyono congratulated President Obama on the success of the U.S. Chairmanship of APEC 2011. President Obama expressed U.S. support for Indonesia’s APEC Chairmanship in 2013.
19. President Yudhoyono welcomed President Obama’s creation of the Open Government Partnership to improve government transparency, and the two leaders committed to rapidly implementing their national action plans. President Obama thanked Indonesia for its leadership on the steering committee of the Open Government Partnership.
20. The two presidents reaffirmed the importance of the G20 as the premier international economic forum, and discussed their efforts to promote economic recovery and create jobs by implementing the Cannes Summit commitments, and call on all G20 members to make progress on achieving G20 goals.
21. The two presidents reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the U.S.-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership as a dynamic and enduring partnership that contributes to the security and prosperity of both countries. They also committed to work together to find solutions to strengthen international peace and cooperation in light of ongoing global economic conditions, political transitions, and other transnational challenges
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
For generations, American families have empowered our sons and daughters with boundless love, giving them the courage to pursue their dreams. This week, we celebrate the threads of compassion and unity that tie our families together, enrich our communities, and strengthen the fabric of our Nation.
My Administration remains steadfast in our commitment to families across America. To ensure our children get a strong start, we are bolstering early learning programs and promoting education reform that will do more to bring every student the best our schools have to offer. By investing in Pell Grants and community colleges, we are working to make higher education affordable for more families and build a workforce of tomorrow that will excel in the global economy. And by taking executive action to lighten financial burdens on many middle class families, we are making it more affordable to pay back student loans and easier for homeowners to refinance their mortgages. As our families work hard to meet their obligations, these actions will give them the help they need to thrive in the years to come.
During National Family Week, let us also reflect on the contributions and sacrifices of our service members and their loved ones. Our troops and military families serve with valor at home and overseas, and as a Nation we have a moral obligation to serve these patriots as well as they have served us. To better fulfill this promise, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden launched Joining Forces earlier this year, an initiative that challenges all Americans to make a difference in the lives of our veterans and military families.
As we gather with our loved ones this holiday season, let us pause to give thanks to all those who share in the trials and triumphs of our lives. Our families illuminate our days and bring meaning to our years, and their love has the power to see us through our greatest challenges. This week and throughout the year, let us strive to give back to our friends, families, communities, and neighbors, and to work together in pursuit of our highest ambitions.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 20 through November 26, 2011, as National Family Week. I invite all States, communities, and individuals to join in observing this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities to honor our Nation's families.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
BARACK OBAMA
November 18, 2011 | 2:36 | Public Domain
President Obama and Prime Minister Najib speak about the relationship between their two countries before a bilateral meeting in Bali.
Grand Hyatt
Bali, Indonesia
12:04 P.M. WITA
PRESIDENT OBAMA: Well, I just want to say how much of a pleasure it is to be able to see, once again, Prime Minister Najib. We just had excellent conversations and consultations at the APEC conference that we hosted in Honolulu. This allows us to expand discussions not only on our bilateral relationship, which is strong, and the cooperation that we've seen on issues like the Trans-Pacific Partnership, but it also allows us to discuss how we can best use the East Asia Summit to assure shared prosperity and shared security across the region.
And so I appreciate the extraordinary cooperation that we've received on a whole range of issues. We want to be a strong partner with Malaysia, and Prime Minister Najib, I think, has shown great leadership not only in continuing to boost Malaysia's economy, but also in showing leadership on a wide range of multilateral fora.
So thank you very much, Prime Minister.
PRIME MINISTER NAJIB: Thank you very much, Mr. President, for your very encouraging words. We believe we have a very, very productive relationship between our two countries. Before this, they've been very strong in the areas of trade and investment. The United States is our fourth-largest trading partner. On a comparative basis, you're still the largest investor in Malaysia. We certainly look forward to expanding trade and investment linkages. And with the TPP, hopefully we can meet the deadline next year. We see great prospects in terms of enhancing trade investment between our two countries. And certainly we look forward to working in other areas concerned.
We are very committed to ensuring peace and stability. We're working with you in the area of nuclear nonproliferation. We're doing our part to make sure that Malaysia is not a transit point for illicit goods that can be used for nuclear proliferation. Working towards helping you in Afghanistan. And we're looking at new areas of cooperation -- including receiving 50 English teachers from the United States. They are coming in January.
So I'm excited about the prospects, and I look forward to deepening, strengthening, enhancing our bilateral ties. And I thank you for your leadership in this.
PRESIDENT OBAMA: Thank you.
Thank you, everybody.
END
12:07 P.M. WITA
