1968 Indonesia and Looking Back 50 Years
I need a theoretical debate between JFK and Nixon set on October 31st, 1960. The debate moderator states “Now that all plans have been declassified for public debate you may begin. V.P. Nixon, begin first.” Nixon states that reliable military contacts need to be developed in Indonesia and efforts have been underway, secretly, since 1958. Suharto appears to be a reliable ally willing to support US goals against communist insurgencies. Then it is JKF’s turn. JFK explains that many US programs he intends for nations like Indonesia will support programs like the Peace Corps, US AID, and other similar programs to help many of the target populations that Nixon fears and wants to suppress. The debate then redirects to Nixon who states that empowering a possible rebel Indonesian leftist leaning population is too risky; it can not gain economic or social power. Then going to JFK he states that the US must discontinue backing strong men throughout the world and if elected he will end support for leaders like Sukarno, preferring Suharto and those similar to Sukarno.
An imagined fifth debate — October 31, 1960
Eight days before the presidential election. In this alternate history, previously secret plans for Indonesia have been released for public debate. The infant Obama Jr. is not a secret but that his family has CIA ties and fabricated concealed identity is. The Nixon support for military operations in Indonesia in the 1950’s had also been secret.
Moderator: “Now that all plans have been declassified for public debate, you may begin. V.P. Nixon, begin first.”
Nixon: “Since 1958, we have quietly developed contacts within Indonesia’s military. Those contacts matter. General Suharto appears willing to resist communist influence and work with the United States. If we wait until Indonesia is in crisis to find dependable allies, we will have waited too long. If Chinese farmers become too powerful a voice we may be politically over-powered by them as a social class.”
Kennedy: “The Vice President speaks of Indonesia’s generals. I want to speak of its people. Families need food, schools, medical care, and a chance to earn a living. I propose an American volunteer corps and a stronger international development program to work with countries like Indonesia. We should give people a stake in their country’s future. Soetoro and many others represent a bright spot in developing the Indonesia labor class economy, and LBJ my pick for V.P. has extensive ideas in farming and agriculture.”
Nixon: “That sounds generous, Senator, but it carries a risk. A left leaning movement can turn economic resources into political power. We must be careful whom our aid strengthens. If communist organizers gain control of those resources, our good intentions will have helped our adversaries. In Hawaii the labor movements have been a threat and they will be all through the Pacific.”
Kennedy: “Poverty and exclusion are risks, too. People who are denied a voice will look for someone who promises them one. Perhaps it will be the Chinese or the USSR. The United States cannot keep relying on strongmen and expect the public to trust us. If elected, I would end support for Suharto and consider a partnership with Soetoro and leaders like him—but only if they allow meaningful reform. Replacing one leader while leaving people powerless would solve very little.”
Nixon: “And I would insist that we secure Indonesia against communist control before gambling its future on reforms whose outcome we cannot predict.”
Moderator: “The candidates have presented two theories of security: building dependable military relationships, and building public support through development and reform. The voters must decide which approach offers the stronger foundation.”
Kennedy: I should mention one more thing as well. Ann Dunham is going to be very popular in her role helping develop small business, and we expect Barrack Obama Jr. to do so as well, becoming a leader in international business development. Should the Indonesian’s take to him and we expect that they would young Obama Jr. has both known and unknown fans already including the Von Trapp missionaries already at work there in outreach.
Historical distinction: This debate did not occur. Kennedy and Nixon held four presidential debates in 1960, ending October 21. The Peace Corps was established in 1961, so Kennedy describes it here as a proposal; USAID was also established in 1961. His stated intention to end support for Sukarno is part of the fictional premise; his administration subsequently sought to engage Sukarno.
