U.S. EMBASSY ELECTION OBSERVATION TEAM
STATEMENT ON THE SEPTEMBER 20, 2004 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN INDONESIA

September 27, 2004

The United States Embassy congratulates the people of Indonesia on the conclusion of their historic elections this year, culminating in the country's first-ever direct election of its president. The September 20th direct presidential election, the largest such single-day election in the world, demonstrates the Indonesian people's continued commitment to a strong and vibrant democracy.

The U.S. Embassy deployed 60 official observers, accredited by the Indonesian Electoral Commission (KPU), for Indonesia's September 20 national presidential elections. These observers deployed to 22 provinces by September 19, and witnessed polling and counting at some 400 polling stations on September 20-23. The U.S. team sent one observer to Aceh, three to Papua and West Irian Jaya provinces, and two to Maluku. Ambassador Ralph L. Boyce and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director William M. Frej participated by observing polling station number 057 in an elementary school in Menteng, Jakarta. Some U.S. observers remained in the field until September 22-23 to examine the initial compilation of votes at the village, sub-district and district levels.

The U.S. team found that voting and counting proceeded in an orderly and very peaceful manner, without disruption or restriction on voter access to polls. In almost all areas we observed, the election environment and voting process remained free of intimidation and efforts to manipulate the process. Our observers acknowledged significant improvement in electoral logistics and election administration over previous rounds. In areas directly observed, our observers found that the initial vote amalgamation process unfolded in a transparent and unbiased manner. We commend the KPU for its achievement in administering one of the most challenging electoral processes in the history of democracy. We also commend the spirit of community participation evident at polling stations throughout Indonesia.

Our observers witnessed some variation in procedures applied by election authorities, including methods to verify voters’ identity and confusion over provisions for early poll station closures. However, these did not appear to have a significant effect on the integrity of the process. The U.S. will share more detailed findings with the KPU.

The U.S. team noted the support from civil society for the elections. In particular, the application of internationally-recognized methods for projecting election results, the activities of a free and vibrant press, and the presence of the candidate witnesses and domestic monitors as guarantors of the process appeared particularly important.

Our team acknowledged the commitment by the KPU, the Election Supervisory Committee (PANWASLU) and the Government of Indonesia to ensure that vote tabulation and verification of final results proceeds in a transparent manner, as well as the commitment of the candidates to resolve any electoral disputes that may arise through peaceful and legal channels.

The U.S. Embassy commends Indonesia for the successful conclusion of its landmark elections, which set a strong and positive example for the region and for emerging democracies everywhere.

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