US Ambassador: ISIS Cannot Grow and Expand Influence in Indonesia

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Similar to other Muslim populated nation, Indonesia is arguably susceptible to the influence of radical groups. This is portrayed through its rapid widespread of influence and teachings in some crucial parts in Indonesia.

The United States Ambassador to Indonesia, Robert O Blake Jr however, thinks that such group cannot develop in a country like Indonesia.

In an open democracy environment, Ambassador Blake views such group as being challenged by the very freedom that each individual have in choosing whatever ideology that suits them best. 

"It is difficult for radical group such as ISIS to develop and spread here," Ambassador Blake remarks.

"Indonesia is an open democracy," he added.

The United States is currently determined to help the restoration of worldwide peace by leading a joint international coalition against ISIS and other extremist groups which have evidently wrecked havoc in a number of countries across the globe. 

Indonesia also fights its own battle at home targetting the warmongers who commanded its radical groups. Ambassador Blake says that both Indonesia and The U.S are not binded to a special security cooperation against ISIS. 

He views Indonesia as capable of containing the widespread of extremist group on its own, and the country has been successful so far in preventing some of its citizens from fleeing across the country to become members of ISIS.

"Indonesia has worked hard to become independent in addresing such issue. indonesia does not need The U.S," he continued explaining.

Ambassador Blake took the time to sit down with Liputan6.com to discuss a wide range of topic last Wednesday on 6 May 2015.

His remarks cover topics including US-Indonesia relations, freeport, education, culture and many other equally interesting discussions during the special interview session. (Akp/Tnt)