Imam Cahyono and Ted Meinhover, Jakarta

These are critical days for U.S. President George W. Bush. The global image of his administration continues to decline. The past six years of his policies have been largely disastrous and misguided. His main agendas, the war against terrorism and democratization through force and the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq, have failed.

The Bush administration's foreign policy has resulted in the creation of enemies and the loss of allies. Domestically, the Bush administration's image continues to wane, as evident in the recent defeat of the Republican Party in the midterm elections. The economic condition in the U.S. continues to worsen, growth is at a spectacular low, while the strength of China and other countries continues to grow.

Under such circumstances, Bush's planned visit to Indonesia on Nov. 20 is a recognition of the critical nature of his situation. The official agenda of the meeting between Bush and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at Bogor Palace will include education, public health, bio-energy, information technology and a tsunami early warning system. The meeting will also focus on poverty reduction and the Millennium Development Goals. The military and the political agenda that inevitably follows the American president, however, cannot be hidden. Indonesia's importance to Bush, at this critical turning point in his presidency, is much greater than the official agenda lets on.

The most damaging failure of the Bush administration has been the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan. Many Indonesians, as well as the world, feel that these wars have hurt all Muslims. Indonesia is perhaps America's best hope for building a new, positive image within Islam. It plays a very important role as not only the largest Muslim country in the world but also the third most populous democracy in the world. The real reason for Bush's visit is to build cooperation with Indonesia, which can help it repair its relationship with the Muslim world. Bush needs Indonesia's support to restore his administration's image among Muslims.

While it has been focusing on its battle against terrorism in the Middle East, the U.S. has eased its role in Asia, only to allow Asia's major powers, like China, to take over. The imported goods that once dominated Indonesia's market came from the U.S. and Japan, but today, Chinese products prevail.

If China and Indonesia join forces, the powerful relationship will further challenge the U.S. The strengthening of Indo-Chinese ties indicates that the pendulum of Indonesia's foreign policy is swinging toward China as a consequence of U.S. neglect.

Furthermore, China and Indonesia are building military relations that spark anxiety within the Bush administration. Because of a history of arms embargo, Indonesia is trying to reduce its dependency on the U.S. as a source of military equipment.

In addition to its economic and military significance, Indonesia was also recently chosen as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. This means Indonesia's role in the global community has strengthened. Not only is Indonesia seen as an important player within the UN, it is also an influential player in the Muslim world.

Bush needs Indonesia -- he has a challenge before him, however, as thousands of people in Indonesia have taken to the streets to protest his visit. When Bush is welcomed by massive demonstrations in Bogor, it will show how he has already lost much of his legitimacy.

For example, some of the most important moderate Islamic leaders, such as Hasyim Muzadi of the Nahdlatul Ulama, have spoken out against the meeting. It is ironic that despite the need for reconciliation, Bush continues to show his arrogance by demanding that Indonesia go to excessive lengths to provide security. It is obvious that the American policies of the past six years have already caused damage to its relations with the Indonesian people.

Given these many challenges, Bush must reexamine his approach to Indonesia and Islam. He must not only create new relations with Indonesia, he must fix those that have been damaged over the course of his presidency. Bush should reconsider his approach of hard power, using violence and military strength.

He has used fear, violence and aggression in pursuit of his goals -- this has resulted in the creation of enemies and the loss of allies. International surveys show that many people see Bush as a greater threat to peace than even Kim Jong-il, the leader of North Korea. This sentiment is obviously shared by the thousands of Indonesians who have and are planning to rally against the meeting between Bush and SBY.

Considering the extent to which Indonesia is needed by the United States, it would be wise for Bush to take this opportunity to apologize. By planning a meeting in Indonesia, he has recognized that country's importance -- it also indicates he has realized his policies have been faulty. He is too arrogant, however, to take the next necessary step and apologize for the damage they have done. His policies of aggression have not only hurt and offended Muslims, but all people who are united in their respect for humanity.

This is a crucial moment -- Bush must admit that he has been wrong, and must continue to change his policies. In Indonesia, Bush is often seen as too proud to make this necessary apology. Considering the Indonesian tradition of Idul Fitri as a time of forgiveness, the American president should use this as an opportunity to say Minal Aidzin wal Faizin (may you are among the winners and those who return to the pure life), to heal damaged relations, and to gain sympathy from Muslims. But it must be a sincere apology, and it must be reinforced by a real change of U.S. policy.

The interests of the United States in terms of battling terrorism and building economic ties are much better served by helping Muslim countries battle poverty and improve education; simply waging a "war on terror" will only create more enemies. This may very well be the last chance for President Bush to repair and to rebuild relationships with the Islamic world and Indonesia. A failure to do so will speed the decline of the American superpower and will further the violence that plagues our world today.