Indonesia Defence Forum

[Reashot Xigwin]

Self-reliant defense

4 days ago

If possible, the equipment has to be made in Indonesia, but if not, we will ask local companies to create joint ventures with international defense industries... Our defense industry should be self-sufficient by 2029” PURNOMO YUSGIANTORO, Minister of D

Purnomo Yusgiantoro

Minister of Defense




Research and Development Indonesia Defence Asia Purnomo Yusgiantoro Science & Technology

The government’s strategy to create a strong and self-sufficient defense industry has Indonesian companies increasing production, improving technology and acquiring expertise

There is a renewed sense of optimism within Indonesia’s defense industry, thanks to the State’s series of programs to not only modernize the Armed Forces of Indonesia (TNI), but also boost indigenous manufacturers of military equipment. A 2012 law enacted by President Yudhoyono, a retired three-star army general himself, decreed that TNI must purchase the majority of its weaponry and vehicles from Indonesian companies, who in turn are encouraged to negotiate agreements and joint ventures with foreign defense firms in order to gain access to advanced technology.

Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro speaks with United World about the evolution of the defense industry over the past several years, and his expectations for making it self-reliant.

What is your strategy to modernize the military and improve the efficiency and overall capacity of the defense industry?
The economic crisis of 1998 did not only mark a change from an old era into a new era in Indonesia; it was also the time when the old government was transformed into a newly reformed one. Therefore, the crisis also marked the beginning of the new era of democratization in our country and that is very important.

On the economic side, it took us a while to recover from the 1998 crisis. Our priority was to focus on the economy and social welfare and it has only been over the last five to 10 years that our economy grew stronger. This was also the time for the defense industry to recover.

Our philosophy is that if we want to have a strong country, we need to have strong armed forces. And if we want to have strong armed forces, we need a strong defense industry to support them. That is why it is necessary to strengthen our armed forces in parallel with pushing the defense industry further. That is a key point.

The overall economy has been gradually improving and the government has been able to increase the budget allocation for the defense industry and the armed forces. I believe that in this cabinet we have a very good starting point to boost the industry as we received the highest proportion of the budget so far for defense purposes. Our current budget is close to 1% of the GDP.

From 2000 until now, the budget has increased tenfold.

In the 2010-2014 period, defense budget allocation experienced significant growth. In 2010 the budget ceiling was Rp. 42.31 trillion (0.71% of GDP), whereas in 2014 it is Rp. 84.42 trillion (0.88% of GDP). However the budget that is provided is still far from what we need to realize defense development, which is somewhere between 1.8%-2.1% of GDP.

In 2010, the government established the Defense Industry Policy Committee (KKIP). What led to the establishment of this committee and what role does it play together with the Ministry of Defense in optimizing the operations of Indonesia’s armed forces?
In the past, before we formed this Committee, there were several ministries taking care of the defense industry – the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of State Owned Enterprises, the State Ministry of Research & Technology, and the Ministry of Defense. There were many fingers in the pie, which was not good as it was slowing things down. So I put forward the idea to the

President of forming one body to take care of the defense industry. The President agreed and the Committee was formed under a presidential decree.

As a result the work in the defense industry has been synchronized and so far, and it has been working very well. The defense industry is growing; some of the companies can now supply equipment to the army, the navy and the air force. Some have even started exporting which demonstrates great progress.

In 2010, the Ministry of Defense elaborated a 15-Year Strategic Plan under which $15 billion was to be spent during the first phase due to end in 2014. Can you tell us more about this plan and its objectives?
The 15-Year Strategic Plan is related to how we can empower and strengthen the defense forces. We have three components in our concept – the first is research and development (R&D) and we have to develop our capacity in this area; the second is the defense industry, which has to be supported by R&D; and third are the armed forces which have to be supported by the defense industry.

We have broken the 15 years down into three five-year plans – we call it strategic planning from 2010-2014, 2015-2019, and 2020-2024.

For 2010-2014, the main components are to emphasize the principal of zero growth and right sizing, meaning not to add to the number of personnel, but to organize and position all personnel according to their competence, and this goes for every position in the organization. The armed forces development is directed to strengthen interoperability among services, in order to enhance its joint operation on the field.

For the ground force the main focus will be on developing its capability in the field of maneuverability and fire support, along with the transformation of its doctrine, training and leadership education system. The main focus for the sea force will be on changing its organization, while the air force will be focusing on the process of adding new combat squadrons.

For 2015-2019 the main focus will be a continuation of the previous five years. The ground force will focus on the enhancement of its air defense, mobility/counter mobility and utilization of nano-technology in combat intelligence. The navy will continue changing its organization with the development of working units. The air force will continue on the previous five years.

For 2020-2024 the main focus of the ground force will be a continuation of the previous years. The navy will be focusing on the completion of specially designed software. The air force will continue on the previous years.

What are your priorities in terms of military modernization?
Indonesia covers a wide area on land and sea, with a very large population and abundant natural riches, so the military has a big responsibility. Therefore, modernization of the Indonesian military (TNI) is necessary in order to ensure the sovereignty and integrity of our country, as well as the safety of our people.

We have a program to empower our armed forces. This government has allocated a budget of $15 billion to develop the equipment for the army, the navy and the air force. The government seeks to elevate the independence of the national defense industry, so some of this budget will be directed to local companies. If possible, the equipment has to be made in Indonesia, but if not, we will ask local companies to create joint ventures with international defense industries. We have a step-by-step approach to ask state companies to join.

The form of cooperation concerns increasing local content, technology transfer, and offsets. Offsets means that if we buy from someone, they also have to buy from us. For example, we are cooperating with the South Koreans to develop fighter planes. We have a 20% share, so if the Korean industry makes 250 units of fighters, then we will get 50 units.

The fulfillment of the needs for defense equipment should be sought in the national defense industry and our dependency of products from abroad should be minimized. The government gives guarantees to banks and financial institutions that support the funding of the development and the utilization of the defense industry.

With military modernization, development of infrastructure is also required. Currently, ship builder PT PAL and Indonesian Aerospace (PT DI) are pioneering the development of infrastructure by manufacturing submarines and jet fighters respectively. It is expected, that within two or three years, Indonesia will have its own infrastructure for manufacturing submarines and jet fighters with advanced technology.

If possible, we will sign government-to-government agreements, under the government’s umbrella. We have had a past experience when our country was under an embargo when we had a problem obtaining spare parts. As a result our fighter planes could not fly. Therefore, now we are looking for company-to-company and government-to-government cooperation to ensure this does not happen again.

Indonesia - Purnomo Yusgiantoro, Minister of Defense

 

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Indonesia, France agree to cooperate on dockyard development
Minggu, 16 November 2014 14:39 WIB | 759 Views

Brisbane (ANTARA News) - The governments of Indonesia and France have agreed to increase cooperation on the maritime sector, particularly in shipyard development.

"In the maritime sector, both governments give an emphasis on industry because France is strong in shipyard industry. A working group will be needed to discuss the cooperation," Cabinet Secretary Andi Widjajanto told reporters on the sidelines of accompanying President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to visit the Brisbane Port here on Sunday.

In order to follow up the agreement, both sides will set up a joint working group which will discuss concrete steps towards the realization of the planned cooperation.

Besides strengthening cooperation on the maritime sector, Jokowi when meeting French President Francois Hollande also discussed investment opportunities on infrastructure and energy, particularly power plant development.

Regarding the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) issue, it was said that Indonesia was a moderate Muslim country.

"There is also a request for intelligence cooperation to prevent undesired things. On climate change, both countries agreed to continue their commitment," Widjajanto said.

In a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Markel, Jokowi also discussed cooperation in the defense sector after Indonesia and Germany have previously cooperated in the procurement of main battle tank Leopards.

"In the defense industry field, we have bought Leopard tanks so that both sides just hope to continue the program. In the wider defense industry, both sides will cooperate on what could be done with regard to the maritime industry," Widjajanto explained.

Both leaders also discussed the ISIS and climate change issues. "Discussions were still on general things. The previous cooperation such as the purchase of Leopards and cooperation on energy transfer will be continued," he stated.

On Sunday noon, Jokowi inspected Brisbane port before he headed toward Brisbane International Airport to leave for Indonesia.

He has been on working visits to China, Myanmar and Australia for a week.

Indonesia, France agree to cooperate on dockyard development - ANTARA News

 

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Indonesia emphasizes on importance of stability in South China Sea
Sabtu, 15 November 2014 18:35 WIB | 1.137 Views


Brisbane (ANTARA News) - Indonesia hopes all countries concerned with the South China Sea maintain stability in the region.

"What Indonesia hopes for, which we cannot afford to not have, is peace and stability in the region. We hope all countries behave so that the situation in the region does not become tense. Again, we cannot afford to have such conditions in the region from an economic perspective. We plan to develop connectivity in the region," Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno L. P. Marsudi told newsmen here on Saturday.

She said that Indonesia was one of the countries that pushed for a code of conduct in the South China Sea so that all countries have a common view to safeguard their interests in the region without having to hurt others.

"On the South China Sea issue, we presented our principles clearly. We were in the forefront with regard to the creation of a declaration of conduct, among others, and will continue to pursue its realization," she added.

The minister reiterated that the connectivity Indonesia wished to develop would be linked with the region, adding that the president had already conveyed the idea at all the nine summits. He had emphasized on the South China Sea issue at both the ASEAN and ASEAN Plus summits, she stated.

Indonesia, the minister further noted, wished all countries concerned with the South China Sea would feel comfortable and safe.

"At least urgent issues that need immediate attention should be dealt with to contribute to how to behave in the South China Sea," she remarked.

President Joko Widodo has been on a tour abroad the last week to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in China, the ASEAN and East Asia summits in Myanmar, and now the G-20 summit in Australia.

At the meetings President Joko Widodo conveyed Indonesias views and the measures to be taken in various fields, especially with regard to bilateral and multilateral relations, in the next five years.

(Reporting by Panca Hari Prabowo & GNC Aryani/Uu.H-YH/INE/KR-BSR/A014)

Indonesia emphasizes on importance of stability in South China Sea - ANTARA News

 

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Jokowi Tells Obama He’ll Keep Fighting Terrorism
'Indonesia has played an extraordinary role in promoting pluralism,' American president says

By Robertus Wardhy on 08:48 pm Nov 10, 2014

US President Barack Obama, right, gestures during a bilateral meeting with President Joko Widodo, left, in Beijing on Monday. (Reuters Photo/Kevin Lamarque)

Beijing. President Joko Widodo has promised to continue combating terrorism and extremists as he met US President Barack Obama for the first time on Monday.

Joko and Obama were attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Beijing this week, before departing to Myanmar to attend the East Asia Summit on Wednesday.

This is Joko’s first international summit as head of state, testing the former furniture businessman’s diplomatic skills.

Obama praised his Indonesian counterpart, calling Indonesia a model for nations with large Muslim populations.

“As one of the world’s largest democracies and also one with a large Islamic population, Indonesia has played an extraordinary role in promoting pluralism and respect for religious diversity,” Obama said, thanking Indonesia for its efforts to isolate extremists.

Obama said his country was keen on increasing its partnerships with Indonesia, stressing his interest in Joko’s flagship programs and reforms.

“I know that President Joko Widodo has a strong agenda and ambition toward reform and increasing the welfare of Indonesians. The United States is willing to become a partner in this reform process,” he said.

The US president noted Joko’s ambition to transform Indonesia into a world maritime powerhouse, saying that Indonesia could play a pivotal role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Joko said he would continue to forge cooperation with the United States to combat terrorism.

“We will continue it. Not just from a security perspective, but also through a cultural and religious approach to isolate and eliminate radicalism and extremism,” he said.

Indonesia a key partner

The United States has been seeking closer ties with Southeast Asian countries as a defense against what it sees as China’s aggression in pursuit of its claims in the South China Sea, as well as Beijing’s increasing economic influence.

Indonesia is seen as a key partner in this goal, as shown by Joko’s predecessor, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

To maintain relations with the new Indonesian president, Obama sent a delegation led by Secretary of State John Kerry to attend Joko’s inauguration.

However, Washington is competing with Beijing to draw Indonesia to its side as Chinese President Xi Jinping met first with Joko on Sunday, telling the new Indonesian president that links between the two nations ran deep in history, while quoting an Indonesian proverb to demonstrate emotional ties.

“Joko has a big challenge to maximize gains from Indonesia’s relations with big powers while maintaining neutrality,” said Bantarto Bandoro, an international relations expert at the Indonesian Defense University.

“But I think Indonesia has all the cards to do it as long as we play it correctly,” he added.

Shinzo Abe, Vladimir Putin

Later on Monday, Joko also met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who also expressed an interest in Joko’s maritime ambitions.

Indonesia and Japan “are both maritime countries, both countries must contribute to peace and justice,” Abe said.

“The Japanese government wishes to make some contribution in [Indonesia’s maritime] industry and the development of human resources,” he added.

Another world leader who held talks with Joko was Russian President Vladimir Putin, who sought to forge stronger economic partnerships with the new Indonesian government.

Partnerships between the two countries have mainly centered on the defense industry.

“Indonesia and Russia have good partnerships and histories,” Putin said.

“There is slow growth in terms of our economic partnerships. I hope in this forum we can discuss how to address this shortcoming.”

Joko welcomed more investment and partnerships from Russia, saying it had a lot to offer in developing Indonesia’s energy, transportation, agriculture and manufacturing potential.

In his maiden speech at an international forum on Sunday, Joko pitched his country as a prime investment destination to regional business leaders, pledging to slash fuel subsidies that have crimped the government’s ability to spend on social and infrastructure development.

Describing the $27 billion that Jakarta spends annually to hold down fuel prices as “huge,” Joko told the APEC CEO Summit that the savings would be used to build much-needed ports, railways and other infrastructure for the sprawling nation and help improve the livelihoods of rural residents.

Additional reporting from Reuters

Jokowi Tells Obama He'll Keep Fighting Terrorism - The Jakarta Globe

 

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Mediator Role Is in Indonesia’s Interest
Disinterested? Persuading parties to sit around the negotiating table will not suffice to obtain a negotiated settlement

By Jakarta Globe on 12:03 am Nov 17, 2014

It is a sign of something afoot that President Joko Widodo stepped forward at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Myanmar to resolve tensions in the strategic South China Sea, as reported by the Jakarta Globe last Wednesday.

During the Asean Summit in Myanmar all the claimants countries, minus China, were assumed to expose their perspective on how best to address the salient security issue.

Indonesia’s position has always been that affected nations should formulate a legally binding code of conduct while disputant countries should abide by international laws parallel to affected nations’ formulation of a legally binding code of conduct.

When Marty Natalegawa was still the country’s foreign minister, he witnessed the political reality that none of the competing countries in the South China Sea were politically reluctant to abandon the use of force or hard diplomacy. Yet his diplomatic influence yielded an unimpressive political outcome.

President Joko would appear to be dedicated to proving that Indonesia under his leadership is committed to lend new meaning to the way the conflict is addressed.

What Indonesia must exhibit in mediating the conflict is the notion of cooperation, since this is central to successful mediation.

The history of Indonesia’s “brokering” international conflict, revealed that Indonesia has often shown its experiences, if not capability, in making the disputing countries realize the importance of cooperation.

One may remember the time when Indonesia initiated the Jakarta Informal Meetings (JIM I and II) to help solve the Cambodian conflict, or at least Indonesia was seen successful in “dragging” the conflicting factions to come to Jakarta to discuss the issue in a very informal way.

Persuading parties to sit around the table will not suffice to obtain a negotiated settlement.

With all the South China Sea conflicting parties appearing to persist in their refusal to compromise on their strategic interests, it is easy to detect the political and strategic barriers Indonesia may encounter when mediating the conflict.

While we all welcome President Joko’s decision to seek ways to solve the long-standing South China Sea conflict, his strategic initiative will be meaningless unless he can convince the conflicting parties the importance of sharing, at minimum, the desire to cooperate.

It is against such background that the new secretary of Joko’s cabinet, Andi Widjajanto, emphasized the importance for the conflicting parties to restrain themselves while the code of conduct is being formulated.

Assuming that Indonesia is in the process of mediation, its major goals is to foster the motivation to collaborate.

Being the mediator, Indonesia needs the cooperative gestures from all the conflicting parties so that it can proceed with the next policy steps.

But that will not be very easy to achieve since some of the disputing countries have already registered a cool reception toward whatever solution is proposed.

The real challenge for Indonesia in mediating such a high-profile security issue is whether it can have a firm grasp of what it will think contribute to the emergence of cooperation between parties in the mediation.

What is perhaps even more difficult is whether Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, if instructed by the president to further proceed in the mediation, can successfully define the conditions under which parties are most likely to be motivated to cooperate.

This assumes, of course, that the when the parties are in a military standoff, one cannot expect them to exhibit an inclination to cooperate.

This is the area where Indonesia will find it difficult to turn antagonistic climate into cooperative one.

The United States’ interest in maintaining freedom of navigation under international laws underscores the necessary multilateral basis for Indonesia’s mediation initiative.

Of course, Joko’s mediation policy strategy must also take into account perceptions that claimants have regarding Indonesia’s own interests in the area — and not only those of the United States.

Approaching the United States in the mediation process may not be a bad idea at all, since the US presence in waters that are, under conventions of international law, not under any sovereign control, has at least in the eyes of China, added to hostilities.

Indonesia’s mediation policy should include an attempt to eliminate elements of hostility in the conflict.

The ignorance of hostility as a “target point” in Indonesia’s mediation strategy will only decrease the conflicting parties’ willingness to cooperate.

If Indonesia under Joko is to be seen different in its approach toward the South China Sea conflict from the previous administration, we should expect to see Retno’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs to pour more investment to Joko’s mediation policy, so that mutual and sustained hostility on the part of one country toward the another will not hinder the process.

Retno’s specific policy measures toward the conflict, if any and if she is not to emulate Marty’s way of approaching the conflict, will constitute strategic support to any kind of progress in the mediation process demonstrate by Joko’s government.

In the end, however, Joko must realize that in the South China Sea conflict there are myriad negative factors that may have a negative effect on cooperation and prevent its emergence.

Indifference to the interests of the other conflicting parties may also seen as another negative factor which may contribute to the dim prospect of Joko’s mediation policy.

Bantarto Bandoro is a senior lecturer in the Indonesian Defense University’s School of Defense Strategy and founder of the Institute for Defense and Strategic Research in Jakarta.

Mediator Role Is in Indonesia’s Interest - The Jakarta Globe

 

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TNI wants role in illegal
crossings probes
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | National | Fri, November 14 2014, 7:41 AM

The Indonesian Military (TNI) has requested the right to participate in investigations into flights illegally entering the country’s airspace.

TNI chief Gen. Moeldoko said that he had proposed a draft amendment of the Aviation Law, which currently only mandates civil investigators (PPNS) to interrogate violators.

“There should be law amendments mandating the Air Force to investigate airspace violators and the Navy to investigate vessels illegally crossing our waters,” he said on Thursday as quoted by viva.co.id.

Moeldoko said that according to Article 414 of the Aviation Law, airspace violations could be punished by up to five years’ imprisonment or a maximum fine of Rp 2 billion.

He added that he had no idea why the PPNS had imposed fines of only Rp 60 million on three recent violators.

Since President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo took office, there have been at least three illegal crossings. The most recent case involved a plane carrying officials preparing for a Saudi prince’s visit to Brisbane, Australia, that was intercepted by two Sukhoi jets from a base in Makassar.

An Australian light plane was a few weeks earlier intercepted after failing to get clearance while flying to the Philippines, while another Australian-registered plane owned by Singapore Technologies (ST) Aerospace used for pilot training was also forced to land in Kalimantan for lack of flight clearance.

The Navy, meanwhile, has caught at least five unauthorized ships fishing in Indonesian waters over the past few weeks. (***)

TNI wants role in illegal crossings probes | The Jakarta Post

 

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Indonesia targets shipbuilding collaboration with France, Germany
Jon Grevatt, Bangkok - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
16 November 2014


Indonesia has outlined its intention to increase naval shipbuilding collaboration with France and Germany as part of the southeast Asian country's continuing drive to become a modern maritime power.

Indonesia's state news agency Antara reported on 16 November that President Joko Widodo met separately with French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Markel at the G20 Leaders Summit in Australia to discuss maritime industrial co-operation.

Cabinet Secretary Andi Widjajanto said Indonesia and France had agreed to establish a working group to explore areas of shipbuilding collaboration. With regards to Germany, he added that industrial links would continue in the land systems sector but that "in the wider defence industry both sides will co-operate on what can be done within the maritime [sector]".

Indonesia targets shipbuilding collaboration with France, Germany - IHS Jane's 360

 

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Unintended impact of benign military deployment
Muhammad Arif, Singapore | Opinion | Mon, November 17 2014, 11:12 AM

Opinion News

As reported by the IHS Jane’s, Indonesia plans to upgrade its airbase on Natuna Island in the province of Riau Islands so it can handle its Sukhoi combat aircraft as well as newly purchased AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters.

The plan comes on the heels of preparations at another air base in Pekanbaru in Riau mainland to receive a new squadron of F-16C/D purchased from the United States.

The significance of this new forward deployment strategy is that it drastically changes the previous strategy of deploying military assets mainly in the inner areas of the country.

The new squadron of fighter jets F-16C/D in Pekanbaru will enhance the Air Force’s coverage as the Riau capital sits right next to the vital Strait of Malacca as well as the neighboring countries of Singapore and Malaysia.

The plan to upgrade the Natuna air base is even more noteworthy as the Indonesian Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) north of the island overlaps with the infamous Chinese nine-dash line claim, hence making the deployment inseparable from the context of the South China Sea dispute.

The forward deployment demonstrates President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s bid to strengthen Indonesian strategic standing in the turbulent Asia-Pacific region.

It is justifiable for Indonesia to deploy its defense assets anywhere within its territory; however, the plan risks unintended consequences, namely a hostile response from neighboring countries, particularly China.

International politics, indeed, is not a fair business. States are constantly suspect of each others’ intentions. When there is no prospect of gaining clear information on an adversary’s current and future intentions, states tend to equate “intention” with “capability”.

When a state witnesses another state arming, it could consider new military capabilities as attempts to undermine its security; a hostile image is thus attached to the arming state.

As soon as the hostile image has been attached, any further move by the arming state would be regarded as a proof of their hostile intentions. Weapons purchased for defensive purposes could be regarded as preparation for an attack. Feeling that its security is undermined, the first state would take counter measures by arming itself, against which further responses would take place. And so goes the vicious cycle of the spiral of conflict.

In fact, this is exactly what is happening with China and its military modernization. China’s military modernization, which it regards as a justified movement to secure its national interests, is judged in a very different way by the US and its allies in the region.

This is where the notions of the US “rebalancing of Asia” and “strengthening alliances in the region” come into play.

From the point of view of the Chinese, such movements are seen as the US trying to encircle and contain its rise, against which further military modernization continues.

The net result of this strategic interaction is more uncertainty and instability in the broader Asia-Pacific region.

The exact same case could happen with regard to Indonesian forward deployment, particularly in Natuna Island. What for Indonesia is a normal step in a broader agenda of its military modernization could be regarded in Beijing as Jakarta trying to undermine its interests in the region, particularly in the context of the South China Sea dispute in which Indonesia is not a claimant state.

With this misperception in mind, China could launch diplomatic pressures on Indonesia, strain bilateral economic relations and, in the worst case scenario, deploy its military assets — closer to Natuna Island to anticipate an Indonesian move.

If such an instance arose, Indonesia, in a need to maintain its credibility, would face no other choice than further enhance its military deployment in the area.

Needless to say, it would exacerbate tensions in the area as well as the region.

Moreover, the forward deployment in Natuna could also provoke Malaysia as Indonesia jets could easily reach the disputed area of Tanjung Datu, southeast of Natuna.

It could even be regarded by Singapore as an Indonesian attempt to put more pressure on the renegotiation of Singapore Flight Information Region, which covers part of Indonesian air space, including Natuna skies.

Indonesia’s drastic change in its deployment strategy, in other words, is likely to be regarded as assertiveness by its neighbors.

To complicate the matter, one of the first official statements of Jokowi’s administration regarding its foreign policy is the departure from the previous “one thousand friends zero enemies” toward “national interests first”.

From the disputing states’ point of view, like China, Malaysia and Singapore, Indonesian “national interests” could mean anything. And a forward deployment could easily be interpreted uneasily, even as a sign of hostility.

To avoid the unintended consequences, Indonesian forward deployment, particularly on Natuna Island, must be conducted along with intensive diplomacy.

The Defense Ministry and Indonesian Army must coordinate and speak with a similar tone to the Foreign Ministry.

The latter, in particular, must be ready to anticipate anxious responses from neighboring countries whose interests are at stake, while insisting that Indonesian national interests, in this context, are merely the stability of the region.

In short, a clear message that Indonesian forward deployment is by no mean provocative and initiated as a regular part of its ongoing military modernization must be transmitted throughout the region.

In order to convince neighbors that the new policy is part of Indonesia’s broader agenda to increase its strategic standing in the region and to protect itself from emerging threats, the forward deployment should be carried out in a very careful manner.

Otherwise, it will spark unfriendly responses from China and other neighbors.

After all, a careful and gradual build-up of military power is not a sign of weakness, but a hurried and reckless strategy is.

__________________

The writer, a graduate student at the Strategic Studies at S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Singapore, is program officer for defense and security studies at the Pacivis-Center for Global Civil Society Studies, University of Indonesia, Jakarta.

Unintended impact of benign military deployment | The Jakarta Post

 

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Indonesia, Azerbaijan mull cooperation in defense sector
18 November 2014, 14:45 (GMT+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijani Ambassador to Indonesia Tamerlan Garayev and Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu met to mull prospects of defense cooperation and cooperation in the defense industry sphere on November 17.

The meeting was attended by senior officials of the defense ministry of Indonesia.

Garayev said there was good potential for the development of bilateral relations in this field.

The diplomat also expressed satisfaction with the development of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Indonesia in political and economic fields.

Garayev informed the Indonesian minister on Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and Khojali genocide and thanked the Indonesian side for supporting Azerbaijan in settlement of the problem.

Ryacudu, in his turn, stressed his country’s keenness to cooperate in every field including defense sector and expressed significance for expanding relations in this sphere.

Noting the clear position of Indonesia in settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the minister said Indonesia stands for the peaceful settlement of conflict and inviolability of borders in terms of internationally recognized framework.

The draft Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in defense sector between Azerbaijan and Indonesia was presented to the minister.

Indonesia recognized Azerbaijan’s independence on December 28, 1991. Bilateral relations between the two republics were established on September 24, 1992.

The embassy of Azerbaijan in Indonesia was established in 2006, while the embassy of Indonesia in Azerbaijan was opened in 2010.

Both nations are the member of Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Non Aligned Movement.

The trade between Azerbaijan and Indonesia is mostly related to the energy sector, as Azerbaijan emerged as the second biggest supplier of crude oil to Indonesia after Saudi Arabia. The bilateral trade between Azerbaijan and Indonesia reached $101 million in 2007 and increased to $1.76 billion in 2011. The trade balance is heavily in favor to Azerbaijan, as the trade volume mainly dominated by Indonesian imports for Azerbaijan's oil.

Indonesia, Azerbaijan mull cooperation in defense sector - AzerNews

 

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Indonesia, Azerbaijan mull cooperation in defense sector
18 November 2014, 14:45 (GMT+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijani Ambassador to Indonesia Tamerlan Garayev and Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu met to mull prospects of defense cooperation and cooperation in the defense industry sphere on November 17.

The meeting was attended by senior officials of the defense ministry of Indonesia.

Garayev said there was good potential for the development of bilateral relations in this field.

The diplomat also expressed satisfaction with the development of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Indonesia in political and economic fields.

Garayev informed the Indonesian minister on Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and Khojali genocide and thanked the Indonesian side for supporting Azerbaijan in settlement of the problem.

Ryacudu, in his turn, stressed his country’s keenness to cooperate in every field including defense sector and expressed significance for expanding relations in this sphere.

Noting the clear position of Indonesia in settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the minister said Indonesia stands for the peaceful settlement of conflict and inviolability of borders in terms of internationally recognized framework.

The draft Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in defense sector between Azerbaijan and Indonesia was presented to the minister.

Indonesia recognized Azerbaijan’s independence on December 28, 1991. Bilateral relations between the two republics were established on September 24, 1992.

The embassy of Azerbaijan in Indonesia was established in 2006, while the embassy of Indonesia in Azerbaijan was opened in 2010.

Both nations are the member of Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Non Aligned Movement.

The trade between Azerbaijan and Indonesia is mostly related to the energy sector, as Azerbaijan emerged as the second biggest supplier of crude oil to Indonesia after Saudi Arabia. The bilateral trade between Azerbaijan and Indonesia reached $101 million in 2007 and increased to $1.76 billion in 2011. The trade balance is heavily in favor to Azerbaijan, as the trade volume mainly dominated by Indonesian imports for Azerbaijan's oil.

Indonesia, Azerbaijan mull cooperation in defense sector - AzerNews

we want to get stample Halal for made in Is**** products.....

 

[Nike]

Indonesian Marine Corps yesterday held their 69 anniversary ceremony in East Java, here some photos from various sources. Credit belong to beholder, and none come from me.

Marines Special Units defile, showing their infantry units equipment

Regular forces of Indonesian Marine Corps, note for their camo, almost look a like with the historical Pacific War US had wear in the past ones

General Inspection for Gladi, came Admiral Marsetio Indonesian Navy Chief of staff in the car

 

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Indonesian Marine in Action

Indonesian Marine Cavalry Forces

Spider Hole, and infantry

Marines Cavalry units

Defile of Kapa amphibious logistic vehicles

Defile of RM-70 Grad MLRS

Defile of BTR-50 series

 

[NarThoD]

Close-up of retrofitted Indonesian Army AMX-13 @IndoDefence

Close up of Indonesian Army IFV prototype

 

[Nike]

US ready to support Indonesia with military technology

Rabu, 19 November 2014 19:01 WIB | 260 Views

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The United States is ready to lend support to Indonesia in the form of world-class military technology, noted US Ambassador to Indonesia Robert Orris Blake.

"We work together with the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) to step up and strengthen international defense and maritime security," Blake stated at the University of Indonesia campus in Depok, West Java, on Wednesday.

He affirmed that the United States will assist Indonesia in modernizing its military equipment and help the TNI in implementing advanced and world-class American technological system.

"We will also assist Indonesia in the modernization of its military by providing American military technological system," Blake remarked.

In addition, he said the United States is also ready to provide increased security in Indonesian waters using the resources from the US military forces.

Blake explained that the aid can be in the form of specialized military training and equipment assistance to strengthen Indonesias maritime defense capabilities.

"This is to ensure security of the Indonesian waters and to prevent illegal fishing by foreign vessels," he remarked.

Blake noted that securing the Indonesian waters was essential, since geographically, it is surrounded by oceans.

He stated that Indonesia is establishing the concept of world maritime axis.
(Uu.O001/INE/KR-BSR/H-YH)

US ready to support Indonesia with military technology - ANTARA News

 

[Nike]

Indonesian navy deploys 40 patrol boats to curb fuel smuggling
Rabu, 19 November 2014 19:54 WIB | 401 Views

Nusa Dua, Bali (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) is deploying at least 40 patrol boats in the eastern Indonesian waters to thwart fuel smuggling activities.

"Tens of boats are on standby in the sea at any point of time. Just in a day, 40 boats patrol the eastern Indonesian waters," Chief of the Eastern Fleet Command Rear Admiral Arie Hendrikus Sembiring remarked at Nusa Dua in Bali province on Wednesday.

The boats took turns patrolling the waters, he noted.

The eastern part of Indonesia with a long coastline has potential oil deposits, he stated.

The Indonesian areas bordering Timor Leste are among the areas ranked high on the list of priorities to anticipate fuel smuggling, he pointed out.

"We have committed ourselves to securing the waters. Safeguarding the border areas has become a priority of the National Defense Forces (TNI)," he emphasized.

Secretary of the Upstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Special Task Force (SKK Migas)Gde Pranyana stated that the coastal areas are prone to fuel smuggling activities.

Pranyana expressed concern that the smuggling activities will result in huge losses to the state and will have an even more adverse effect as the oil and gas sector contributes up to 30 percent of the state income.

"There are also attempts of smuggling fuels aboard ships using the sea route," remarked Pranyana.

(Reported by Dewa Wiguna/Uu.INE/KR-BSR/H-YH)

Indonesian navy deploys 40 patrol boats to curb fuel smuggling - ANTARA News