What's new

Indonesia Defence Forum

Indonesian navy to get 54 Russian amphibious tanks
Xinhua | 2013-11-15 18:51:16
By Agencies

bmp1.JPG

As many as 54 Russian-made amphibious tanks will arrive in Indonesia at the end of this year to add the strength of the country's navy, Navy chief of staff Admiral Marsetio said in Jakarta on Friday.

The admiral said that the purchase of the tanks is part of the government plan to comply with the minimum essential force as the vast archipelago country has been long not modernized in its weaponry.

"The arrival of the tanks is in line with the program to meet with the minimum essential force," he said at the side line of the anniversary of the Indonesian marine unit at Cilandak in South Jakarta.

Some other type of tanks and other weaponry would also arrive during the time, said Marsetio.

Indonesia said the country badly needs to improve its weaponry to the level of essential of minimum force to guard the country with over 17,500 islands.

Terrorism and transnational crimes are among the main challenges faced by Indonesian armed forces.

Indonesian navy to get 54 Russian amphibious tanks - WORLD - Globaltimes.cn
What tanks are we talking about @nufix ? and others
 
Which is not actually a tank but an IFV, but as usual,the media (world wide) likes to call everything with a turret and a gun a "tank".
Yeah i agree with you, but one thing you should know. In Indonesia everything who had caterpillar track and had steel armor and had gun in the roof top will be called tank, even BTR 50 will be called tank too not an APC.
 
Sagem Navigation System Selected by DSME of South Korea for Indonesian Submarines



SIGMA 40 XP (eXtended Performance) is an inertial navigation system based on ring-laser-gyro technology.(photo : Sagem)

Sagem (Safran) beat out an international field to win the contract from Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd (DSME) of South Korea as prime contractor for the navigation system to be installed on three 1,400 ton ocean-going submarines to be deployed by the Indonesian navy.
Ordered by Indonesia in 2012, this new class of ocean-going submarine is the first South Korean-designed submarine to be sold in international markets.

The Sagem navigation system (NAVS) offers outstanding reliability and precision, making it the best system for demanding submarine missions, whether at sea or for operations along coastlines. NAVS comprises two high-performance Sigma 40XP laser gyro inertial reference units, a computer and safety-critical navigation software, all contributing to the submarine’s stealth and safety during dives.
The decisive factors in DSME’s choice were Sagem’s proven capabilities as systems integrator, plus its expertise in data fusion and transmission to the ship’s combat system, along with extensive experience in managing major defense programs.

This latest contract underscores the quality of the relationship between Korean industry and Sagem on navigation systems, and the predominance of laser technology in submarine navigation systems. South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) had already chosen Sagem recently to modernize the navigation system on the country’s KSS-1 Chang Bogo submarines class, several modernized submarines are already in full operation at sea.

Through this contract, Sagem further consolidates its leadership in navigation systems for today’s submarine forces. Over 60 submarines around the world, in 14 different classes, are now fitted with Sagem navigation systems, including nuclear submarines (SNLE-NG, Barracuda, SNA Améthyste), air-independent propulsion (AIP) types and diesel-electric models (Scorpène family). More than 400 surface vessels are also equipped with Sagem inertial navigation systems.

Sagem

Thales to Supply Mission Suite for Indonesian PKR Vessels



Link Y Mk2 acts as a “force multiplier”: available tactical data of participating units is shared, creating a complete and uniform tactical picture amongst users. (image : Thales)

Thales announced the signing of a contract with the Dutch shipyard Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding for the delivery and installation of a full mission systems suite for the two PKR class vessels under construction for the Indonesian Navy.

STIR 1.2 EO Mk2 tracking radar for gun and missile fire control (photo : Thales)

Thales will supply the latest release of the TACTICOS Combat Management System; SMART-S Mk2 surveillance radar; STIR 1.2 Mk2 EO fire control system; KINGKLIP sonar; LINK-Y datalink, as well as its naval communication and navigation systems. The first delivery is scheduled for the end of 2014. The programme is scheduled to end in 2017.


SMART-S MK2 3D medium to long range surveillance radar (photo : Thales)

Thales will also increase its existing industrial cooperation with the Republic of Indonesia, with PT LEN Industri developing part of the Combat Management System software suite. In addition to software development, Thales will continue to involve the local industry in service support and will continue to develop its long-term partnership with the Indonesian industry on future programmes in both the military and civil sectors.


Link Y Mk2 Tactical Data Link (photo : Thales)

Gerben Edelijn, CEO of Thales Nederland: “This agreement strengthens the decades-long relationship between the Indonesian Navy and Thales. It further highlights our ability and know-how to involve the local industry in the transfer of technology and be a supplier or choice to a demanding world-class Navy.”


KINGKLIPCompact Medium Frequency Active and Passive Hull-Mounted Sonar (HMS) for Small to Medium Platforms (photo : Thales)

This contract increases the number of SMART-S Mk2 radar systems sold to well over 50. With the first system under contract in 2003 and operational in 2006, this radar is the world-wide market leader in naval medium to long range surveillance radars.

Thales to supply mission suite for Indonesian PKR vessels | Thales Group

Raytheon - Lockheed Martin's Javelin JV Gets Contract to Produce Block I Javelin Missile for Indonesia and Other Countries



The Javelin's Command Launch Units will be delivered in the beginning of October 2014 (image : metalgear)
Javelin Joint Venture awarded $176 million for Javelin Weapon System
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates /PRNewswire/ -- The Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) Javelin Joint Venture received a $176 million contract for the production and delivery of 842 Block I Javelin missile rounds and 120 command launch units (CLUs). The contract was awarded to the Javelin Joint Venture in September.

The missiles will be provided through the U.S. government to the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps and three international customers: Oman, Jordan and Indonesia. Funded with Special Defense Acquisition Funds, the CLUs will be delivered to the U.S. Army beginning October 2014.

"The Javelin Joint Venture is providing U.S. and allied warfighters with an affordable, versatile and lethal one-man-portable, anti-tank, guided missile and surveillance weapon," said Jeff Miller, Raytheon Javelin program director and Javelin Joint Venture president. "This contract is important to the Javelin program because the CLU retrofit business keeps our production line warm through mid-2015."
Javelin enhances direct-fire capability against armored vehicles, buildings and field fortifications. Using the Javelin missile system, a single infantryman can engage and defeat targets in close combat and at ranges up to two-and-a-half kilometers.

"This contract allows us to provide to our customers one of the most reliable and user-friendly systems in the world," said Barry James, Lockheed Martin Javelin program director and Javelin Joint Venture vice president. "Javelin has proven and continues to prove itself time and time again in combat."

Javelin Joint Venture awarded $176 million for Javelin Weapon System - Nov 18, 2013

Yay, New Toy to play with! :yahoo:
 
Just dont use on us :laugh: (joke)

Anyway i know this out of the thread but thank you (salamat po) for the goods that your country donated, Small or big it does not matter at less this sincere
 
13847884582.jpg

Dr. Purnomo Yusgiantoro
Minister of Defence of Indonesia




Self-Reliant Defence

Indonesia is working towards military modernization and has introduced a law that will prompt increased local content and less reliance on exports in the local defence industry

To start with, I would like you to give us a bit of background as to the defense industry in Indonesia. During the Asian crisis in 1997/98, Indonesia was one of the most affected countries in the region. The government had to impose strict budget restrictions and priority was given to the economic recovery and social development, while military spending obtained low priority with an average allocation of well below 1% of GDP. It is only in recent years that more attention has been given to the defense industry in terms of budget. Can you tell us about the efforts you are making to catch up for this lost decade? What is your strategy to modernize the military and improve the efficiency and overall capacity of the defense industry?

The economic crisis that took place in 1998 did not only mark the change from the old era into the new era. It was also the time when the old government was transformed into the new reformed government. 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 crisis. Our priority was to focus on the economy and social welfare and it is only in the last 5 to 10 years that our economy grew stronger. It was then also 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. That is why it is necessary to strengthen in parallel our armed forces while we push 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 defense industry as we received the highest proportion of the budget so far. Our current budget is close to 1% of the GDP. From 2000 until now, the budget has increased tenfold.
In the 2010-2014 period, the defense budget allocation has experienced a significant growth. In 2010 the budget ceiling was Rp. 42,31 trillion (0,71% of the GDP), whereas in 2014 it is Rp. 84,42 trillion (0,88% of the GDP). However the budget that is provided is still far from what we need for defense to realise its development, which is something between 1.8%-2.1% of the GDP.

In 2010, the Government established the Defense Industry Policy Committee. What lead 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.

I was named the Chairman of the Committee; the Vice Chairman is the Minister of State Owned Enterprises; the members of the Committee are the Minister of Industry, the Minister of State Owned Enterprises, the Minister of Research & Technology, the Chief of the Armed Forces, the Chief of Police, and the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Defense, who takes the position of Secretary.
As a result the work in the defense industry has been synchronized and so far, it has been working very well. The defense industry is growing; some of the companies can now supply the equipment to the army, the navy and the air forces. Some of the companies have even started exporting which is a great progress.

In 2010, the Ministry of Defense elaborated a 15-Year Strategic Plan under which $15bn are to be spent in 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 fifteen years down into three 5 year plans – we call it strategic planning from 2010-2014, 2015-2019, and 2020-2024.

2010-2014: The main components for this 5 year plan are to emphasize the principal of zero growth and right sizing, meaning not to add the number of personell, but to organise and position every personell according to their competence, and this goes for every position in the organisation. The armed forces developement 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 organisation, while the air force will be focussing on the process of adding new combat squadrons.

2015-2019: The main focus these 5 years will be a continuation of the previous 5 years. The ground force will focus on the enhancement of its air defence, mobility/counter mobility and utilization of nanno technology in combat intelligence. The sea force will continue changing its organisation with the development of working units. The air force will continue on the previous 5 years.
2020-2024: The main focus of the ground force will be a continuation of the previous years. The sea force will be focusing on the completion of software specially designed for the sea force. The air force will continue on the previous years.

What and 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, modernisation of the Indonesian military (TNI) is necessary in order to ensure the sovereignity 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 $15bn 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 the 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. We will leave the flexibility to the state companies.

The form of cooperation concerns increasing local content, technology transfer, and offtakers 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 mimimalized. The government gives guarantees to banks and financial institutions that support the funding of the development and the utilization of the defense industry.

With the military modernisation, development of infrastructure is also requiered. Currently, PT PAL and PT DI are pioneering in setting up the development of infrastructure by manufacturing submarines and jet fighters respectively. It is expected, that within 2 or 3 years, Indonesia will have its own infrastructure for manufacturing submarines and jet fighters with advanced technology.

If possible, we will do government-to-government agreements, under the Government’s umbrella. We have had a past experience when our country was under an embargo. Then we had a problem with spare parts, so for example our fighter planes could not fly. Therefore, now we are looking for company-to-company and government-to-government cooperation.

By when do you expect Indonesian defense industry to be self-reliant?
Our defense industry should be self-sufficient by 2029.

Military modernization is a common phenomenon for the entire region. Actually, this region has the highest military expenditure in the world. How do you cooperate with other ASEAN members to ensure regional stability?
Modernization is important because the economy and security are like two sides of a coin. When your economy develops, then the security aspect also has to improve. There has to be a balance between the economy and security. This is the case in the entire region and Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines are modernizing their military as well. We need to have modern defense equipment to protect the sovereignty of our country. Sovereignty is key. We want to modernize in order to maintain our sovereignty.

ASEAN was formed in 1976 and economic cooperation started. Nevertheless, ASEAN also underlined the importance of stability and security, so the defense cooperation started in 2006. We were really careful not to get ASEAN to form a military pact. ASEAN is not a military pact. We have a very strong cooperation amongst the pan-ASEAN countries.

What will move the defense industry forward includes also the agreement amongst the ten ministers and the ASEAN defense industry collaboration. We see that the market in Indonesia is big – $25 billion per year - but so far, the market has to import from elsewhere. This is why it is very important that we develop ASEAN’s defense industry. We hope at some point we will be able to deliver our equipment to ASEAN’s members.

Another way of ensuring regional security is through networking and peacekeeping centers. Most of the ASEAN member countries send their peacekeepers for peacekeeping operations around the world. This concerns using military assets for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (ADR). We are very strong in military operations, which is important, as we form people-to-people contact.
We believe that we can achieve the ASEAN Community by 2015. There will be 3 pillars: one pillar is the ASEAN political security community, and the defense and security falls under this pillar; the second pillar is economy; and the third pillar is socio-cultural.

What is the role of the military when it comes to transparancy and protection of human rights?

The Ministry of Defense and the military always honour the principles of democracy and human rights. There is no soldier that is above the law, and the military abides regulation and the consititution. An example is the case of a group of the Army’s Special Forces (Kopassus) soldiers who are alleged of the murder of police detainees in the Cebongan prison in Yogyakarta. The trial was covered by national media, whereas some electronical media aired the trial live. It was also obeserved by National Committee for Human Rights.

In regards to transparancy and issues of human rights, the Government has created a mechanism for coordinating human rights activities across Indonesia. This was issued by a presidential decree. The committee's tasks include establishing and strengthening institutions enforcing the National Action Plan on Human Rights (RANHAM), preparing the ratification of international human rights instruments, disseminating human rights information and monitoring, evaluating and submitting human rights reports to the president.

What are the main threats and menaces that you face domestically?

Terrorism is a serious threat that has already caused many casualties and financial losses. Even though our Police Special Unit for Counter Terrorism had successfully aprehended and killed several terrorists, terrorism is still a serious threat in Indonesia.

With the establishment of the National Anti-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) it is expected that terrorism will be prevented. The National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) has formed a Coordination Forum for the Prevention of Terrorism (FKPT) in 21 of the 33 provinces/regions already. An FKPT is a special forum tasked with preventing the propagation of radical ideas closely associated with terrorism by designing and launching a deradicalization program.

Next to terrorism, seperatism can be seen as another domestic threat. The regions Aceh, Maluku and Papua all have their own reasons wanting to become independent and sometimes use violent actions and shootings. The way to handle this is by talking and negotiation with the parties concerned.

Another domestic threat Indonesia is facing, is the threat of natural disasters. With its geographical position, our country has the potential for volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, floods and landslides. To cope with the natural disasters, it is important to map the vulnerable areas, maximize the role of the Provincial Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and train the people who live in the vulnerable areas.

One of the flagships of President Obama’s administration is the US strategic pivot towards Asia Pacific. How is this shift reflecting the growing importance of the region in both, strategic and economic terms? How would you assess the evolution of the US-Indonesia relations in recent years?

There is a dynamic equilibrium. The US itself is committed, and it regularly says that its presence in this region is for stability, security, and to rebalance power. This basically means that power is balanced between the strong players in the region.

The presence of the US in Asia Pacific has proven to be an advantage for many countries in this region that are gradually becoming economic powerhouses, like Japan, China, India and South Korea. The presence of the US is formed as full DIME (diplomatic, information, military and economy) and is actually conducive for the region. Therefore cooperation is very important.

During the Cold War, the priority was security, but now it is more about the economy. Asia is growing in terms of economic prosperity. If you want to move up and your economy is growing, you will need security. Besides that, you have to be supported by a secure region if you want to do business and develop your economy.

That is why we agree with ASEAN Plus 8 (a counterterrorism alliance between ASEAN countries and China, the US, South Korea, Australia, Russia, India, New Zealand and Japan) that the foundation of economic progress is security. ASEAN Plus 8 countries are committed to achieving stability, security and freedom.

In your opinion, how can Indonesia together with the US counterbalance the increasing militarism and assertiveness of the Republic of China in the South China Sea?

There was almost a deadlock when we had a meeting in Cambodia before. There were concerns about the centrality of ASEAN. Indonesia is playing a good role by looking at how it should be used, when we try to get meetings with China on codes of conduct. Now that ASEAN is solid, it wants to discuss and work with China on the code of conduct.

In 2002, there was a declaration of conduct, but it was not solid or binding. It was just a declaration. ASEAN and China agreed that the South China Sea issue should be resolved peacefully, but meanwhile the area has to be free of mitigation, and it has to be peaceful and secure. But we removed the declaration of conduct after ten years

The good news is that ASEAN proposes to work with China and that we are starting from the bottom. We are not starting from the top, with the head of state – we are starting with the technical people. There are systems within our multilateral cooperation, where you have a technical meeting first and then you move up to a ministerial meeting, which is subsequently ratified by the head of state. The important thing is not to stop. We understand that there are going to be some differences and discrepancies, but that is OK. As long as we talk and move, hopefully there will be convergence to one point.

In times of increased religious tensions worldwide, as the most populous Muslim nation in the world, Indonesia serves as a testament that Islam and democracy can go hand-in-hand. How important is the role of your country as a model for moderate Islam?

Indonesia is the biggest Muslim country in the world. At the same time, we truly embrace and support democracy. Even President Obama said that he believed Islam could work together with democracy. Indonesia is in the process of consolidating its democracy so in a way we are a “life laboratory” for Islam and democracy coexisting together. People respect us for our achievements and we want to be an example for other Muslim countries.

One of the main objectives of our publication is to focus on the economic development and opportunities that the country offers. With over 240 million people, Indonesia is the economic powerhouse of South East Asia and an attractive market for foreign investors. In which areas of the defense industry would you like to see increased cooperation with other international players and the US in particular?

We already cooperate with the US, China and other nations. For example, we cooperate with China to develop our guided missiles, and we work jointly with Turkey on developing our medium tanks. Indonesian armed forces are very familiar with weapons systems originating from the former countries of the Eastern Block. We had the experience with the US arms embargo, so we do not want to depend on one country only.
We would like to encourage the transfer of technology. This is very important for us if we want to become self-reliant in the future. Western technology from the US and Europe is very popular in Indonesia and we already cooperate with the US. The question is to which extent the US wants to provide added value to the defense industry in Indonesia.

We hope that by cooperating with American companies in developing our defense industry through technology transfer, companies like PT DI, PT PINDAD, PT PAL - as well as other private companies related to military equipment - will be able to fullfill the needs of defense locally. We also aim to become a part of the global supply chain and cater to the military needs internationally. We are in that process and we work openly with the international community.

After spending more than eight years living and working in the US, what do you think Americans should know about Indonesia today?

The message that I would like to convey to Washington is that they should come more often to Indonesia, because they hardly do. They do not have an accurate image of what Indonesia is really about, and they should visit us in order to better understand our country.
-

See more at: Indonesia - Dr. Purnomo Yusgiantoro, Minister of Defence of Indonesia - Worldfolio - AFA PRESS
 
Australian Army team was expelled from the Kopassus Education Center

kopassus-latihan-australia2.jpg


Headline - Today, Thursday, November 21, 2013, the Army has issued all Australian soldiers who were undergoing military training at the Center for Education Kopassus (Pusdikpassus) Batujajar, Bandung, West Java.

Army chief General Information, Brigadier General Ahmad Rukman, explains that this is part of the termination step Indonesian military cooperation with Australia.

"This morning, 16 Australian soldiers moved to Hilton Bandung," said Rukman the headline.
TNI joint military exercises with the Australian army, he continued, has been suspended since last Wednesday, as President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's instruction to stop a number of cooperation that has been established by the State Kangaroo.

Termination of this agreement is temporary, pending an official explanation from the Australian Government about the wiretapping performed against the President, Vice President Boediono, and a number of other senior Indonesian officials.

"Exercise was stopped in accordance with the orders of the President who followed orders and the Army's Armed Forces Commander," said Rukman.

Once removed from Kopassus training center, Rukman added, the Australian troops would soon be repatriated to his country.

"They'll be home next Monday," said Rukman. (Ren)

Regu Tentara Australia Dikeluarkan dari Pusat Pendidikan Kopassus
 
New F-16 squadron in Pekanbaru to start operating next year

20120418f-16_skuadron_3_copy.jpg


Pekanbaru, Riau (ANTARA News) - A new squadron of F16 fighter jets at the Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in Pekanbaru, Riau province, is expected to start operating in one year, Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal B Putu Dunia said.

The squadron is expected to play an important role in keeping the Unitary Republic of Indonesia, particularly its border areas, intact, he said after a ceremony marking the conclusion of an Indonesia-Singapore joint military exercise on Friday.

"The planes will be new," he added.

He didn't mean the number of the new F-16 squadron based in Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base. So far Indonesian Air Force has only one F-16 squadron (3rd Squadron) in Iswahyudi Air Force Base in East Java.

Colonel Andyawan, Commander of the Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base, earlier said the presence of the squadron is meant to deter infiltrators in aerial vehicles.

In addition, the squadron will also strengthen the country's air security, he said, adding that the growing Indonesian economy must be supported by reliable military strength.

He noted that the squadron of F16 fighter jets of Block 52 in Pekanbaru would be equipped with state-of-the-art weapons.

The addition of 24 US-made F16 planes is part of the Air Force's program to revitalize its fighter jet fleet at the Indonesian Air Force base of type B, which currently has a squadron of Hawk 100/200 planes, he added.

Editor: Ade Marboen

COPYRIGHT © 2013


New F-16 squadron in Pekanbaru to start operating next year - ANTARA News
 
TNI, MAF agree to step up military cooperation
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | World | Thu, November 28 2013, 2:53 PM

p12-btogether.jpg

The Indonesian Military (TNI) and the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) have agreed to step up cooperation to enhance the security and stability of the two nations, TNI chief Gen. Moeldoko said.

He said the agreement was reached during the 11th conference of the High Level Committee of Malaysia and Indonesia (HLC Malindo) in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.

The TNI chief noted the agreement was related to an increase in joint exercises, sharing intelligence, social and economic development in border areas and air, sea and land cooperation.

Moeldoko further stated that matters related to the border between the two countries had been discussed at the conference in order to maintain security and stability, Antara news agency reported from Kuala Lumpur.

According to him, the TNI and MAF's joint efforts to maintain security and stability, particularly along the Malacca Strait, had gained international recognition.

Moeldoko explained that he had also discussed progress in the fields of intelligence, operations and training, police and maritime operations and even social and economic fields with MAF chief Gen. Zulkifeli Bin Mohd Zin.

Moeldoko also revealed that the 12th conference of the HLC Malindo would be held next year in Jakarta.

TNI, MAF agree to step up military cooperation | The Jakarta Post

 
TNI Chief: Bilateral Ties With Singapore at Risk

A week after Indonesia announced the suspension of military cooperation with Australia in the wake of allegations of spying by Canberra, Jakarta said it could re-evaluate bilateral cooperation with other countries that had facilitated Australia in tapping into the mobile communications of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, his wife and senior cabinet ministers.

In a report by Indonesian news portal Republika.co.id, Indonesian Military (TNI) Chief Gen. Moeldoko said on Thursday that if Singapore was proven to have assisted Australia in its spying activities on Indonesian officials, the city-state had compromised trust between the two countries.

He emphasized that ties between countries should be grounded on solid trust and that any violation of such trust called for the re-evaluation of the relationship and any cooperation.

Singapore and South Korea recently emerged as “third parties” to an intelligence alliance named the “Five Eyes,” comprising the United States, Canada, Britain, Australia and New Zealand.

Documents leaked by US whistle-blower Edward Snowden and published in the Sydney Morning Herald on Monday detailed the alleged involvement of Singapore’s spy agency in tapping Internet and telecommunications traffic moving through the city-state.

Most of Indonesia’s Internet and telecom traffic runs through Singapore. The country’s biggest telecom operator, SingTel, is majority-owned by Temasek Holdings, the government’s investment arm, and includes former intelligence officials on its board of directors, SMH reported.

Yudhoyono said he had tasked the Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa to look into the matter.

“I’ve instructed the foreign minister to discuss the issue with ambassadors of the two countries,” Yudhoyono said.

According to the latest documents, the spying plot used to intercept Indonesian officials’ communications were also applied by Singapore to facilitate wiretapping on Malaysia, which on Tuesday summoned Singaporean officials to seek clarification on the allegations.

“We have no interest in doing anything that might harm our partners or the friendship between our two countries,” said Ong Keng Yong, Singapore’s high commissioner to Malaysia, in comments carried by the Straits Times newspaper.

“We have excellent bilateral relationship and cooperate closely on many matters of common interest.”

Wiranto, a former TNI chief and presidential candidate in next year’s polls, said the spying row had redefined the “methods of war” between nations.

“When it comes to the issue of wiretapping, it can be quite confusing. Australia would say ‘this is part of my defense strategy, we mean no harm,’” he said as quoted by Liputan6.com.

“We have just experienced it. It’s an unconventional definition of war.”

TNI Chief: Bilateral Ties With Singapore at Risk - The Jakarta Globe
 

Country Latest Posts

Back
Top Bottom