INDONESIA: ADMIRAL FALLON'S MEETING WITH NEW TNI

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 JAKARTA 002914 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/02/2016 TAGS: PREL PGOV MASS MARR ID SUBJECT: INDONESIA: ADMIRAL FALLON'S MEETING WITH NEW TNI CHIEF DJOKO SUYANTO Classified By: Political Officer Raymond Richhart. Reason 1.4 (B) and ( D). ¶1. (C) Summary: Air Chief Marshall Djoko Suyanto was upbeat in his assessment of U.S.-Indonesian military-to-military relations with PACOM Commander Admiral Fallon February 23. Suyanto described the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) internal reforms as &ongoing8 but cautioned that changing TNI,s culture and mind-sets would take additional time. Suyanto emphasized the importance of increased U.S. training for TNI and pleaded for a more transparent vetting of TNI officers. Suyanto said he would like to expedite the supply of spare parts for all service programs through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Admiral Fallon noted Administration efforts to increase Foreign Military Financing (FMF) levels for Indonesia, and urged Suyanto to consider U.S. training for non-commissioned officers. Admiral Fallon stressed the importance of further strengthening cooperation with Indonesia to interdict the movement of terrorists to and from the Southern Philippines. End Summary. Bilateral Relations Dynamic, TNI Reform Continues -------------- -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Air Chief Marshall Djoko Suyanto noted with pleasure that Admiral Fallon was his first foreign visitor since his swearing in as Panglima on February 20. He observed that the U.S.-Indonesia relationship was "dynamic" and the countries were "facing good times." He added that bilateral cooperation had steadily improved in the past two to three years. Djoko then launched into a presentation on TNI reform, which he described as ongoing. Already, he said, TNI had changed its doctrine in line with its new role in Indonesia,s democracy. TNI no longer had an internal or social function (&dwi fungsi8) and was now focused on defense and security. Although progress had been made, it was hard to quickly change the &culture" of the organization. TNI had undertaken "many things" to change TNI's engagement with Indonesian society. Emphasizing this point, he repeated that, "it is easy to change doctrine but it takes time to change minds." Djoko added that the civilian side needed to reform and change how it relates to the military as well. ¶3. (SBU) Djoko again emphasized his satisfaction that the U.S. had made the policy decision to lift remaining �A;restrictions on military cooperation. He said he particularly valued the training opportunities the U.S. had offered. Training in the U.S. not only developed the skills of the TNI participants, it &widened minds.8 Djoko added that IMET courses provided valuable experience with U.S. society, with lasting positive benefits. Djoko concluded that regional security was a central TNI concern and he believed Indonesia could play a role in creating &peaceful conditions in the region." Moving the Relationship Forward -------------- ¶4. (C) Admiral Fallon congratulated Djoko on his assignment, thanking him for agreeing to meet so soon after his change of command. He agreed that the bilateral relationship is very important, at both the military-to-military and government-to-government levels. The Admiral recalled his promise during his May 2005 visit to work hard to have Congressional restrictions lifted. Although it had not proven an easy task, because some in Washington had different views, the highest levels of the Administration had confidence in Indonesia. This decision had been a signal to engage and PACOM is prepared to do so to the best of its ability. The Admiral told Djoko it was important to demonstrate to both Americans and Indonesians a mutual commitment to moving the relationship forward. Greater Transparency in Vetting Procedures -------------- ¶5. (C) ACM Djoko said he had participated in President Yudhoyono's recent meeting with Representative Jim Kolbe and would also be present when the President received Senator Feingold (septel). He observed that many in Congress appeared to have recognized Indonesia,s recent achievements at the governmental level, and that there was support for JAKARTA 00002914 002 OF 003 renewed military cooperation. However, Djoko recognized that restrictions remained in place that prevented certain officers, especially from the Army, from receiving training. He suggested that it would be helpful to TNI in selecting officers if it had a list from the U.S. of officers who are prohibited from receiving U.S. training. Admiral Fallon replied that human rights vetting was a requirement for all countries but suggested that the question be further discussed with Embassy officers. Expediting Purchases Through FMS ) U.S. Priorities -------------- -------------- ¶6. (C) Djoko said he would like to expedite the supply of spare parts for all service programs through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. He said this was his second priority, his first priority remaining the welfare of TNI personnel. Admiral Fallon replied that there remained several key agreements that needed to be reached in order to have a fully functioning military relationship. The most immediate requirement would be for an Access and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) that would help expedite various transfers of parts and services. A second requirement would be for the negotiation and conclusion of a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) in view of the anticipated increase in the number and frequency of U.S. military forces visiting Indonesia. Finally, the U.S. also had a strong interest in concluding an Article 98 Agreement. Djoko appeared unfamiliar with these issues, and did not respond. Djoko Yet to Set Priorities -------------- ¶7. (C) Admiral Fallon asked Djoko to describe his priorities for TNI, in addition to increased IMET and assistance in obtaining spare parts he had already mentioned. The Admiral noted that he was sensitive to overloading TNI with too many exercises. Consequently, knowing his priorities would help PACOM design an appropriate assistance program. Not surprisingly given the short time he has been in his new position, Djoko replied that he would like to work with the Defense Attache Office on the details. However, his initial reaction was that the Air Force FMS program to obtain C-130 parts was certainly a priority because of the plane's utility to the three services and civilian agencies. He added that the current budget for TNI provides only a five to ten percent increase, which is not enough to maintain equipment and improve readiness. He also said he would consult with the service chiefs to prioritize TNI needs. The FMF Assistance Cycle -------------- ¶8. (C) Admiral Fallon explained to Djoko that the Administration wanted to increase FMF monies but the budget process in Washington created a two to three year lag time for obtaining new funds. The Administration would attempt to accelerate this cycle. He explained that Congress had specified priorities for the first use of funds, and FY06 FMF would be spent on maritime security. He asked Djoko if he was in agreement with this prioritization, and he said he was. The Admiral asked about Indonesia,s program to install a series of coastal radars in the Malacca Strait, and asked whether the U.S. could assist. Maritime security is a priority for the U.S. Djoko replied that in the context of the CT effort, he would also seek assistance from the U.S. to improve the tactics, technology and skills of Indonesian Special Forces. Admiral Fallon agreed and took the opportunity to express his congratulations for the recent takedown of JI bomb maker Azahari (who died in a police operation in November). Training for Non-Commissioned Officers -------------- ¶9. (C) Admiral Fallon proposed to Djoko that the U.S. establish a program to train non-commissioned officers, explaining that the U.S. had found that well-trained non-commissioned officers allowed U.S. forces to do more with fewer people. The Admiral introduced USMC Sergeant Major Bill Kinney, PACOM Senior Enlisted Leader, and offered that the U.S. could work with Indonesia to identify training programs for enlisted personnel. Djoko was very receptive to JAKARTA 00002914 003 OF 003 the proposal. GOI Success in Aceh -------------- ¶10. (C) Admiral Fallon praised the GOI and TNI for reaching a peaceful resolution of the insurgency in Aceh. He noted that he would take Senator Feingold to Aceh February 25 and thought the visit would demonstrate that situation in Aceh was far more positive than generally recognized in Washington. Djoko acknowledged that reconstruction in Aceh was proceeding slower than planned. However, the implementation of the Helsinki accords was going well and any security problems in the province are now criminal activities, not remnants of the insurgency. Djoko assured Admiral Fallon that TNI would fully support the GOI-GAM MOU, and reported that TNI had offered troops for rehabilitation and recovery programs, but the government had not taken up TNI's offer. Concerns About Terrorist Transits -------------- ¶11. (C) ACM Djoko raised his concerns regarding transits by terrorists to and from Mindanao. Admiral Fallon replied that the U.S. was working closely with the Philippine Armed Forces (AFP) to build capacity. As the AFP increased pressure on the JI and ASG terrorist groups, the U.S. was concerned that the terrorists would seek to escape to neighboring countries. The U.S. would continue to work closely with Indonesia to address the internal terrorist threat as well as the transit routes. Djoko agreed that TNI had an important role to play in securing the sea-lanes in the Sulawesi sea and indicated he was prepared to work to this end with the U.S. Return of U.S. Hospital Ship to Indonesia -------------- ¶12. (C) Admiral Fallon told Djoko that he intended to deploy the USNS Mercy to Indonesia and other countries in the region, probably in July or August. He asked for TNI support for the Mercy,s medical programs both with coordination and with personnel contributions. He added that medical NGO's would be invited to use the ship as a platform as was the case in the tsunami relief operation. Suyanto replied that the TNI-Navy had a medical/social program that perhaps could be used to support the Mercy,s work. Admiral Fallon again urged Djoko to take advantage of this opportunity to send a positive signal to the Indonesian people of the contributions made by TNI forces. Regional Cooperation on Maritime Security -------------- ¶13. (C) Admiral Fallon pointed out to Djoko that considerable progress had been made among Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore on security in the Malacca strait. However, Indonesia had not yet signed on to the agreement implementing the &Eyes in the Sky8 surveillance program initiated by Malaysia. Djoko replied that Indonesia would soon offer some suggested modification that would make the proposed operations more joint and to improve naval and airborne cooperation among the three countries. He also said that Thailand was invited to participate. Admiral Fallon said that plans to expand coastal radars was also a good step and said he would appreciate a briefing on Indonesian plans. Comment -------------- ¶14. (C) Although Djoko took command only a few days prior, he appeared very well briefed and ready to engage on the central issues in the relationship. He also clearly values the new opportunity to develop our military-to-military ties and would appear to have the leadership qualities necessary to push the TNI in that direction. His close ties to the President will also strengthen his hand in carrying the TNI reform program forward. The challenge for the U.S. will be to find the resources needed to move smartly forward with our own programs, essential contributors to TNI,s own efforts. 15.(U) Admiral Fallon has cleared this message. AMSELEM