Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06JAKARTA6773
2006-05-30 12:58:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Jakarta
Cable title:  

GOI RESPONDS TO STATUS OF FORCES AGREEMENT REQUEST

Tags:  MARR MOPS PREL KTIA EAID ID 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0004
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHJA #6773 1501258
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
O 301258Z MAY 06
FM AMEMBASSY JAKARTA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4964
INFO RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC IMMEDIATE
RHHMUNA/HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI IMMEDIATE
RHHMUNA/USCINCPAC HONOLULU HI IMMEDIATE
C O N F I D E N T I A L JAKARTA 006773 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/30/2016
TAGS: MARR MOPS PREL KTIA EAID ID
SUBJECT: GOI RESPONDS TO STATUS OF FORCES AGREEMENT REQUEST

REF: A. JAKARTA 6770

B. JAKARTA 6656

C. STATE 86516

Classified By: PolCouns Marc Desjardins, reason 1.4 (b) and (d)

C O N F I D E N T I A L JAKARTA 006773

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/30/2016
TAGS: MARR MOPS PREL KTIA EAID ID
SUBJECT: GOI RESPONDS TO STATUS OF FORCES AGREEMENT REQUEST

REF: A. JAKARTA 6770

B. JAKARTA 6656

C. STATE 86516

Classified By: PolCouns Marc Desjardins, reason 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) Subsequent to transmission of reftel, the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs faxed a formal reply late May 30 to our
request to implement a SOFA in conjunction with the
Yogyakarta earthquake relief. The reply agrees to the
principle of establishing a SOFA, but modifies the agreement
reached in 2005 in significant ways. We request instructions
on how to reply. We have faxed a copy of the diplomatic note
to the Indonesia desk (EAP/MTS) in the Department.


2. (C) The reply contains 15 operative paragraphs. Among
the many changes from last year, the Indonesian draft text

--adds several paragraphs affirming the need to respect
Indonesian sovereignty, Indonesian control over disaster
relief operations, prohibits activities not compatible with
such operations and refers to the need to respect
communications regulations;

--specifies that entry and exit of foreign personnel are
subject to "existing Indonesian procedures," omitting the
proposed ability to enter with United States identification
and travel orders;

--prohibits U.S. military and DOD civilian personnel from
carrying arms;

--spells out air and ship clearance procedures;

--specifies that U.S. aircraft and vessels can used their
already existing licenses and permits;

--omits the word "reasonable" when referring to charges to be
paid by the United States for services requested and received;

--asserts that claims by third parties will be settled under
Indonesian law (vice U.S. law);

--requires the U.S. to pay for the costs of any investigation
conducted by Indonesian authorities of any accident involving
a U.S. aircraft or vessel.


3. (C) Paragraphs that repeat language from last year include

--granting Administrative and Technical status under the
Vienna Convention of 1961;

--permitting the wearing of uniforms;

--according duty-free status and waiving many charges;

--maintaining the waiving of claims against each other's
governments arising out of the performance of official duties.


PASCOE