DEFENSE COOPERATION -- U.S. NAVY VISIT BRINGS

C O N F I D E N T I A L JAKARTA 003465 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP, EAP/MTS, EAP/MLS, EAP/RSP NSC FOR EPHU E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/26/2017 TAGS: PREL MARR PGOV ID SUBJECT: DEFENSE COOPERATION -- U.S. NAVY VISIT BRINGS GOODWILL REF: JAKARTA 2893 Classified By: Pol/C Joseph Legend Novak, reasons 1.4(b+d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY -- A U.S. Navy cruiser--the USS Port Royal--visited Tanjung Priok, Jakarta's port, from December 17-20. The crew enjoyed limited shore leave, engaging in a charity event involving Indonesian children. The stop was given prominent coverage by local media. The visit was also positive for mil-to-mil ties, especially with the Indonesian Navy, which is traditionally somewhat suspicious of outsiders. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (U) NAVY VISIT -- The USS Port Royal--a U.S. Navy cruiser with 350 officers and crew--arrived in Jakarta's Tanjung Priok port on December 17. While on liberty, the crew participated in "Operation Hand Clasp," which involved the donation of three pallets of toys and hygiene kits (soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other items) to three local non-governmental organizations that work with Indonesian children. During the course of the visit, officers and crew also enjoyed limited liberty in Jakarta. ¶3. (SBU) MEDIA UPBEAT -- Local media portrayed the visit in highly positive terms. One media outlet reported that the visit "promoted goodwill and friendship" between the two navies. The article also noted that the sailors were afforded the opportunity to learn about Indonesian customs while promoting peace and stability within the Asia-Pacific region. A newspaper reported on the meeting between USS Port Royal Commanding Officer David Badles and Indonesian Western Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Budhi Suyitmo. The two officers met to discuss the visit and ongoing cooperation between the two navies. Another newspaper covered the visit with photos of the ship. There were also photos of the crew engaged in charitable giving. ¶4. (C) POSITIVE FOR MIL-TO-MIL TIES -- The visit of the Port Royal, whose home port is Honolulu, is part of a concerted effort by U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM) to arrange regular ship visits to Indonesia. The visits have proven to be an effective way for the U.S. Navy to create closer defense ties with the Indonesian military. Such linkages are especially important with the Indonesian Navy given its lingering suspicion of outsiders. Future port visits are planned, but no dates have been set at this time. The immediately previous visit took place in November in Medan. HUME