INDONESIA'S SUPPORT FOR AL-QAIDA SANCTIONS

S E C R E T USUN NEW YORK 000492 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/15/2017 TAGS: KTFN ETTC EFIN UNSC PREL PTER ID SUBJECT: INDONESIA'S SUPPORT FOR AL-QAIDA SANCTIONS REF: STATE 80350 Classified By: Charge d'Affaires, Ambassador Alejandro Wolff, for Reasons 1.4 (B and D) ¶1. (S) SUMMARY: Deputy PolCouns delivered ON June 14 REFTEL demarche calling for Indonesian leadership on multilateral efforts in counterterrorism to Indonesian Deputy PermRep, Ambassador Hassan Kleib, who stressed that Indonesia's national interest due to repeated terrorist bombings ensures that Jakarta is a proactive ally in the war against terrorism. Kleib blamed insufficient financial resources and technical capacity for Indonesia's lack of comprehensive enforcement of all UNSC-imposed sanctions measures. But he affirmed Indonesia's political will to fight al-Qaida linked groups like Jemaah Islamiah (JI),as evidenced by recent arrests of top JI officials. Deputy PolCouns underlined the important role the 1267 (al-Qaida/Taliban) Sanctions Committee plays in the global fight against terrorism and explained USG efforts over the past several years to strengthen the 1267 sanctions regime by improving fair and clear procedures and the accuracy of the sanctions list. Ambassador Kleib agreed that the accuracy of information on those subject to sanctions is paramount and said he would suggest to Jakarta that it work to gather additional information on sanctioned individuals/entities to submit to the 1267 Committee. He also committed to playing a more active role on the Committee. END SUMMARY. FIGHTING AGAINST TERRORISM FOR THE SAKE OF INDONESIA -------------- -------------- ¶2. (S) Deputy PolCouns Molly Phee and sanctions officer David Tessler met with Indonesian Deputy PermRep, Ambassador Hassan Kleib, on June 14 to deliver REFTEL demarche. In response to demarche points, Kleib explained that Indonesia is on the front lines of the fight against terrorism. Indonesia does not battle JI and other al-Qaida linked groups "for the sake of the international community," said Kleib. Indonesia fights terrorism "for the sake of our own people." Kleib pointed to the recent arrest of Abu Dujana (a top JI official) as proof of Indonesia's determination to fight terrorism. DEVELOPING COUNTRIES LACK CAPACITY -------------- ¶3. (S) The 1267 sanctions regime consists of three sanctions measures against listed individuals/entities: assets freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo. Kleib asserted that Indonesia is vigorous in enforcing the arms embargo, because lapses directly affect Indonesian security. But he said that Indonesia's geography and culture presented challenges to comprehensive implementation of the assets freeze and travel ban. Because Indonesia is a developing country, he explained, it lacks the technical capacity and financial resources to be fully effective in enforcing these measures. For example, airports are not linked by computer and even government offices within the same city often lack connectivity or access to shared databases. He also noted that the banking sector holds a relatively small percentage of the total wealth, as many Indonesians still prefer to "buy gold and stick it under their beds." Moreover, cash couriers are prevalent in Indonesia and pose a difficult challenge to track and regulate. Kleib argued that all of these factors make it difficult for Indonesia to fully enforce the assets freeze and travel ban. ¶4. (S) That said, Kleib did point to advances in technical capacity. He cited the Indonesian Financial Intelligence Unit's (FIU) signing of several MOUs of cooperation with counterpart agencies, including in the United States. He expressed appreciation for training assistance provided by U.S. agencies. Kleib also highlighted Indonesian leadership in organizing regional workshops and meetings that have succeeded in sharing information and improving capabilities. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE 1267 SANCTIONS REGIME -------------- ¶5. (S) Deputy PolCouns emphasized that the United States considers Indonesia a close ally in the war against terrorism and that we want to work together to strengthen the 1267 sanctions regime. Given Indonesia's experience in counterterrorism, its prominent role among developing and Muslim countries, and Kleib's personal expertise, the USG would welcome a more active role by Indonesia on the 1267 Committee, which we believe would contribute to a stronger multilateral effort. Kleib agreed to this suggestion, and promised to consult further on ways in which the Indonesian delegation could increase its activity in New York. ¶6. (S) Deputy PolCouns recounted USG efforts over the past several years to strengthen the sanctions regime, including through the adoption of UNSCRs 1730 and 1735. Improving the accuracy of the sanctions list is a goal we share with Indonesia, and the Deputy PolCouns requested Indonesia submit additional information on listed individuals/entities. At first, Kleib responded to the request by complaining that the United States did not consult thoroughly enough with Indonesia before proceeding with designation requests in the Committee. He cited several cases where he claimed the GoI had been in the middle of conducting investigations on 1267 targets when it learned that the USG decided to go forward with the designation request anyway and not wait for Jakarta's input. Following some prodding on the overall benefit from improvements in the accuracy of the list, Kleib acknowledged that more information from Jakarta could be helpful. He said that he would suggest to his capital that the police and other authorities look into whether additional biographic data could be gathered and submitted to the Committee. COMMENT -------------- ¶7. (S) Ambassador Kleib is proud of his previous experience in counterterrorism and appears committed to exploring how Indonesia might be more proactive in the UN forum. He was frank in admitting weaknesses in capacity and resources that affect Indonesia's efforts to fully enforce 1267 sanctions. He made clear that Indonesia would prefer to talk about these weaknesses bilaterally and work cooperatively to address them. Kleib expressed concern that the current CTED/MT joint trip to Jakarta might shine a spotlight on implementation shortcomings that would embarrass Indonesia and discourage Indonesian officials from cooperating on multilateral efforts. In recounting Indonesia's counterterrorism activities nationally and regionally, he said it would be unfortunate if Indonesia were singled out for criticism, and stressed the need to ensure that the report language be presented in a constructive way. WOLFF