USG-SPONSORED DISASTER EXERCISE SUPPORTS

UNCLAS JAKARTA 001330

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EAP, EAP/MTS, EAP/MLS, EAP/RSP, PM, PM/PPA
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E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL MARR SENV ID
SUBJECT: USG-SPONSORED DISASTER EXERCISE SUPPORTS
INDONESIAN RESPONSE TO WILDFIRES


1. (U) This message was coordinated with Consulate Medan.


2. (U) SUMMARY: The U.S. Army-led 2009 Disaster Response
Exchange and Exercise (DREE),conducted in Riau Province,
Sumatra, focused on response and prevention policies for wild
land fires. Riau Province is Sumatra's ground zero for such
fires, which have been raging recently. The DREE enhanced
Indonesian humanitarian and disaster response capabilities
and cooperation between the U.S. and Indonesian militaries.
It also furthered Mission's Strategic Plan Climate and
Biodiversity goals on carbon emissions and sustainable
forestry management. END SUMMARY.

EXERCISE IN SUMATRA


3. (U) U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) personnel conducted the
2009 Disaster Response Exchange and Exercise DREE) for
Indonesia in Pekanbaru, Riau Province, Sumatra, from July 27
to 31. The program focused on response to and prevention of
wildfires and consisted of two days of reciprocal briefings,
followed by two days of command post and field training
exercises.


4. (U) The exercises were well-attended, with 350 Indonesian
participants representing 33 government agencies or private
companies. In addition, 133 Indonesians attended the
exchange conference. The DREE was conducted by ten USARPAC
personnel, and one from the Hawaii Army National Guard, one
from Pacific Command, and one from Pacific AIR Force.

GOOD FOR MIL-TO-MIL COOPERATION


5. (U) The DREE enhanced security cooperation by creating an
opportunity for USARPAC to interact directly with one of the
Indonesian Army's Military Regional Commands (KODAMs).
Likewise, it provided a forum for enhancing internal
Indonesian cooperation among a variety of military, GOI, and
private sector entities, all working together to test the
Riau Provincial Governor's disaster response plan.

WORKING TO CONSERVE FORESTS AND REDUCE EMISSIONS


6. (U) The subject matter for this DREE was chosen not only
as a means of enhancing mil-to-mil relations and domestic
Indonesian humanitarian assistance and disaster response
capabilities, but also because of the environmental and
economic impact of the problem. Traditional slash and burn
agricultural methods are the primary cause of wild land
fires. Those fires destroy cultivated plants and trees and
cause thick smoke that creates health concerns, disrupts AIR
traffic, and degrades AIR quality in Indonesia and
neighboring countries.


7. (U) Riau Province is Sumatra's ground zero for such
fires. These fires have been raging recently (see septel).
The DREE exchanges and exercises thus furthered Jakarta's
Mission Strategic Plan Climate and Biodiversity goals of
conserving forests and reducing carbon emissions.

HUME