GOI ROTATES LEBANON TROOPS, UNDERLINING COMMITMENT

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 JAKARTA 001931 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP, PM, EAP/MTS, EAP/MLS, EAP/RSP, PM/PPA NSC FOR D.WALTON E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/23/2019 TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS ASEC ID CG LE SU SUBJECT: GOI ROTATES LEBANON TROOPS, UNDERLINING COMMITMENT TO UN PEACEKEEPING REF: JAKARTA 1747 AND PREVIOUS Classified By: Pol/C Joseph L. Novak, reasons 1.4(b+d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: Indonesia will send a replacement contingent of peacekeeping troops to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon in the coming weeks. The GOI is also providing contributions to UN peacekeeping operations in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In addition, it is moving forward with plans to build a regional peacekeeping training center (the USG is reviewing how to provide assistance to the GOI on this initiative). These developments highlight the Indonesian government's and its military's strong commitment to UN peacekeeping. END SUMMARY. INDONESIA ROTATES LEBANON PEACEKEEPERS ¶2. (U) The Indonesian military (TNI) will send a replacement contingent of 1,125 troops to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Since 2006, Indonesia has contributed four successive peacekeeping battalions, a naval ship, and several auxiliary units to UNIFIL (see Reftel). Indonesian troops comprise the third largest component of UNIFIL after those from France and Italy. Speaking during a November 19 ceremony for the departing troops in Jakarta, TNI chief General Djoko Santoso underscored Indonesia's commitment to peacekeeping operations. He pledged that TNI personnel would adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. ¶3. (U) Indonesia is considering a UN request to deploy another naval ship to replace the "KRI Diponegoro," which just completed a six-month UNIFIL deployment. The ship, which recently returned to Indonesia, had conducted maritime patrols and anti-arms smuggling operations in the waters off Lebanon. Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said the GOI was favorably disposed towards the request but would require UN assistance to meet the cost of the ship's operations. Naval officials report that the ship's operational costs are approximately $1 million per month. Deputy Navy Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Moelkas Sidik said the "KRI Franz Kaisiepo"--a Sigma class corvette like the Diponegoro--would likely get tapped for the operation should international support be forthcoming. OTHER PEACEKEEPING EFFORTS ¶4. (U) Indonesia is also contributing to other UN peacekeeping operations. In October, the TNI sent 175 engineering division soldiers to the Democratic Republic of Congo to participate in the United Nations peacekeeping mission (MONUC). TNI Garuda Contingent XX-G replaced engineering task force Garuda Contingent XX-F, which completed its one-year assignment. The new task force will assist by helping to establish infrastructure facilities, such as building bridges and water treatment plants. The troops received training in construction, drainage, landmine detection, and munitions. The contingent represents Indonesia's seventh MONUC deployment since 2003. ¶5. (U) In 2008, the first contingent of police officers from the Indonesian Formed Police Unit (FPU) deployed to support the UN African Mission in Darfur, Sudan (UNAMID). A second FPU stabilization unit is scheduled to replace the first unit in the next month or two. The contingent will continue to provide security for displaced civilian camps and to facilitate humanitarian assistance. ¶6. (U) The GOI is moving forward with plans to establish a training center for Indonesian and third country peacekeepers. DefMin Yusgiantoro said the center, which would be located in Sentul, West Java, was a key government priority. Officials said construction of the center would begin sometime in 2010. (Note: The USG is reviewing possible support for the center under the Global Peacekeeping Operations Initiative.) PEACEKEEPING A KEY INDONESIAN PRIORITY ¶7. (C) These latest developments underscore Indonesia's JAKARTA 00001931 002 OF 002 commitment to UN peacekeeping operations. For Indonesia, participation in peacekeeping missions helps highlight the progress of TNI reforms and the efforts to build a professional military fully under civilian control. Peacekeeping contributions also support President Yudhoyono's desire to have Indonesia play an increasingly important leadership role in the region and internationally. HUME