FIRST USN SHIP VISIT TO BALI SINCE 2002 SPOTLIGHTS

UNCLAS SURABAYA 000011 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP, EAP/MTS, EAP/PD E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL KPAO ASEC ID SUBJECT: FIRST USN SHIP VISIT TO BALI SINCE 2002 SPOTLIGHTS U.S.-INDONESIA COOPERATION This message is Sensitive But Unclassified. Please protect accordingly. ¶1. (SBU) Summary: For the first time since 2002, a U.S. Naval ship paid a visit to the resort island of Bali, spotlighting Indonesia's much improved security situation and deepening U.S.-Indonesia security and counterterrorism cooperation. The visit by USS LASSEN and its crew is the latest example of enhanced ties between the U.S. and Indonesian militaries, which share common interests in improving security. Vice Admiral John ¶M. Bird, Commander of the Seventh Fleet, expressed his hope to Bali's governor and senior military officials that the LASSEN's visit would be the first of many such ship visits in the coming months. In both Bali and Surabaya, Mrs. Bird toured local schools, answered questions and provided educational materials. Local press reports were universally positive. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) The January 31 to February 3 visit by the USS LASSEN, a guided missile destroyer, to Bali was the first such visit since the 2002 Bali bombings. The three-day visit spotlighted improved security conditions and deepening U.S.-Indonesian cooperation on security and counterterrorism. In a meeting with Vice Admiral Bird and Ambassador Hume, Bali's Governor I Made Mangku Pasitika emphasized the significance of the USS LASSEN's visit to demonstrating the enhanced security standards in Bali. Vice Admiral Moehklas Sidik, Indonesia's Deputy Chief of Naval Staff hosted a dinner honoring Admiral Bird and the crew of the USS LASSEN, attended by senior Balinese and Indonesian civilian, military, and security officials. ¶3. (SBU) During the visit, the 300 member crew of the USS LASSEN participated in sporting competitions against their Indonesian counterparts. The ship departed on February 3 without incident. Local and national press reports of the ship visit were universally positive highlighting the intention of the crew to experience first-hand Bali's unique culture and hospitality. Vice Admiral Bird expressed the hope that the USS LASSEN's visit would be the first of many similar visits to Bali in the coming months. Educational Outreach -------------- ¶4. (SBU) During his visit to Surabaya, Vice Admiral Bird gave a presentation at the Indonesian Naval Academy to an attentive audience of approximately 300 naval and marine cadets and faculty. Admiral Bird's presentation on the U.S. Seventh Fleet stimulated questions on the future of U.S.-Indonesian military relations under an Obama Administration and life in the U.S. Navy. ¶5. (SBU) Mrs. Bird visited an Indonesian naval-affiliated high school during Admiral Bird's visit to Surabaya. She presented a large hardbound book on the history of the U.S. Navy to the school and she fielded questions from students and faculty. The Consulate also provided the school with information on State Department education and cultural programs. During the USS LASSEN's visit to Bali, the Consulate arranged for Mrs. Bird to visit a local NGO's alternative school, which offers educational opportunities to children from poor families who cannot afford to attend public school in Indonesia. Mrs. Bird presented nearly $500 worth of school supplies, toys, and games to the Street Kids Ministry, which gives street children the chance to learn in a classroom environment from volunteer teachers. Mrs. Bird also helped pass out some snacks and treats to poor children in the neighborhood. The event was widely covered by media in Bali and appeared in some national newspapers as well. MCCLELLAND