Implications of Renewing US Military Ties with Indonesia
Abstract
The US provided military aid to Indonesia for over 30 years, predominantly throughout anti- communist President Suharto's authoritarian reign during the Cold War. However, the US cut virtually all military ties with Indonesia in 1992 in response to allegations of Indonesian military human rights violations in efforts to repress the separatist movement in East Timor. But the current war on terrorism has renewed US interest in Indonesia. The US is now soliciting cooperation from strategically located Indonesia, the most populous Muslim country in the world. With the country's fledgling economy, with radical extremist groups operating in Indonesia, and with porous borders in a 17,000-island archipelago, the US should consider programs to prevent the continued emergence of Indonesia as a safe haven for terrorists. Additionally, with the resignation of Suharto in 1998 and Indonesia's transition to the world's third largest democracy, its military force now legally serves under civilian control, rather than as henchmen for a ruthless dictator. Congress remains concerned about accountability for past human rights abuses, on-going separatist movements, and the Indonesian military's ability to transform. Should the US pursue reestablishment of military ties with Indonesia? What are the implications of such an initiative?
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 07, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA415014
Entities
People
- Christine M. Gayagas
Organizations
- United States Army War College