National

Cooperation between Indonesian and Australian Navies Continues
Saturday, 18 December, 2004 | 13:28 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:Indonesian Military (TNI) chief General Endriartono Sutarto held a closed meeting with Australian Minister of Defense Robert Hill on Thursday (16/12) in Jakarta.

According to Sutarto, both sides discussed the need to hold cooperation in the matter of defense, particularly to protect the border areas of Indonesia and Australia.

Regarding the expansion of Australia’s territorial area in the northern part of Australia, Sutarto said that this matter was not particularly discussed.

However, Sutarto suggested that both authorities conduct joint activities in the maritime border territories to avoid one country’s claiming the maritime area of other country.

“We should conduct these joint activities so that both countries shall gain benefits without lessening the honor and sovereignty of the two countries,” Sutarto stated.

Sutarto also requested that the Australian authorities share with Indonesia any information indicating all matters that might disturb security in Indonesia.

“They (the Australian authorities, ed.) can not be one-sided in making any move. They have to establish coordination and cooperate with us (Indonesian government, ed.),” stated Sutarto after the meeting.

During the meeting, Sutarto also stated the need to establish joint military training, including the exchange of both countries’ officers, to improve the relationship between two countries, that has deteriorated following the East Timor referendum.

According to TNI Navy chief of staff Admiral Bernard Kent Sondakh, the TNI Navy has the longest history of cooperation with Australia.

“Actually, we had patrol activities, which took place in the Timor Gap since a long time ago. But, these then were stopped,” said Sondakh.

Therefore, cooperation between the Indonesian and Australian navies is considered important.

“I should have gone to Australia and discussed this matter on December 11, 2004. But, this plan has to be delayed. Next January, we (the Indonesian Navy and the Australian Navy) might have to meet,” said Sondakh.
(Sunariah-Tempo News Room)