Defence agreement with Jakarta closer

The Straits Times, March 5, 2007
By David Boey, DEFENCE CORRESPONDENT


Defence agreement with Jakarta closer
Success could lead to resumption of SAF training in Indonesia

SEVEN rounds of talks have led to Singapore and Indonesia narrowing differences over the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA), the Ministry of Defence said.

The proposed agreement - which could lead to the resumption of Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) training in Indonesia - is likely to come up in Parliament today, when the defence budget is discussed.

Members of Parliament are expected to be briefed on the SAF's network of overseas training arrangements.

In response to questions from The Straits Times, Ministry of Defence spokesman Colonel Benedict Lim said: 'While there are some outstanding issues remaining in the DCA, Singapore has shown flexibility in its discussions with Indonesia and narrowed the differences over these issues in the course of the negotiations.'

In an e-mail message to the media, he said: 'There is a convergence of views on many articles in the DCA, and on the mutual benefits to be gained from concluding the agreement.'

Talks on the DCA are held parallel to negotiations on an extradition treaty between the two countries.

In 2005, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono agreed that both agreements would be concluded together as one package.

In his e-mail, Col Lim outlined the benefits of the DCA, including:

Resumption of joint projects by the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) and the SAF, such as the Air Combat Manoeuvring Range and Air Weapons Range in Pekanbaru, Sumatra. The range allows fighter pilots to practise air combat tactics and live-firing at ground targets.

Restarting the high-level Combined Fighter Weapons Instructor Course, an air force training programme designed to improve fighter pilots' skills.

'The development of these joint projects under the DCA will require long-term investments by both Singapore and Indonesia,' said Col Lim.

'Singapore is therefore looking forward to concluding a long-term DCA that will reflect the long-standing and mutually beneficial defence relationship between the two countries.'