Mutually beneficial pact sets out scope of military cooperation

The Straits Times, April 28, 2007


THE Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) is a mutually beneficial agreement that furthers the strong and enduring defence ties between Indonesia and Singapore, the Defence Ministry (Mindef) said yesterday.

In a statement, Mindef said the DCA acknowledges 'the strategic value of the special relationship' between both countries' militaries.

Cooperation between the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) goes back 30 years, with the first bilateral exercise conducted in 1974. Both armed forces also continue to hold regular bilateral military exercises.

The DCA sets out the scope of cooperation between the SAF and the TNI.

This includes the development of joint training areas and facilities in Indonesia, the provision of training assistance to the TNI and access to training areas in Indonesia for the SAF.

Under the agreement, a land forces training area in Baturaja in Sumatra, about 180km south of Palembang, will be developed to support army training by both sides.

The DCA includes the restoration and maintenance of infrastructure and instrumentation for an air combat manoeuvring range in Sumatra. This would be used for air combat and intercept training by both air forces.

It will also provide for the operation and maintenance of an air weapons range in Sumatra, which would be used for air-to-ground weapons training by aircraft from both sides.

The agreement has a provision for a naval gunfire support scoring system for use at Pulau Kayu Ara in the South China Sea. This will allow ships from both navies to conduct naval gun firing exercises.

Other areas of cooperation covered include the continued training assistance provided by the SAF to the TNI in the areas of simulator training and academic courses.

A Defence Cooperation Committee, made up of senior defence officials from both sides, will be formed to oversee new aspects of the DCA.

The agreement, once it is ratified by the Indonesian Parliament and put into force at a date agreed upon by both sides, will have a duration of 25 years.

And unless otherwise agreed by both countries, it will be reviewed after 13 years, after which a review will take place every six years.