RI explores IT, defense cooperation with India<\/p>\n
Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Bangalore, India<\/p>\n
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono touched down on Monday at
\nBangalore Airport to kick off a three-day visit to India, aiming
\nto seek cooperation in defense and technology and emphasize
\ncloser diplomatic and economic ties.<\/p>\n
\"The visit is mostly aimed at strengthening cooperation in the
\ndefense industry and technology sector. Indonesia is lagging
\nbehind in reforming these two sectors,\" Presidential spokesman
\nDino Patti Djalal told The Jakarta Post.<\/p>\n
Fresh from attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
\n(APEC) summit in Busan, South Korea, Susilo started his trip to
\nIndia by visiting the country's leading aircraft and defense
\nmanufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the world's
\ngiant computer software producer Infosys Technologies Ltd.<\/p>\n
At the HAL plant, Susilo observed a display of the Indian-
\nmodified Jaguar combat aircraft and the DHRUV combat and
\nlogistics helicopter.<\/p>\n
Indonesian Air Force Chief of Staff Air Marshall Djoko Suyanto
\ntold the Post that the government was seeking to purchase spare
\nparts and missiles from HAL for the country's Russian-made Sukhoi
\njet fighters.<\/p>\n
\"We are more interested in the Sukhoi equipment produced by
\nHAL. We may start purchasing equipment from the company in 2007,\"
\nDjoko said.<\/p>\n
Susilo has been traveling around the world to seek defense
\ncooperation agreements in order to gradually detach the country
\nfrom its dependence on the United States and Britain, which had
\nfor years supplied war machines to Indonesia.<\/p>\n
The U.S. government scrapped military ties with Indonesia
\nfollowing the 1991 Santa Cruz massacre in Dili, Timor Leste. The
\nembargo meant Indonesia is in need of spare parts for its
\nweaponry. Britain suspended all arms exports to Indonesia in 1999
\nbut resumed them with conditions after the European Union arms
\nembargo was lifted in January 2000.<\/p>\n
The U.S. plans to resume full military ties with Indonesia
\nafter Congress issues a bill to end a decade-long arms embargo on
\nIndonesia. However, certain conditions apply and it could be some
\ntime before the military meets them.<\/p>\n
Earlier on the sidelines of the APEC meeting in Korea, Susilo
\nmet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with the two leaders
\nexpected to sign a deal in the defense sector and energy later
\nnext year during Susilo's visit to Moscow.<\/p>\n
During the Infosys headquarter tour, Susilo said his visit was
\naimed at seeking first-hand information on the operations of the
\ncompany, as well as learning how the company managed to pioneer
\nIndia's skyrocketing software exports.<\/p>\n
This year, it is estimated India will export about US$17
\nbillion in software products, with Infosys projected to account
\nfor at least $4 billion. The company recorded a revenue around $2
\nbillion last year.<\/p>\n
On Tuesday, the President is scheduled to have a breakfast
\nmeeting with Indian businesspeople grouped in the Confederation
\nof Indian Industry before flying to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal.<\/p>\n
Susilo will fly to New Delhi in the evening to meet Indian
\nPrime Minister Manmohan Singh and sign memorandums of
\nunderstanding on fisheries, education and agriculture.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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